Urgent need for LRT construction before options lost
Wednesday March 26, 2008
Bob Boutillier
Urgent need for LRT construction before options lost
—Consultations and debate must become action within two years
The City of Edmonton has the opportunity to decide how to grow with a proper balance between roads and public transit unlike other cities that are now stuck in a legacy of poor planning for transportation. It is critical to start the construction of the Regional LRT system now before the options for alignments are lost and the concentration of new roads or buildings creates barriers. The LRT system is effective only if the transit lines go out to the communities within the Region. High ridership is essential to cover the cost of operating the system, reduce traffic congestion and stop further environmental impacts.
The Greater Edmonton Region is expected to double in population by 2040. The investment in transportation systems over the next 5 years is the basis for meeting the challenge to move commuters, goods and services. While roads are required, public transit must be used as the primary solution for commuters and a major contributor to reducing environmental impacts. Also there is a need for pathways and bike trails to complete the full range of transportation options. In the end, there must be a balanced investment in the best transportation options to meet the various needs of the Region.
Making public transit a preferred choice for more people is important to long-term success. The bus and Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems are the basic public transit components in the City of Edmonton. Challenges include integrating a Regional transit system, defining a reasonable operating subsidy, expanding service levels, securing land for high capacity transit corridors and increasing ridership in the highest car usage area in Canada.
The LRT system is necessary to meet the ridership demands that will occur over the next 40 years. Buses provide effective feeder systems and local transportation options. However, the LRT system is the best option to receive commuters from these feeder systems and move them quickly to destinations where there are large concentrations of employment and housing.
The LRT system also has non-transit benefits. It provides opportunities for economic growth around the stations under Transit Oriented Development projects for businesses and housing. It enables commuters that do not want or cannot afford a car to have an inexpensive transportation option. Senior citizens retain the ability to move about the city when driving a car is no longer an option.
While there may questions on the best transit option or route, consultations and debate must soon turn into action or public transit in Edmonton will go back into hibernation as it did years ago after the LRT was built. Think of how the City would be today if the LRT or other public transit options had been fully supported 30 years ago. There is one more chance to catch up. If nothing gets done in the next two years, that opportunity is gone.
Column ID#: 59
**Opinions expressed by guest columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of Connect2Edmonton members, partners or sponsors.**
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