Re: Timing is right for transit study (Our View, May 11)
Here we go again. When will we learn?
Transit in this region has been studied to death over the past 30 years. We cannot learn from other cities and countries around the world. I see this as yet another delaying tactic instead of getting on with light-rail transit.
If you’re serious about reducing auto traffic, then we must go with LRT. It has a proven record of being able to draw people out of their cars and increase ridership of the transit system.
There are many great examples of small- to medium-size cities in Europe that have shown the way on this issue. We should stop protracting and get to it.
Have you seen what can be done with a little co-operation? Just look south to Portland and you will be amazed at their results.
In Europe they are building new light-rail systems from $30 million to $35 million a kilometre. Why can’t we do the same? They can also build and have a service up and running within two-and-a-half to three years, so why can’t we do the same?
Why are we not looking at introducing trolley buses on some of our busiest transit routes and free up the diesel buses for the suburbs? Trolley buses have proven to draw more riders than their diesel counterparts. Why must we have to continue to breathe the air with pollution? Why can’t we lead by example?
It seems to me that all we can do is talk, talk, talk and nothing gets done as a result.
Having visited many cities and countries in Europe, I find it is simply amazing what they can accomplish. Ridership in most cities there the size of Greater Victoria is at least double ours.
It’s high time that we get on with building a streetcar and LRT line in Greater Victoria.
Bill Macdonald
Oak Bay
