The London Beat London, Ontario’s stream of consciousness
Up next in the 2018 Election Primers are the platforms. London City Council has identified four priority issues that will require a solid partnership with the next Government of Ontario: Transit and Transportation, Social and Affordable Housing, Poverty and Homeless Prevention, and Environment.
Transit and Transportation
London’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) plan, will be the hottest talking point from now to the end of the provincial election, and then through the municipal election in the fall as well. The BRT is the result of ten years and $15 million in planning, and has received a provincial funding commitment of $170 million. It is considered a key component of a regional transportation network, that not only includes intercity transit, but the province’s planned High Speed Rail system as well.
While the current planning process began in 2015, municipal discussions on rapid transit in London go all the way back to 2006. Under the current plan, 24-kilometres of BRT network are to be installed, which will include dedicated bus lanes, smart traffic signals with transit priority, and significantly improved bus shelters. The network is designed to ensure reliability – buses come on time, more often, and are not held up in regular traffic.
These improvements are also designed to facilitate the success of the High Speed Rail corridor, which amongst other things, will take cars off the 401, and improve the flow of goods along the busiest trade corridor in North America, as well as improve travel times and safety for drivers. That should further enhance Canada’s strongest interregional trading relationship, as Southwest Ontario and Toronto are already each other’s most valuable domestic trading partners.
With the various levels of government working together with a coordinated regional approach, the goal is to create a transportation network that “unlocks innovation and economic opportunity for millions of Ontarians.”
Jesse Helmer is the representative for Ward 4 on City Council. He has put together an 8500 word prospectus that answers every question you could possibly have about the BRT.
Canvas Questions:
When provincial candidates come to your door, here are some questions you can ask the candidate about London’s Bus Rapid Transit plan:
Will your party commit to bringing Rapid Transit to London?
How do you feel BRT will “unlock innovation and economic opportunity” for Londoners?
Do you support stronger regional transportation solutions in Southwest Ontario?
Facts and Figures
- BRT is part of an overall 35 per cent increase in bus service hours in London – meaning more buses, in more places, more often.
- Intelligent Transportation System technologies will adjust traffic signals for changing traffic volumes, reducing congestion and improving travel times whether you’re driving or taking transit.
- BRT construction will help the City defer many major, necessary road expansion projects – keeping development charges down and housing affordable.
- Parallel investments, including Wharncliffe Road improvements and the Adelaide Street grade separation, will help to redistribute traffic flows and support improved mobility as London grows.
- Rapid transit will help create a more sustainable and resilient city by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 230,000 tonnes.
