Region of Waterloo Rapid Transit Initiative

In reviewing some of the plans today, I'm not really liking the proposal for the BRT option at Sportsworld - they want the busses to totally exit the highway and enter the lot - similar to what the Route#52 has done. I think that will unnecessarily slow down the route. They should consider a BRT station like the one's used both on the busway and ... See Morethe highway in Ottawa... station at highway level and then you walk down to the roadway level - with a pedestrian passage to cross the highway. This could be done right at the present Sportsworld Dr./ Hwy8 bridge to negate the need for a further pedistrian bridge.

I like that idea. I haven't quite visualized it for 7/8 yet, but I was just in Ottawa, and was similarly impressed with the stations there. If there was a safe way of avoiding the public exits at Sportsworld, it would really improve the ease and speed...

Now let's see how long it will take to build it.

Hello Stephen, Keren here from the RT team...the Region's preferred system is LRT from Waterloo to Cambridge, but built in stages in order to match projected ridership and intensification potential with the appropriate technology, and make the implementation more cost effective.

LRT from Waterloo to Fairview Park Mall and adapted BRT from ... See MoreFairview to downtown Cambridge would be Stage 1 of the long-term rapid transit plan. Depending on public input, etc. Stage 1 will likely form the basis of a recommendation that will come back to Council on June 24.

I agree with the article in that this is about more than just transportation -- it's about building a healthier community for our future.

We could even extend the system to Guelph and Toronto. I love the idea..taking Grey Coach is too expensive!