LRT - An investment in our region's future

In last week’s budget, the federal government announced billions of dollars in infrastructure spending. The new money is designed to stimulate economic recovery through large capital construction projects. Last year, the provincial government announced a $14 billion transportation plan. Last fall, the Premier committed to expanding infrastructure spending to stimulate economic growth in BC.

Senior levels of government appear to be lining up to spend money on capital construction. What an ideal opportunity to push forward with plans for a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system for the Capital Region.

LRT is an investment with social, environmental, and economic returns. As our region continues to grow, so too will our traffic congestion. By providing commuters with a quality, desirable, and reliable alternative to the automobile, we can avoid the gridlock that plagues so many urban centres.

Tailpipe emissions account for 53 percent of our region’s greenhouse gases. Getting drivers out of their vehicles and onto public transit will dramatically reduce our emissions, moving us toward our reduction target of 33 per cent by 2020, while improving the quality of our air.

LRT is a driver of economic growth. Construction of the track creates jobs and stimulates development along the rail line, and provides a clear signal that we are investing in our region. Since opening its streetcar line in 2001, Portland, Oregon has seen more than $3.5 billion invested in property within two blocks of the line. This includes investments in 10,200 new housing units and 5.4 million square feet of commercial and retail space.

What will it take to bring LRT to our region?

BC Transit is developing a rapid transit plan that examines options to service the Westshore and Victoria market and build ridership, support regional growth plans, and provide foundations for future investment.

We have an ideal opportunity to fast-track the plan. With an endorsement from the CRD Board and regional partners, BC Transit can put a plan for LRT in front of the federal and provincial Ministers of Transportation to fund construction of the project. We can start with the E&N commuter rail project right now, and continue with new lines through the region's 'hub' at Town & Country to serve passengers, stimulate development, and cut greenhouse gases.

We have seen rail drive economic growth in other jurisdictions, and we have a great opportunity in the Capital Region.