The update received today from OC Transpo today indicating that the light rail train will not launch by July 1 is utterly disappointing and completely unacceptable.
The consortium building the train have not met the requirements set by the city for handover, specifically in relation to vehicle completion, and have once again, caused the delay of launching the system.
The city will continue to withhold payment to the RTG consortium and will be deducting the costs incurred by the city due to the delay.
However, as a Councillor and as a transit rider, I recognize and also feel the pain this is causing bus riders in Innes Ward and across the city. Accepting a train that is not perfect is not an option, but as a city we need to find ways to provide relief to residents in the interim.
I will be:
• supporting a motion to continue to freeze transit fares past July 1
• working with OC Transpo to determine any route improvements that can be taken immediately to reduce issues caused by detours and delays
• working to ensure 174/Innes detour is the first detour removed once LRT Stage 1 is up and running
I will continue to speak with bus riders and residents about what this delay will mean to our current service and will provide updates as they become available.
