LRT not good system for Ottawa
Some city councillors are talking about getting out of the LRT service contract.
Given all the major, varied and repeated failures, can we really expect another system operator to do much better?
In my view, the LRT is a toy train not suited to Ottawa. The fundamental flaw was the initial choice in selecting a “light” rail system driven by electricity. It seems prudent to put LRT expansion on pause and to critically assess whether we have the right system here.
And, in the meantime, we should seriously consider restoring bus service as the principal mode of public transit downtown; while perhaps keeping the existing LRT as an alternative or supplemental/parallel system.
Our mayor has a big call to make. At what point does he recognize we have systemic failure — or does he press on in the hope things get better eventually? Can you visualize what LRT expansion 2 and 3 will be like, given LRT experience to date? Time out, please.
Trevor Shaw, Ottawa
LRT chaos: just business as usual
Protests at a Hamilton GO station and along some of Toronto’s commuter rail lines over the last couple of days have caused numerous cancellations and delays for people in those cities trying to get to and from work.
Fortunately, we do not have to worry about such protests causing problems in Ottawa, because on our LRT system, delays, cancellations and utter chaos are considered business
as usual.
Les Shinder, Ottawa
What was lacking in light-rail procurement
Re: A perfect storm, Feb. 27.
From the litany of LRT woes enumerated in the story, it becomes clear two critical aspects of the transportation system were overlooked during the procurement process: Ottawa has weather and commuters want to go places.
John Kruithof, Ottawa
Something’s about to snap
Please, Mayor Watson, city council, OC Transpo, for the love of God, I AM BEGGING YOU, restore downtown transit service. I can’t take this anymore.
Natalie Vogt, Ottawa