City unveils Downtown Rapid Transit Network options - Downtown tunnel key to addressing congestion(Monday, March 3, 2008) CITY HALL -- Today the City of Ottawa unveiled four options for the Downtown Rapid Transit Network as part of the update to the City’s Transportation Master Plan. “I am pleased that every option put before us today confirms the Mayor’s Task Force on Transportation’s recommendation to address downtown congestion with the use of a downtown tunnel,” said Mayor Larry O’Brien. “Making the right transit choice for Ottawa is the most important decision that City Council will make during its term.” This long-term plan speaks to Council’s four transit priorities of building a downtown transit tunnel, completing the Transitway, implementing rapid transit using the Cumberland Transitway alignment and implementing light rail transit to the southeastern growth area. “The Downtown Rapid Transit Network addresses the city’s main areas of congestion and builds from the core out - addressing the downtown and determining the best way to serve communities in the west, south and east,” said Nancy Schepers, Deputy City Manager, Planning Transit and Environment. In a public consultation launched in Fall 2007, Ottawa residents were asked to provide their input on transportation issues through a variety of mediums. Participants expressed a number of priorities including a transit system that is more efficient, convenient, reliable and comfortable. A strong interest was also expressed in the use of a downtown tunnel to reduce congestion. “The options presented today for the Downtown Rapid Transit Network were developed in response to issues raised by residents, transit users, community groups, transportation experts and businesses,” said Councillor Cullen, Chair of the Transit Committee. “The public’s involvement is vital for building a sustainable transit system.” In an effort to ensure residents have the opportunity to be involved in this process, the City will be accepting comments on the four options through a variety of venues, including public open houses and online at ottawa.ca. This feedback will be included in an April 16 report where staff will table the recommended transit network and the approach for phasing of the projects to a joint meeting of the Transit and Transportation Committee. Another round of consultations will then take place on this recommendation. The final report will be discussed at the May 21 joint meeting of the Transit and Transportation Committee, and will rise to Council on May 28 for a final decision. “The City’s transit plan needs to have a direct impact for current users and also encourage new people to begin using transit in the City of Ottawa,” said Mayor O’Brien. “I encourage all Ottawa residents to tune in, get involved and share their expectations on the future of transit in our city.” -30-
-- 30--
|
