Peace and Environment News* October 2000
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Peace and Environment News * October 2000 |
by Heather Burke
 A cyclist prepares to load her bike onto the bus, using OC Transpo's Rack & roll service. Photo courtesy of OC Transpo. |
After long years of anticipation, light rail is finally coming to Ottawa in August 2001. The route will start at Greeenboro Station in the south end, and stop at Confederation Heights, Carleton University and near the office complexes on Carling Avenue on its trip north. The final stop on the route will be Bayview, a new transit station that will be built just west of LeBreton Flats. With access points to the transitway at either end and connections to local buses at the three mid-stations, riders should find it well integrated with the rest of the transit system.
At the moment, the project is a two year pilot study. Depending on the success of the project, we may or may not get expanded light rail service in the future. OC Transpo and the Region are forecasting that 6,400 riders will use the system each day during its initial stage.
As it is only a pilot project, existing Canadian Pacific rail line will be used in order to keep expenses down. The trains will be three Bombardier Talent BR643s. With power engines in the front and the back, the trains are capable of moving in either direction without having to turn around. With a low floor design, the trains will be fully accessible.
The tentative schedule is for service in either direction every 15 minutes during weekday and Saturday core hours and every half hour at other times. The price will be the same as regular bus fare.
Future extensions are already being considered in anticipation of the success of the pilot project. One possible extension would use the Prince of Wales rail bridge to cross the Ottawa River and link Bayview Station with Place du Portage in Hull. Another extension would continue the rail line past Greenboro to the airport. A third potential extension would link the Ottawa downtown core to the Bayview Station.
Heather Burke is on the PEN Editorial Committee.
Converted January 22, 2001 - Lg
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