Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Tomorrow is the Day Waterloo Regional Council Votes on the Light Rail Transit Proposal

June 15th, 2011 may very well be an historic day for Waterloo Region if the vote on the LRT system passes as it is expected.

It has been a long process that began nearly 9 years ago culminating in tomorrow's vote.  It has been a roller coaster ride and much debated....

But what happens if the LRT is approved?

LRT: Next steps
If council approves rail transit, here’s what regional government would do through 2017:
Finalize a rapid transit report and undertake a planning assessment required by provincial legislation. This would continue into 2012.

Launch construction to relocate, replace or encase utilities beneath the tracks. This work could launch in 2012. It is necessary to avoid disruptions to train service.

Acquire needed land. This includes whole properties and slivers of property.

Launch studies to extend trains to Cambridge and lobby for more senior government funding for this extension. Buses could launch in Cambridge in 2012 with some features to bypass congestion.
Finalize who will build rail transit, leading to a contract. This could include private partnerships. Council may debate this issue in 2011 and into 2012. Formalize agreements with senior governments to deliver funding commitments worth up to $565 million.

Launch track construction by 2014. Trains could begin operating by 2017 when construction of rail transit concludes.

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