Wednesday, June 01, 2016
City of London
Council approves Full Bus Rapid Transit
City Council tonight approved a $500-million Full Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system for the city.
The business case for the project will now be presented to the Federal and Provincial Governments to discuss funding partnerships. The City has committed $129 million to the project, largely covered by development charges.
The Full Brt 24-km system, from White Oaks Mall in the south to Masonville Place in the north and from Fanshawe College in the east to Oxford and Wonderland in the west, will feature dedicated bus lanes, modern stations as well as rapid transit tunnel under the CP tracks at Oxford and Richmond.
The system will reduce transit travel times, relieve overloaded local transit routes, improve air quality and produce both short and long term economic development. Construction could begin in 2018 with the full system operational by 2027.
"I am absolutely looking forward to presenting London's Bus Rapid Transit business case to our Federal and Provincial partners," said Mayor Matt Brown. "This will the largest infrastructure project in the City's history and it will create a more modern, prosperous and environmentally sustainable community."
"This is exciting news for the City of London," said Deb Matthews, MPP, London North Centre. "We look forward to receiving the business case so that all three levels of government can work together to improve transit here in our city."
"I am encouraged that London City Council has arrived at a transit plan to present to the Federal and Provincial Governments for funding consideration," said Kate Young, MP, London West. "I look forward to working with the other levels of government to support a plan that will improve public transit in London."
"The federal government has committed to working with cities by making a historic investment in infrastructure across Canada," said Peter Fragiskatos, MP, London North Centre. "I look forward to a continued dialogue with the City of London, as well as assisting with navigating the process of applying for the necessary funding to ensure Shift is implemented. Through the parameters surrounding phase 2 of federal infrastructure funding have yet to be determined, I am committed to consulting broadly to ensure the interests of London are well represented."
Media Contact:
Rob Paynter
Director, Communications and Public Engagement
City of London
519-661-2500 ext 4783
rpaynter@london.ca
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