[All] Fwd: The Future of Bus Transit in Waterloo Region

[Robert Milligan]

FYI
R

Begin forwarded message:

> Date: July 17, 2010 2:42:41 AM GMT-04:00
> Subject: The Future of Bus Transit in Waterloo Region
> Source: TriTAG » News
> Author: Michael Druker
>
> Light rail has been getting most of the attention lately, but some  
> of the most significant improvements to transit are actually coming  
> in the form of the newRegional Transportation Master Plan (RTMP),  
> which got final Council approval on June 30. The Region of Waterloo  
> is getting serious about curtailing sprawl by directing planned  
> growth to the urban areas. Regional planners figure that continuing  
> the status quo transportation-wise would result in the need for 25  
> new Hespeler Roads. However, instead of endless road widening, the  
> Region is pursuing a new focus on transit.
>
>
> A schematic map by Duncan Clemens illustrating some of the transit
> improvements specified in the RTMP. Click through to see a larger  
> image.
> The RTMP provides a framework for transit funding improvements for  
> the next 20 years, with steady annual increases in the per-capita  
> level of funding for transit. By 2031 funding for transit operations  
> will have tripled over current levels, and the modal share for  
> transit is expected to triple to 17%. The document includes a guide  
> for planned service increases and improvements, which will be  
> reviewed as each year’s plans are put into action.
>
> Just in the first five years, the RTMP plans for five new iXpress- 
> style limited-stop express routes, on Fischer-Hallman Rd, Erb St –  
> University Ave – Bridge St, Highland Rd – Victoria St, Coronation  
> Blvd, and Hespeler Rd. It also calls for better evening and weekend  
> service and increased frequencies for the iXpress and in general.  
> Among planned local service increases are a new Westmount Rd route,  
> service on Ira Needles Blvd, service to the new Conestoga College  
> campus, and new routes to the townships.
>
> For 2010 Grand River Transit has a budget of $54 million (net of  
> expected fare revenue). The first year’s funding increase will be  
> almost $4 million, which gives you a sense of how serious the Region  
> is about improving transit. The year after will be another $4  
> million, and so on each year until 2031. Other aspects of an  
> improved transportation system — such as complete streets and better  
> land-use policies — are addressed by the new Regional Official Plan  
> and Transportation Corridor Guidelines. We’ll cover those documents  
> in upcoming posts.
>
> Read more…
>

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