<html><body style="word-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; -webkit-line-break: after-white-space; "><div><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">David,</span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">From "Charge of the Light (Rail Transit) Brigade": </span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; ">Forward, the Light Brigade!' </span></div></span></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; "><b>Was there a man dismay'd ? <br>Not tho' the soldier knew <br>Some one had blunder'd: <br></b>Theirs not to make reply, <br>Theirs not to reason why, <br>Theirs but to do & die, <br>Into the valley of Death <br>Rode the six hundred. <br></span><div><br></div><div style="font-size: 10px; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>"</b></div></div></b><b><div style="display: inline !important; ">At a very critical time when humanity must use relatively scarce resources to sustainablize our way of Life (so as to fundamentally protect the planet), the Region's very non-innovative proposal would use excessive resources (money and materials) to create a partial LRT-based system that would ill-benefit our local economy, our community or our environment -- and be a great example of a World Innovative HUB dramatically failing to use proven technological innovations to succeed.</div></b><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>" RM in a recent email</b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Thanks for writing your op-ed article, "We elect mayors to make decisions", on LRT for our Region and contributing to the debate -- even though it has some significant representations of reality that are true for some but not for others, e.g. the paragraph that includes, "... or are debating the experts with mis-information or emotional rhetoric". Not unrelated, </span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">see below comments about "experts" Schmidt & Button. </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">I agree with you that LRT is the best solution for our Region's future. But did you not know that 95% of the candidates in the last municipal election were against the </span>current<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> LRT plan? Likely most of these candidates -- and many more citizens (50%+?) -- would support a more cost-effective LRT plan!</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Fortunately -- unlike the bus and road options -- an LRT system has great potential to incorporate proven transportation and renewable energy technologies -- and thereby change our LRT prospects. Let me illustrate.</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">My latest LRT design proposal includes: 1) new types of staging with the track system design (e.g. build the full length then </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">upgrade with increased demand), 2) Intelligent Transportation System technology </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">to allow safe use of single-track bridges </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">[<a href="http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/engineering/its/strategy.shtml">http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/engineering/its/strategy.shtml</a>], etc ; </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">3) if necessary initially, a modular LRT propulsion system design (possibly beginning with diesel-electric) that could easily incorporate new propulsion techologies as they are proven and become available (e.g. DBM's "Kolibri" Lithium-Metal Polymer [Vanadium Oxide Cathode] Battery</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">[<a href="http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?5538-DBM-s-Lithium-Metal-Polymer-Battery">http://gm-volt.com/forum/showthread.php?5538-DBM-s-Lithium-Metal-Polymer-Battery</a>] combined with a hydrogen combustion engine [see Ford shuttle bus with V-10 engine <a href="http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=20332">http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=20332</a>] </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">& generator </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">to recharge battery, heat & cool possibly complemented with solar cells on roof); 4) an experimental (pedestrian/cyclist friendly) initial intensification-loop along KW's King St including a dedicated bicycle lane (like Montreal) and a single-track (with passing-track at Union Blvd. </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">that could be expanded to a 2nd track</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">) LRT using much less expensive & less disruptive LR55 track [<a href="http://www.trampower.co.uk/track.html">http://www.trampower.co.uk/track.html</a>]. </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div><div><br></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Note: The above King St. experimental approach that complements the main LRT (rail right-of-way from St. Jacobs to Ainslie Terminal) corridor --with additional non-peak stops -- would help prove & improve "intensification-by-LRT" IDEAS </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">before we incur great additional expense for Charles/Borden and Hespler Rd. (with CN rail line connector to 401 end?). Also,</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">because traveling time and even intensification-loop use would be less critical on this intensification loop, very expensive underground utility upgrading, a CN underpass, etc could be all done in a later stage when road/rail traffic might demand it -- a more pedestrian/bicycyle friendly King St. could make a tunnel unnecessary ever! (This lower cost experimental intensification venture would keep many options open including the possibility of </span>Aero-Rail<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> -- if proven successful in Malaysia -- to be used along major KWC streets (KW'a King, C's Hespler Rd., etc.) in the future.) </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><br></div></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">E</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">specially in our Region, an under-utilized North-South rail corridor, gives us a great opportunity to dramatically reduce capital costs and greatly increase performance. T</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">he approaches </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">taken </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">to track systems (at least) with Ottawa's O-Train LRT and Calgary's C-Train LRT provide a source of good innovative ideas.</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">So as to minimize changes to the </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">the Region's current plan, my </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">suggested track system design IDEAS would build on their plan in a minimalist manner (requiring a some Environmental Assessment supplementation). However, the net result would be a much less costly track system, better performing LRT vehicles (faster along a shorter [KW to C] route, safer since mostly off-road , longer peak period linked vehicles possible, ...) with Cambridge </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">necessarily included to greatly increase participation by hi-tech sector KW/Cambridge commuters.</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Many of the leading-edge </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">LRT system </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">IDEAS that I propose would be very technologically </span>"disruptive"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">, e.g. the transformative displacement of existing LRT vehicle and track designs. And such innovative technological ideas are what is need to make our LRT-based transit World-class and thereby World attention grabbing! We would make our research institutes, universities and hi-tech companies proud -- along with our citizens of course.</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div><div><br></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">I have been trying to communicate this technological innovation-potential to the Region over the last two years. Specifically, besides presentations to Regional Council, I have met with Ken Seiling on numerous occasions, CAO Mike Murray, Mayors, staff, (their consultants), ... . While some have shown</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> great interest, key players have shown little interest. Why? </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div>The most powerful Regional politician (strongly backed by Carl Zehr, Jim Wideman, Tom Galloway, Sean Strickland, and Jane Mitchell) has his own agenda that seems to focus on just intensification, especially on King St. between the K & W downtowns. Part of the why here seems to rest on Regional pride in the idea of "intensification by LRT" that we "sold" to the Province as told to me by Ken. Of course with intensification comes an increase in property values -- some politicians <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; ">apparently </div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; ">didn't realize this before the municipal elections -- with related tax gains. (In these times of growing road congestion, sky-rocketing gas prices, more lower paying jobs, ... , <b>LRT ridership</b> -- whose quantity & quality will affect intensification -- must be given a much more urgent priority!)<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; ">.</div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>But mostly I blame the lack of Regional Government of Waterloo interest in proven innovative technological ideas -- and their dearth in the Region's current RTI plan -- on the two most senior RTI project engineering administers whose natural innovation-averseness (as exhibited in their previous Regional positions) has been intensified by a gross lack of previous transit system design expertise. These types of </b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>innovative technological ideas are needed to increase the LRT plan's cost-effectiveness so that the current Regional Council decision impasse (all 3 options have a majority against) and a likely World-reaching LRT embarrassment can be avoided.</b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 900;"><br></span></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>To accomplish this, at least Director Nancy Button and Commissioner Thomas Schmidt need to be removed from the RTI project and replaced by more innovation-supporting and transit knowledgeable team members drawn from Regional engineering & planning. </b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><br></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>(CAO Mike Murray was alerted to these staff disabilities over 6 months ago and took no action. Nice guys can sometimes avoid necessary tough decisions -- especially when it involves a good friend or a degree that is supposed to signify brilliance.) </b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><br></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>Otherwise any LRT "charge" led by Button & Schmidt's current plan would be towards an LRT dramatic failure resulting in a great degradation of the innovative technological climate of our great Region.</b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><br></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>Further, Council needs to explain our unusual predicament to the Province and Feds as a reason for requesting more time (6 months) to enhance our LRT plan with Innovative Technological Ideas to ensure optimal use of taxpayer investment funds. </b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><br></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>In summary, if we reject the concept of LRT or if we implement the current LRT plan, our Region's future (like Cambridge without Smart LRT) will be greatly downgraded. As with RIM, only heightened innovation can ensure a bright future.</b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></div></b></div></b></div></div></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">I wrote the below article, </span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b>World-class Pioneering Innovation: Key to light rail transit success </b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> about a year ago </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">(more recent info in its ADDENDUM)</span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">. You might find it interesting. </span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">(There are some additional thoughts about LRT on my election website, <a href="http://www.RobertMilligan.org/">www.RobertMilligan.org</a>, in the "Jeff Outhit" section.)</span></b></div></div></span></b></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Best regards,</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Robert </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">PS: At Planning & Works Committee Jan 25, 2011:</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><br></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">1. Commissioner of Engineering+ Thomas Schmidt presented an "Overview of Major (Transportation and Transit) Issues and Priorities" including the RTI's "</span>Completion of EA<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> (means the detailed routing design is now completed!!), Procurement Process, & Construction",</span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/AE8AB16086B55454852578260050CA40/$file/TSCHMIDT.pdf?openelement">http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/AE8AB16086B55454852578260050CA40/$file/TSCHMIDT.pdf?openelement</a></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "> </span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">2. RTI Director Nancy Button's new persuasive approach for Regional Councilors:</span></b></div><div><a href="http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/AE8AB16086B55454852578260050CA40/$file/NBUTTON.pdf?openelement">http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/AE8AB16086B55454852578260050CA40/$file/NBUTTON.pdf?openelement</a></div><div><br></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">At Planning & Works Committee Jan 11, 2011:</span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div>1. Ret'd Prof John Shortreed's North & South Innovation Corridors context for his beloved buses-only view (c.f. my K-W Smart IDEAS Corridor, Galt <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; ">Smart IDEAS Village & Cambridge </div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; ">Smart IDEAS Corridor [on Hespler Rd.])</div></div></span></b></div></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><div style="display: inline !important; ">, <a href="http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/93B1745A0E7245A0852578180050596C/$file/JSHORTREED.pdf?openelement">http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web/region.nsf/8ef02c0fded0c82a85256e590071a3ce/93B1745A0E7245A0852578180050596C/$file/JSHORTREED.pdf?openelement</a></div></div></span></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>World-class Pioneering Innovation: Key to light rail transit success</b></div><div><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9px; "><br></span></span></span></p></b></div><div><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="display: inline !important; "><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; "><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 9px; ">Innovator's Credo, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px; ">“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.</span><span style="font-size: 10px; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px; ">Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.</span><span style="font-size: 10px; "> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 10px; ">Begin it now.” <b>Goethe</b>,</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 9px; "><a href="http://www.winstonbrill.com/bril001/html/article_index/articles/251-300/article281_body.htm">http://www.winstonbrill.com/bril001/html/article_index/articles/251-300/article281_body.htm</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></b></div></div></span></b></div><div><div><div><div><br></div><div><div>Waterloo Region has been gifted with a pioneering innovative spirit. Yet in its biggest innovative challenge ever -- the very expensive $2B+ Rapid Transit Initiative (RTI) project -- the Regional Government has created a light rail transit (LRT) system design which is very ordinary, a potential under-performer and of uncertain success . This has generated only lukewarm general support and a very vocal opposition. </div><div><br></div><div>[Note: the $2B+ cost {2011 dollars} is for when Cambridge finally gets its LRT in 2035 under the Region's current plan.]</div><div><br></div><div><div>Unfortunately, public debate has been framed mostly about LRT vs BRT (bus rapid transit). Little attention has been given to examining the adequacy of the current LRT system design and what proven -- or even new research-based -- transit innovations could be integrated to make the design more cost-effective and more certain of success. </div><div><br></div><div>Worse, the design has an overemphasis on intensification by double track along roads at very, very great expense. The budget item for moving existing above & below road infrastructure is $300M!! </div><div><br></div><div>The potential intensification roads in our Central Transit Corridor (CTC) are very different from the oft cited 5 mi. Portland LRT road corridor that goes through an area ripe for intensification. That some LRT system designs don't intensify (or attract) as in San Jose also adds to intensification uncertainty. </div><div><br></div><div>But more, LRT excessively along roads -- even with dedicated lanes -- will drastically decrease potential LRT system performance. Likely it will be slower than the I-Express. </div><div><br></div><div><div><div>Perhaps their sensing of a faulty systems design explains why both sides of the LRT issue are signaling that they are not so confident of success. The views of ordinary citizens and taxpayers count -- they at least have an intuitive intelligence and can sense poor quality &/or a likely impending calamity! </div><div><br></div><div>Recognition of potentially faulty technological design is never easy, especially when much effort has been invested in its creation and the organization has been historically very successful. Just look at Toyota.</div><div><br></div></div><div>By analogy, if such above public views are the type of market survey response to a proposed new version of RIM's Blackberry, they would quickly go back to the drawing board -- likely enhancing the good work done already! That's exactly what I am suggesting be done with the Region's light rail transit LRT system design!</div><div><br></div></div><div>Staff and consultants for LRT projects need "to think outside the traditional light rail box" suggests transportation engineering professor and the initial general manager of the southern New Jersey's River LINE, Alfred E. Fazio. </div><div><br></div><div>Fazio said, "the equipment, the operating plan, the public-private partnership that built and operates the system and other aspects of the River LINE represent new and innovative approaches to rail transit service. ... There are real indications that the line serves not only as an alternative to the automobile, but is also helping re-energize the historic communities it links together. ... the whole project (is) close to revolutionary." <a href="http://www.masstransitmag.com/print/Mass-Transit/Unique-Rail/1$2192">http://www.masstransitmag.com/print/Mass-Transit/Unique-Rail/1$2192</a></div><div><br></div></div></div><div>The Region of Waterloo has a big "responsibility" to our area's universities and hi-tech companies to match their World-class level of Pioneering Innovation in its LRT system design. Otherwise, the RTI project's likely insufficient success will degrade the innovation-potential of these two essential economic engines rather than helping to advance them.</div><div><br></div><div>This insufficient success will be indicated in part by few car commuters switching to an LRT </div><div>designed at very high cost to be too slow -- and by the resulting rapidly developing extreme traffic congestion. This will increasingly make our Region a less desirable place for hi-tech businesses -- unless we go from a "not good enough" transit system design to an outstanding design. </div><div><br></div><div>We need a successful World-leading transit system that will generally improve our environmental quality of life. But also our transit design could help advance our innovative position in the World by symbolizing and creatively showcasing our rapidly developing multi-facited techno-cultural uniqueness.</div><div><br></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>But as we innovate in this time of economic instability and exponentially growing debt, large investment risk must be minimized. Even "approved" major government-funded projects, like our LRT system, must have their designs creatively "TWEAKED" towards greater -- and more certain -- cost-effectiveness.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><div>And with so much taxpayer's money and the Region's innovative reputation at stake, Professor Casello and the Region have to swallow their pride and re-visit the current LRT system design so as to better ensure it will "fly" in the eyes of our Regional "engaged society".</div><div> </div></div><div>To achieve this absolutely necessary very high level of success, we must have the courage to be innovatively bold in Regional government also. The current ultra-caution -- reflected in the current design -- is an inhibitor of World-class Pioneering Innovation while bold dreams are an initiator! </div><div><br></div><div>The design challenges -- limited by time and funding constraints -- include how to optimally:</div><div>increase cost-effectiveness generally; make very hi-cost intensification by LRT viable in our unique urban contexts; and attract the middle class out of their cars. This will require thinking very much outside the box to develop the enhancement ideas needed to transform our current design into a World-leading Pioneering LRT system design. </div><div><br></div><div><div>A viable approach to subtly "TWEAK" the current transit proposal towards this more certain success could be by integrating common sense innovative design enhancements that are mostly proven but also some -- aided by our universities -- could be more advanced, even experimental. This means giving the proposal a greater research basis -- part of a smart strategy -- thus reducing billion $ investment uncertainty!</div><div><br></div></div><div><div>In summary, the resulting design enhancements must be extra-ordinary so as to bring optimal cost-effectiveness, generally minimize any uncertainty of success and create the greatest LRT system design we are capable of!</div><div> </div></div><div>And only then will our LRT system design most likely be a worthy exemplar to the World. It's not too late if we have the will to do it. Let's explore some design enhancement ideas developed and proven for rail transportation use. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Design enhancement ideas</b></div><div><br></div></div><div>You all know CN/VIA uses mostly a single track between Kitchener and Toronto. What you may not know is that for such situations they and other NA railways have put in longer passing tracks for trains to by-pass each other at speed. And the use of fail-safe computer communications makes this approach more efficient.</div><div><br></div><div>We can adopt this technology -- known as Intelligent Transportation Systems by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) who support it -- as part of enhancing the LRT routing design so as to help increase average speed, enable longer trains, shorten distance between terminals, prove intensification effects, drastically decrease rail installation costs, ... . How?</div><div><br></div><div>Instead of 2 tracks mostly on streets, we could use single tracks but have 2 rail corridors: a primary higher-speed corridor along our existing rail right-of-way from Waterloo's Northfield Dr. (Terminal) to Cambridge's Ainslie Terminal; and secondary intensification corridors through re-planned zones such as along K/W's King St. and Cambridge's Hespler Rd.</div><div><br></div><div>Longer passing tracks -- with computer communications -- for by-passing between stations on the primary rail right-of-way corridor could also be used. A slight modification of this idea would be to use the same type of by-passing approach by using shorter passing tracks at stations -- in both the primary (higher capacity) and secondary rail corridors.</div><div><br></div><div>Keep in mind that installing dedicated tracks along a street is comparatively very very expensive, very disruptive during construction and uses precious road lane(s). And the intensification effect (and expected ridership) may not materialize as some LRT systems demonstrate, e.g. in San Jose, <a href="http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2009/09/29/san-jose-plots-a-renewal-of-its-struggling-light-rail-network/">http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2009/09/29/san-jose-plots-a-renewal-of-its-struggling-light-rail-network/</a>.</div><div><br></div><div>To help make large financial investments in secondary intensification street corridors less risky, we could install a track on K/W's King St. first. Then, implementing the most appropriate intensification by-laws, etc. of our own creation &/or adopted from other "LRT" jurisdictions, we could adaptively innovate until we have a satisfactory intensification "solution" -- one that is also (likely) largely applicable for other selected streets in our Region.</div><div><br></div><div>The primary and secondary rail corridors would be interconnected so that a major stoppage on one rail corridor could lead to a temporary re-routing.</div><div><br></div><div>A major multimodal hub terminal could be built between King and Joseph Sts. with a pedestrian/bicyclist track crossover to connect with GRT buses, taxis and cars also on the </div><div>north side of the CN/Via tracks. The south side would additionally interconnect the 2 LRT</div><div>corridors and the GO/VIA trains. (Sketch has been developed)</div><div><br></div><div>This approach to the HUB would not only avoid a very costly ($30M+) and problematic (re: toxic chemicals, etc.) King St. 2-track tunnel under the CN tracks but make possible a UofW Technology Research Park between King, Victoria, Duke and Breitupt. Also, the new UofW Kitchener campus would run from Duke over to Park -- likely including the Kitchener Maintenance Facility. With the pedestrian/bicyclist track crossover, other properties could also be considered.</div><div><br></div><div>As an environmental sustainability effort and to reduce rail costs further, we could engage in track sharing with CN and CP. There are many proven precedents -- especially in Europe -- for LRT and even heavy rail to share track even during the same time period. The safer and more acceptable way in NA is to "persuade" the heavy freight rail companies to use their under-utilized tracks during overnight hours only.</div><div><br></div><div>For our Region, this could work with help from the Federal and Provincial governments --their motivation would be the saving of $M's on capital costs for track and bridge construction. Obviously, this would best work for under-utilized rail sections of which there</div><div>are many kilometers, viz. the Region owned spur line from Northfield to Caroline, CN spur line from King to other side of Grand River, CN track from Dolph St. to Hespler Rd., etc.</div><div><br></div><div><div>But more, the LRT-core could be just-in-time interconnected (another Intelligent transportation systems use) with better buses -- such as ones that use new composite materials and new battery designs. See, <a href="http://www.proterraonline.com/transit.asp">http://www.proterraonline.com/transit.asp</a>.</div><div><br></div><div>This new Proterra advanced bus design (only one approved by California) could be the basis for a new (Waterloo Region catalyzed with private partners?) leading-edge bus and LRT manufacturing plant at the former Budd site on Homer Watson Rd. </div><div><br></div><div>Further, this RTI project related advanced LRT/bus manufacturing plant would be a great leap beyond what the forward-thinking Hamilton Chamber of Commerce recommends to complement the proposed Hamilton LRT, see "Light Rail Transit Made in Hamilton",</div><div><a href="http://hamiltonlightrail.com/article/coc_resolution_light_rail_transit_made_in_hamilton/">http://hamiltonlightrail.com/article/coc_resolution_light_rail_transit_made_in_hamilton/</a>. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Conclusion</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><div>Our unique urban transportation problems and these difficult times demand more political and public support for the integration of needed very innovative LRT ideas. They must be such that they will more cost-effectively enhance and make more certain of success our LRT system design. This means transit engineers and planners -- where normally they would seek the easy stovepipe or vanilla LRT/bus system design -- must be brought on-board into the new Regional "thinking-outside-the-box" reality of World-class Pioneering Innovation.</div><div><br></div></span></b></div></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Specifically, we must tell our Regional civil servants -- their consultants and advisors also -- that we really need is a positive "Magic" LRT System Design that : 1. integrates leading-edge ideas -- as a key feature of a re-invented "smart" infrastructure and urban environment generally; 2. is so innovative, exciting and beneficial that local people will enjoy using this transit system more than their cars; 3. plays a very effective role in intensifying our urban cores so as to help fight urban sprawl: 4. will help better grow this Region's Pioneering Innovative Potential; 5. will be an LRT that is remarkable to us and the World; 6. thus could help attract the World here -- in person & by internet -- to learn in detail about our exemplar LRT and our other unique social innovations.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div>Robert Milligan, BSc(Math-Physics), is a former business systems analyst and environmental</div><div>health analyst. He has been a social & environmental catalyst for over 40 years. In retirement, he has freely given over 2000 hours of fieldwork, meetings, article research and thought to the Region's Rapid Transit Initiative project. </div><div>February 27, 2010 @New Dundee</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><b>ADDENDUM</b></div><div><br></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>1. Some thoughts on Ken Seiling's LRT role:</b></div></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><div>Ken has too much influence over staff (perhaps his predecessors had too little but Ken has overshot the mark) and other councillors (Cambridge partially excepted) yet does not have the open-mindedness to criticism and creativity required of leaders of potentially leading-edge organizations. This is compounded by his lack of scientific & technological knowledge necessary for sufficient understanding of increasingly complex issues -- most notably the RTI project. </div><div><br></div><div>Thus while he is too staff forcing he is also too staff dependent in a situation where the major engineering RTI team leaders not only have an insufficient LRT/BRT formal civil engineering background but also are by-nature innovation averse (I know from many discussion with both in their previous positions where they did have adequate engineering preparation -- they also seemed to suffer from "hardening of the categories).</div><div><br></div><div>This situation situation is not a sound basis for good decisions and judgements on Ken's part. But I do appreciate his support for the concept of an LRT. </div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>2. <b>Response to</b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; "><b>WR Record Feb 22 letter, "Cambridge was failing" by Paul Cyr</b></span></div><div> (<a href="http://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters/article/489645--cambridge-failed">http://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters/article/489645--cambridge-failed</a>)</div><div><br></div><div>I am writing this email because you asked me to communicate by email. But I would also really like to have an exploratory (and more interactive) telephone conversation with you. (519-696-2288)<br><div><br></div><div>Let me say how very much I appreciate citizens who are thinking about our Region's potential LRT then expressing their concerns in assertive, well-written letters to the editor.</div><div><br></div><div>As a person who has likely invested more time and effort in this Rapid Transit project (and earlier in Regional roads) than any other 10 people -- and who lobbied for the integration of KT and CT -- I see the need for more citizens to do the necessary transit research so as to optimize their constructive feedback and IDEAS.</div><div><br></div><div>As I have had many LRT (or RTI) discussions with Doug Craig -- and even more with Ken Seiling -- I am in a good position (especially as I live in the "neutral territory" of New Dundee) to interpret their views (and those of other Councillors and staff).</div><div><br></div><div>And I fear that the Region's and K-W's unfair treatment of Cambridge over the years -- which seems to be too motivated (even unconsciously) by trying to keep an "uppity" "second class" community in its place -- could have dire consequences for the integrity and reputation of our Region.</div><div><br></div><div>A worst outcome could be that Cambridge soon seeks successfully -- after a plebiscite -- to become geographically part of Wellington County and forms close ties with Guelph aided by a GC LRT along the underutilized GEXR/CN tracks (20km x $5M/km = $100M including the LRT vehicles). </div><div><br></div><div>The University of Waterloo models to all the Region and beyond the keystone values of Innovation & Collaboration. "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; ">In the next decade, the university is committed to building a better future for Canada and the world by championing </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; "><b>innovation and collaboration</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; "> to create solutions relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow.</span>"</div><div><a href="http://www.uwaterloo.ca/aboutuw/">http://www.uwaterloo.ca/aboutuw/</a></div><div><br></div><div>The practice of many Regional Councillors -- and some staff -- seem to imply contrary values. </div><div><br></div><div>This is demonstrated by the great inability of these councillors and staff to collaborate with Cambridge -- to the Region's advantage in so many ways. (Councillor Jane Mitchell's Cinderella comment about Cambridge was viciously irresponsible -- and probably orchestrated by somebody else! Shame on you Jane and ... !)</div><div><br></div><div>Further indication comes from their lack of support for an Innovative -- and more cost-effective -- LRT system design, Instead, they blindly-support an excessive tax-money-wasting and likely poorly-used white elephant LRT plan.</div><div><br></div><div>Such unproductive values and actions surely will diminish our Region's Pioneering Innovation image around the World.</div><div><br></div><div>To be more specific, the Regional & K-W modus operandi seems to be, " Stop complaining about your unfair treatment or we will punish you!". (Carl Zehr's talk a few months ago to the Cambridge CofC in support of a Cambridge GO-Train was a welcomed exception -- good for you Carl.) </div><div><br></div><div>(And I look forward to Ken Seiling speaking similarly such as by supporting a more cost-effective LRT to Cambridge now! Perhaps God will whisper such a suggestion in his ear soon as Ken plays his heavenly music at Waterloo's First United Church. I fear that once Ken gets angry at a person or community, only God can change that anger in his heart to forgiveness and love!) </div><div><br></div><div>In a July 2010 letter the Record, Claudette detailed many of these mal-treatments by the Region (and Province), <a href="http://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters/article/296207--cambridge-deserves-a-fair-share">http://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters/article/296207--cambridge-deserves-a-fair-share</a>.</div><div><br></div><div>As I end this email, let me say that my LRT research -- involving mostly proven transit and</div><div>renewable energy IDEAS -- suggests that a more thoughtful type of staging (I might call it Smart LRT as opposed to ... ) would enable us to extend the LRT along a shorter, faster, safer, much less expensive, ,,, route (& of greater capacity) to the Ainslie Terminal. </div><div><br></div><div>Such an extended and truly rapid routing (with express bus cross connections) would attract significant numbers of working middle-class drivers from their cars to lessen traffic congestion. And intensification goals would be better met -- but more slowly realized because of the Provinces (necessary) -- and affected Federal -- funding shortfall.</div><div><br></div><div>We could have a more functionally more successful LRT at a very livable cost -- and treat Cambridge more fairly in the process. But unfortunately Ken will lead the attack against such an approach as he did before, during and now after the election -- and for reasons irrational !</div><div><br></div><div>My next LRT Report will detail such an approach -- and I would hope for feedback from you on the draft.</div></div><div><br></div></body></html>