Here’s a column asking that question — a question that I’m sure Winnipeggers should be interested in following:
“Bus rapid transit,” or B.R.T. — a model successfully implemented in cities from Bogota to Los Angeles — is gaining currency. The term refers to modern bus systems that use dedicated bus lanes to get around. Often the buses look sleeker and have more amenities, such as automatic glass doors on the stations, than regular city buses.
The comments are just getting started (25 as I type this), but there are already some good ones making the case for light rail. The consensus seems to be that busses don’t live up to their promise, while light rail mostly does.
My own take is that Winnipeg will — as Manitobans everywhere are wont to do — study the issue to death, and spend so much money on consultants that the inflation-battered cost of either system will be such a shock they’ll cheap out on a system that’s riddled with compromise.
Carnac the Magnificent, that’s me.
I just spotted a great comment from a related column, which notes that total “vehicle miles traveled” has been declining now for 14 solid months. That started with the spike in gas, but it’s continuing, even with cheap gas. Why? The obvious answer is “the recession” but some people are pointing out that the trend may have reached a tipping point, and people expect expensive gas to return soon, so they’re making permanent lifestyle changes.
The argument in the comments is pretty good. Check this guy out:
Now isn’t that an interesting way to look at the argument over rapid transit in Winnipeg — especially in conjunction with the major roadwork necessary for the IKEA development?
Ah, but some crony of the powers-that-be can make a fast buck off of developments like roads, IKEA big-boxes, etc.
Not so much with buses or rail.
That’s your difference right there, IMO.
Which is weird because there’s a goddamn BUS MANUFACTURING PLANT in Winnipeg!
Ya I would say that the New Flyer plant is one of the big obstacles to light rail. There is no way Sam Katz would screw over one of Winnipeg’s most successful manufacturers.
But shouldn’t the New Flyer peeps be kicking ass to get bus rapid transit approved? And yet even that isn’t going anywhere.
I could be wrong, but I don’t think that bus rapid transit would result in a lot more buses being sold, but rather just faster travel. Though I guess if service was improved then ridership would probably go up. Although a lot of buses would be sold if they actually replaced all the old orange non-wheelchair access ones. Though I almost prefer those because it generally means less strollers taking up 5 seats.
Also, Winnipeg pretty much has brt like half implemented anyways with transit priority lights at some intersections and diamond lanes.