It should come as no surprise that the estimate now being made for stage 2 of Ottawa’s LRT is a substantial increase in overall costs from the initial calculations. While the increased cost is an attention grabber, it is perhaps an understandable result of lessons learned in stage 1. The revised estimate also serves as a reminder that further delays will only add to those costs.
Notwithstanding the concern with the price tag, the same attention must be given to the type of service to be provided as the three-train ride from the Ottawa airport to downtown Ottawa may not be an appealing option for many people. If residents going to the airport from either Orleans or Kanata have to take a bus to get to the three-train ride, the on and off trip with luggage in tow along with wait times at the various connection points may discourage the use of public transportation.
Although a scrutiny of cost is important to ensure taxpayers get value for money, especially as it relates to the airport spur, it should not deter from overall the need to keep this project moving forward.
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