[bomberguy]

Liberals plan to make rapid transit a priority

Standing at the cold, windy intersection of River and Osborne, Liberal Leader Dr. Jon Gerrard announced today that rapid transit would be a top priority if he were Premier.

"We think this is so important that we're ready to come to the table and work very closely with the city of Winnipeg to make sure that this happens," says Gerrard, who insists he's not discouraged by city council's decision to nix a proposed bus rapid transit plan.

Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux says the NDP government hasn't put enough emphasis on rapid transit throughout its time in power.

"The city has always realized that you need a provincial partner in order to make the rapid-transit system work," adds Gerrard.

At the announcement, Gerrard was unable to give any estimates on how much money a Liberal government would contribute to any proposed plan.

An intensive, 90-day consultation period would be used to weigh all the available rapid-transit options — including light rail — but a bus system similar to Ottawa's is most likely, Gerrard says.

As for getting co-operation for any such plan with city council, Gerrard says he believes Mayor Sam Katz is interested in some form of rapid transit if the price is right.

"We believe that this is so important for the city of Winnipeg and for the province of Manitoba that after 30 years of discussion we have a government provincially which is committed all the way to moving this forward. That's a Liberal government after the next election," Gerrard says.

The platform announcement is the first of what could be many to stem from a detailed report on ways to improve the city released by Lamoureux today.

Asked whether the report might be seen as stepping outside the bounds of the provincial government by people at city hall, Lamoureux said it's meant to promote co-operation.

"This report highlights a number of areas that if in fact they were acted on would have a positive impact, would make Winnipeg that much better of a city to live in. The province does have a role to play."

http://www.winnipegfirst.ca/article/...sit_a_priority