Rapid Transit in the Halifax area

[swimmer_spe]

Originally Posted by OldDartmouthMark

Who is "they"?

Originally Posted by portapetey

What's TOD? I seem to be missing something.

I agree we should start building something, even a basic Bedford-to-Downtown-rush-hour line and see how it goes, and build on that later. The hardest part of any venture is actually starting it, and we're in a bit of analysis paralysis.

I don't think painting all Haligonians as having their heads in their butts is helpful. Yes, our decision makers are stuck in a holding pattern on this issue, but I think it's because the case for rail is only just BARELY starting to make financial sense.

We're right on the edge - we're almost there, just a little more population growth, just as little more density, just a little more interest in addressing our terrible car culture (I think If halifax was 45-50 times bigger right now, it would be Los Angeles rather than New York), not quite there yet, but so close we can taste it...soon, we will make the leap...but the case is so tentative as yet. Jumping in with both feet is scary when you're only just learning to tread water.

TOD - Transit Oriented Development. Basically buildings that are large and close together that support residential and commercial needs. These people usually don't have a need for a vehicle.

The Commuter line suggestion, if implemented, would provide a great step. Then the HRM puts in their Master Plan that those stations become hubs. Within 1km or less of the stations, they make them TOD communities.

Halifax is on the edge... the edge of a precipice. Either do something now, or traffic will just keep getting worse.
Realistically, the Commuter line should be able to be up and running by September.
Then, Spring 2017, start on more local routes. Start with a Transit only bridge and have an LRT connect both downtowns. Continue building LRT/grade separated transit for the next 10 years, opening new routes every 2-3 years.

Change the Master Plan such that TOD is encouraged along those routes.

The problem is, many Haligonians would hate this. The rest of Nova Scotia would be livid.

O, doing this would create good paying jobs in the area. Something the area desperately needs.