I'll just repaste what I said in the Calgary Construction Thread:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boris550
At this point in time it is probably a bad idea. The LRT systems need to come first. However, it is probably a good idea in the long run. I know that I would take it to Edmonton rather than drive or fly. For now I guess the best thing would be to make sure that YEG and YYC have LRT connections.
I think what we need is some sort of provincial connections program, which could direct funding for LRT systems, HSR links, and other forms of transit to create an integrated system. Smaller cities and towns could use some tram networks or BRT where applicable. If the government were smart, they would make it part of an environmental strategy as well.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boris550
Agreed, at least in the near future. We will probably be looking at the idea again once the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor is pushing around 5 million (which, IMHO, is not as far off as some would think). If we have more LRT connections by then in both cities, it would make sense to revisit the proposal and see if it is feasible.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boris550
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I would suggest that before people decide whether it is in fact a good or bad idea, they look at figures from actual studies... otherwise the conversation looks like either a lesson in defeatism or boosterism (depending on your perspective). For instance, the Van Horne insitute study finds, among other things, that the demand for the service already exists, and they back themselves up :
"Market research indicated that between 5.2 and 6.6 million one-way person trips were made
between Calgary and Edmonton in 2003 and another 2.4 to 3.7 million one-way person trips were
made between Red Deer and Calgary/Edmonton. Had high speed rail service as outlined in the
table below been in operation in 2003, the forecasts predicted that high speed rail would have
carried 1.7 to 2.0 million total passenger trips depending on the route/technology alternative
chosen, which represents a 22-28 percent market share of all trips."
etc.