Light rail transit provides greatest economic benefit

Waterloo Region – An evaluation of different options for Stage 2 Rapid Transit to Cambridge reveals that light rail transit (LRT) will provide the greatest economic benefit for Waterloo Region. The project will spur economic development and connect residents to jobs, services, housing options and recreation.

The Initial Business Case (IBC) looks at various routes and vehicle types and compares the benefits, costs and potential ridership of these options for the delivery of rapid transit to Cambridge.  It evaluates them on the strategic benefits; economic benefits; capital cost estimates; and operating and maintenance cost estimates. The IBC will be a key document supporting requests for full funding from the provincial and federal governments.

The results of the IBC show light rail transit from Downtown Cambridge to Fairway Station and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from Downtown Cambridge to Fairway Station are the strongest of the five options being evaluated.

“The Region of Waterloo is committed to completing the Region’s initial vision for rapid transit to seamlessly connect the region,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “This transformational project will provide economic and social benefits to residents across the community for generations to come.”

Compared to BRT, LRT has the highest capital, operating and maintenance costs, but delivers more economic benefit and achieves all the project’s strategic goals. 

Staff will continue to collect public and stakeholder feedback on the data and the project through to the end of October. For details, visit engageWR.ca/stage2ion.  

In November, staff will bring a recommendation to Council on how to advance to the design and pre-construction phase.

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