Plans for a rapid transit system in Waterloo Region are in the news...

Do you have questions about the impact of this new transit system upon you and your community?

The Region of Waterloo has a website with extensive information on this project. The website includes Public Meeting Materials, Maps, Videos & Visuals, Newsletters & Fact Sheets, Notices & Reports and a photo gallery.

In addition to these materials, the website has a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section. Some of the questions include:

Follow up:

Q:

What are the benefits of rapid transit?

A:

Rapid transit offers a means of managing urban growth to protect our countryside by preventing urban sprawl and promoting intensification in existing urban areas, while preserving the region's precious agricultural lands, natural beauty, heritage and cultural characteristics that make this community unique. Rapid transit will increase transit ridership, reduce emissions, improve mobility, contribute to a prosperous community, and improve safety and security. LRT will shape development along the corridor. Developers are more willing to invest private money near a permanent public asset such as LRT.

Q:

Who is going to pay the capital cost of rapid transit?

A:

Adequate provincial and federal funding contributions will be essential to make the project financially feasible. The Region is currently discussing funding details with both levels of government.  In the 2008 Provincial Budget, the provincial government committed to paying up to two-thirds of the cost of the rapid transit in Waterloo Region. In July 2008, the federal government also indicated that rapid transit in Waterloo Region was a priority for funding under the Building Canada Fund. This federal funding program is for large strategic infrastructure projects and typically pays one-third of the project costs.

View the entire FAQ page here.