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One of the problems with Gateway is that we've waited far too long to do anything. While I'm not in favour of a huge expansion of our road network--for all of the reasons Pierre has mentioned--I can't see how we can avoid at least some of the improvements at this time. What we need to do is create a truly blended transportaion system that focuses on moving people and goods, not cars. Any improvements to the road system should be aimed at moving buses, trucks and other commercial traffic while transit upgrades should focus on moving people. Implementation of priority bus and truck lanes would get commercial traffic moving--something most of the Gateway proponents have been using as a major argument in its favour. At the same time, putting tolls on all of the major bridges would help to move people toward transit and spread the financial load more evenly. After all, this is a regional problem and is certainly not confined to one or two corridors.
One other thing I wanted to mention. Pierre suggested that we should have light rail transit on the Southern Railway. This is an excellent idea but in a burst of negative foresight our provincial government recently sold a portion of the line--from Livingstone junction in the Sperling area, to Pratt junction in Cloverdale--to CP Rail. Prior to this, with the line in provincial hands, it would have been relatively easy to implement some form of light rail. You can bet that with CP in control there will be a major battle just to gain access and that the cost will be prohibitive, potentially enough to make the whole project financially unworkable. I think this is a good example of the attitude of the government to transit in general and explains some of the reasons why they are pushing Gateway so hard.
I agree with you Keith, The issue in my mind is that we have to plan a commuter skytrain, LRT or choo choo train for all I care into the heart of the south fraser. It must be planned, budgeted and built for within 15 to 25 years or we have gridlock again even with the tolled twinning. We need both!
Right on Jordan. We need both for sure given the time span for completion. Please let's make it rail though, without getting glued to one supplier of rolling stock and traction gear.
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