A light rail system is not a good idea for improving commuting in Victoria. In fact, any rail system in an urban area is actually a bad idea because of the infrastructure requirements. More importantly, it forces traffic to yield to the trams, thereby slowing all traffic and thus defeating the purpose of light rail. Furthermore, the traffic chaos from construction over four or five years would defeat the benefits of the system altogether.
A more practical solution would be for business to adopt a more flexible work schedule, thereby reducing “rush hour” traffic. We need more alternatives and creative thinking to solve our traffic issues.
One of the reasons I left Toronto was to get away from the streetcars which, being located in the outside lane, means all traffic following in the curb lanes must yield to riders embarking and disembarking from the cars, and for right turns. It’s a dumb system and has made Toronto’s traffic a horrible mess.
Perhaps all Victoria needs are more, preferably hybrid or electric buses – but light rail would be a major mistake.
Bennett Guinn
Victoria