Re: Show us that LRT money (Our View, Sept. 16)
I disagree strongly with the statement in the Sept. 16 editorial that the “vast majority” of people would like to see light-rail transit in the region. However, I agree there needs to be more accountability to the taxpayer in the B.C. Transit governance model before more money is spent on LRT studies and reports. B.C. mayors are right to call for an inquiry regarding B.C. Transit governance and management.
If the sticker shock for the studies is an issue, just wait until the real bills come in. Recent reports in the press about significant overruns in over-hyped LRT projects in mid-size communities in Canada should not be ignored.
Greater Victoria does not have the critical mass required for LRT. There are many less expensive options for improving the movement of people and goods in the region, rather than a billion-dollar LRT project as envisioned.
And as a taxpayer I would resent the cost coming from my left and right and back pockets.
I rode the rails for years in England and Toronto, but Victoria doesn’t cut the mustard. Sic transit gloria (glory fades).
Tony Beckett
Victoria