While it's not a done deal, London's strategic priorities committee is giving the green light to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

All that is left now is the city council vote for approval next week.

BRT was chosen over Light Rapid Transit (LRT) by the committee despite the  majority of Londoners who voiced their views at a meeting last night. Councillors voted 10-5 in favour of BRT.

The city notes that the plan approved could be upgraded to LRT at a later date if ridership increases.

The 24-kilometre system is estimated to cost $500 million and it is hoped the federal and provincial governments will commit to funding a portion.

The City has committed $129 million, largely covered by development charges.

“This is city building. This is the London Plan. Rapid transit will build a more modern, prosperous and environmentally sustainable community,” Mayor Matt Brown said in a news release.

“This will be the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history and will produce more than $1.3 billion in transportation, environmental and economic benefits during the next 20 years."

The BRT system, from White Oaks mall in the south to Masonville Place in the north and from Fanshawe College in the east to Oxford and Wonderland in the west, will feature dedicated bus lanes, modern stations as well as a rapid transit tunnel under the CP rail tracks at Oxford and Richmond.

If approved, construction of the system is expected to begin in 2018 with the Full BRT operational by 2027.