Deja vu Debate: Mayoral candidates spar over BRT
Four years after bus rapid transit (BRT) dominated the municipal election in London, candidates still spar over the issue.
On Monday, five candidates running for the mayor’s office took part in a panel discussion hosted by political science students at King’s University College.
The two-hour event began with candidates sharing ideas from their campaign platforms to address homelessness, housing and diversity.
The tone changed however, when questions turned to the bus rapid transit system.
“My friend didn’t vote for it,” said Khalil Ramal referring to presumed front runner Josh Morgan. “And we now have a transit system that is like a chair with only two legs. We lost the other two legs.”
Morgan fired back saying, “Anyone who says this was killed, or voted away in some way, it is the inferior route that was not approved,” said Morgan. “And there is an opportunity to find a better solution to transit out that way.”
Morgan argued that operating rapid transit buses in mixed traffic lanes along Wharncliffe Road would have been problematic.
In March 2019, Council supported the south, east and downtown BRT routes.
Morgan voted against the west route and declared a conflict of interest regarding the north route that would have crossed the campus of Western University, his employer.
Federal and provincial funding originally intended for the north and west routes was later directed towards bike infrastructure and a new London Transit HQ to accommodate an electric bus fleet.
Morgan added that the Mobility Master Plan (MMP) will include plans to improve the movement of drivers, transit passengers, cyclists and pedestrians in north and west London.
Public input is currently being gathered for the MMP.
Other candidates on the panel took the opportunity to use BRT to differentiate themselves from Morgan and the decisions of the current city council.
Sandie Thomas told the audience that transit decisions must consider all Londoners, “We have mothers trying to pick up their children from daycare and they are late because of the congestion that is happening.”
“I ride the transit system every day,” explained Sean O’Connell. “I know what its like to go from the south end of town to the north end of town. It’s very time consuming.”
The panel discussion was one of the last opportunities for Londoners to hear from mayoral candidates before advanced polls open Oct. 8.
Election Day is Oct. 24.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.