Light rail wrong for GVRD technology

Re: "LRT debate continues," Wednesday, Sept. 6.

Because we have visited Strasbourg and many European cities is not a reason that we are so certain that light rail transit (streetcars) is wrong for our GVRD technology. Those attractive old cities seem to be well served by the rail and overhead wire system. Closer to home, however, Portland ratepayers recently turned down a referendum that was to extend their streetcar system.

If the 11 kilometres of streetcar line are so right for us, then why did the 22 kilometres of Canada Line to YVR have to be SkyTrain? The cannibalization of the West Coast Express and other nonsense on inadequate ridership were untrue then (2004) as they are now.

As well, the ambiguous wording of Port Moody's referendum on this subject was interpreted to mean something it doesn't.

When the operations and maintenance costs (approximately six acres on Barnet Highway and a three-storey building) are budgeted and properly accounted for over the years, the results show that the per-rider cost is less expensive on SkyTrain. The cost of our Evergreen Line has wavered considerably over the last 18 months. Recently, it was set at less than $1 billion.

The provincial government has placed the governance of this under review. It has also asked for a business plan before it proceeds. It looks like it could take 18 months for anything to happen, so we mark time. There is no debate. Everyone knows that all we want is our democratic right. Let's start all over again, but this time, let's do it right.

Cliff and Hat VanAlstyne
Port Moody