Ahead of a public meeting on bus rapid transit, a new group calling itself Down Shift London, is voicing concerns over the $560-million project.
The grassroots organization made up of local business owners, neighbourhood associations, and concerned citizens issued a statement less than a day before Thursday's public information session at the London Central Library.
Among their concerns, Down Shift cites uncertainty with the proposed route high-frequency buses would take through downtown, the high cost of the project, and disruption to businesses on Richmond St. during construction.
"Little to no information is available to support assumptions of increased ridership that are required to make this project viable," Down Shift said in its statement.
The group argues with costs three times that of building the Covent Garden Market, Budweiser Gardens and the downtown library put together, the city would be better off to invest the money elsewhere. They go onto slam the city claiming most of the plans were formulated and last minute with consultations with the public acting as only "window dressing."
Down Shift went on to outline traffic and parking issues that will arise if lanes are eliminated to make room for bus-only lanes.
"Imagine the traffic jams on streets such as Oxford, Richmond, King, and Wellington. The construction will take years and result in traffic chaos across the city," reads the statement.
The group concludes by saying "Londoners like their cars" and that making it more difficult to drive and park downtown will be a "death knell for small businesses and entertainment facilities located there."
The city approved a full bus rapid transit system last spring. The system will run from White Oaks Mall to Masonville Place and from Fanshawe College to the corner of Oxford St. and Wonderland Rd. It’s also expected to feature “modern stations” and a rapid transit tunnel under the CP rail tracks at Oxford St. and Richmond St.
London taxpayers would be on the hook for $130-million for the project. It's hoped the provincial and federal governments will cover the remaining costs.
