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What does BRT mean for Richmond Street? North London residents speak

Dozens of concerned citizens, city politicians and local leaders gathered at Kings University College Monday to discuss how the city’s Bus Rapid Transit plan will affect residents of north London.

A public meeting was held Monday to gather thoughts on the $500 million BRT plan

CBC News ·
London's Bus Rapid Transit Plan would dedicate two of Richmond Street's four traffic lanes for buses only. Coun. Phil Squire says that would slow traffic on a street that is often already choked with cars during rush hour. The city could add two traffic lanes, but that would mean expensive property expropriations. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)

Dozens of concerned citizens, city politicians and local leaders gathered at Kings University College Monday to discuss how the city's Bus Rapid Transit plan will affect north London residents.

City officials discussed several options for the $500 million plan that could impact residents in the area of Richmond Street, north of Oxford.

One option is to convert two of Richmond's four lanes of traffic to BRT lanes -- which would be for buses only.

Another option is to widen the street and add two lanes, which may be more expensive.

Although several north London area residents spoke out about the options, many raised other concerns about the plan.

Damon Hardy attended a ward six meeting at Kings University College Monday to discuss how the $500 million Bus Rapid Transit plan will affect north London area residents. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

Damon Hardy

"Frankly, I'm concerned and a little terrified about the prospects of Richmond Street," said Damon Hardy.

"I know what Richmond Street looks like at various times throughout the day as is – and it's busy. If we reduce our lanes by half, I'm really concerned by the state of Richmond Street and how well traffic will move and what it's going to mean for the neighbourhoods surrounding."

Teresa Marcy, left, and Andrew Scott attended a ward six meeting at Kings University College Monday to discuss how the $500 Bus Rapid Transit plan will affect north London area residents. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

Teresa Marcy and Andrew Scott

"We're looking forward to seeing what London has to offer for some forward thinking city planning...Long term, it helps with the growth of the city, so hopefully as more people move here and as more houses are built, it allows people to get around with less congestion," said Andrew Scott.

Teresa Marcy said: "I'm already really frustrated with the amount of traffic and I find its been getting worse so I think it would be a really great thing to have different methods to get around that's reliable… I would like to take the bus but I don't think I can count on it all the time."

Rocky Moretti attended a ward six meeting at Kings University College Monday to discuss how the $500 million Bus Rapid Transit plan will affect north London area residents. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

Rocky Moretti

"What I would like to see is enhanced transportation for all Londoners. For people who ride their bikes for pedestrians, for motorists and for people who use transit. We're really moving into a shared transportation environment and it's critical that we make improvements that improve everybody's mobility," said Rocky Moretti.

Alec Rostes attended a ward six meeting at Kings University College Monday to discuss how the $500 million Bus Rapid Transit plan will affect north London area residents. (Hala Ghonaim/CBC)

Alec Rostes

"The biggest issue facing London is this bus rapid transit. There's lots of things to be ironed out," said Alex Rostes.

"Primarily my concern is that one of our major streets (in the) heart of downtown…(is where they're) planning to run the BRT ... and also a railway crossing...The whole concept of a railway crossing with four or five trains a day taking 10 to 20 minutes seems to me problematic."

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