Hypothetical (or somewhat possible but not discussed) LRT Lines

[Doug]

Originally Posted by MasterG

It's a big challenge with the SE LRT project overall. Lots of potential riders, but almost none for the first 75% of the trip. Coupled with nearly zero to limited redevelopment potential on that portion for the medium term (once you pass Inglewood area), the whole thing is a giant boondoggle unless you stretch it all the way to the booming deep SE neighbourhoods. The problem with that compared to the existing LRT lines is that it's much farther before you see any benefit. Lots of people and growth down there, just really expensive and far to reach them.

One reason the nclrt is lumped in with it is the economics and ridership are vastly different: an existing popular transit cooridor ( busiest other than LRT routes ), huge redevelopment potential and consistent ridership throughout. There is no 8km dead-zone that has to be built but doesn't attract very many riders like the industrial park section of the SE LRT . The NC LRT has a different problem: the route is popular and accessible enough that people will force it to a higher standard such as underground and make the project much more expensive than it necessarily has to be due to perceived inconveniences of having a rapid transit line constructed down a primary road of your neighbourhood.

At least the industrial parks of the SE won't complain like Crescent heights will

The south line has similar challenges. It doesn't really hit high ridership until Heritage.