Re: Test transit with buses first, Nov. 14 edition.
Mr. Wuschke wrote a well thought out suggestion that the routes for a light rail service should be tested first with other types of mass transportation. I think we can lay Mr. Wuschke's fears to rest as to the marketability of a light rail service in the Fraser Valley.
Currently, there are bus routes which connect the majority of the cities in the Fraser Valley. The bus routes are woefully inadequate to meet the demand for service. A bus route to Chilliwack is only available as a Greyhound route which can be more than some are willing or able to pay.
What is needed is a light rail system such as the GO-Train, which serves the greater Toronto area. It is a high initial cost but would be affordable enough for lower income bracket users to expand their horizons.
As a student without access to a vehicle, I am restricted to working in Abbotsford. There are few high-paying job opportunities in Abbotsford. If I had access to a light rail system, I might be able to look for work in Langley or Chilliwack and people in those places might be able to look for work here. Light rail also has the added bonus of being less polluting locally than travelling via car or bus.
I think a light rail system for the Fraser Valley would be an economic stimulus for the area and would provide a needed service which has been shown to be necessary.
Matthew Spencer
Abbotsford