Rapid Transit to be Explored

Wednesday, 30 April 2014 17:15

The Japanese High Speed Train (Current Model)

Transportation Minister Glen Murray announced Wednesday a four-year plan to study the possibility of high speed rail from London to Toronto.

LONDON -- Ontario's Transportation Minister says the government's plan for a high-speed rail system from London to Toronto will improve public safety.

Glen Murray outlined the Liberal government's plan at a Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday afternoon in London, saying an environmental assessment and business case for the line will begin later this year.

But Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman questions the ability to make a good business case for high speed rail in the region.

"I'm not suggesting it's not a good thing to do, I'm just suggesting that it is well, well beyond the next election cycle for Mr. Murray and that's why he's making this announcement now."

The work includes identifying the most appropriate route and the best technology options available for high speed rail.

The project falls under the province's Moving Ontario Forward transit and infrastructure plan -- which would commit the province to spending $29-billion over 10 years on transportation infrastructure and public transit.

Minister Murray outlined the Liberal government's plan to commit to finalizing the business case and beginning an environmental assessment for the line by fall 2014.

Hardeman says high speed rail for southwestern Ontario is, in itself, not a new idea.

From 1987 to 1990, the representative from Oxford in the legislature was Liberal MPP Charlie Tatham.

Hardeman says one of Tatham's top projects during his tenure was to develop high speed rail for southern Ontario, though since that time, Hardeman says no one has come along with a business case which would warrant doing such an endeavour.

Murray says the province is committing to finalizing its business case and will also begin an environmental assessment for the line by fall 2014.

This includes identifying the most appropriate route and examining state-of-the-art transportation technology options to better connect residents and businesses between London, Kitchener-Waterloo Region and Toronto.

Hardeman says the only thing he took out of Wednesday's announcement is that there's an election coming.

"All of a sudden they're bringing out things from years ago that they were looking at. They don't have a business case and they don't have a price on it so there doesn't seem to be anything there except the Minister's announcement."

Minister Murray meanwhile says high speed rail would help move people safely and efficiently between Toronto and London, helping families with more travel options while creating a more integrated transportation network across the province that will help boost the economy.

The Liberals have promised further details about the plan will be provided in Ontario’s upcoming Budget, due to be released Thursday.