🚆 Residents in Southeast #Calgary feel let down by Green Line cuts! The shortened LRT plan impacts daily commutes & long-term plans. #Alberta #TransitTroubles
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"It really isn't usable for us": Residents in Southeast Feel Snubbed by Shortened Green Line
Introduction
Calgarians living in the southeast neighborhoods are expressing frustration and disappointment over the recently announced cuts to the Green Line LRT project. The shortened alignment has left many residents feeling abandoned, with significant implications for their daily commutes and long-term plans.
The Initial Promise
Mariah Wilson Chahal and her husband were among those who made significant life decisions based on the promise of the Green Line. Moving to Riverbend this spring, the couple had high hopes for the planned LRT station that would eventually ease their commute to downtown Calgary.
The Appeal of the Green Line
As a one-car household, the Chahals sought a transit-oriented neighborhood. They believed that the Green Line would provide an efficient and reliable way for Mariah to travel to her job in the southeast quadrant of downtown. Their search led them to Riverbend, with the expectation that the South Hill station would be constructed within the next decade.
The Disappointment
On a recent Tuesday night, the hopes of many residents like the Chahals were dashed when the city council voted to reduce the alignment for Phase 1 of the Green Line. The new plan excludes the South Hill stop and four other stations, severely limiting the project's scope until additional funding can be secured.
Community Reaction
The decision has left many southeast Calgarians feeling betrayed. Jim Clement, a resident of McKenzie Towne, expressed the widespread disappointment. His wife, who commutes via the Route 117 McKenzie Towne Express, was looking forward to the Green Line reducing her travel time significantly. Now, with the Green Line's reach curtailed, her commute will remain long and arduous.
Financial Considerations
The council's decision to trim the project was largely driven by budget constraints. By deferring the construction of several stations, including the critical Centre Street and 11th Avenue S.E. stop, the city aims to save over $300 million. However, this comes at the cost of limiting the downtown portion of the Green Line to just two stops.
Impact on Traffic
Clement pointed out that the reduced scope of the Green Line will likely do little to alleviate traffic congestion along Deerfoot Trail, one of Calgary's busiest thoroughfares. With ridership projections on opening day dropping from 55,000 to 32,000, the expected impact on vehicular traffic will be minimal.
Moving Forward
Despite the setbacks, city officials are defending the decision as a necessary compromise to finally get the project underway. Mayor Jyoti Gondek emphasized that focusing on the inner-city portion first will allow for easier future extensions north and south once additional funding is available.
Enabling Work
Significant enabling work has already taken place downtown, including utility relocations and property acquisitions. The demolition of Eau Claire Market is also on the horizon to make way for the future CTrain.
Conclusion
The decision to shorten the Green Line LRT project has left many southeast Calgary residents feeling excluded and frustrated. While city officials argue that this approach will facilitate future expansions, the immediate impact on residents' commutes and quality of life is significant. As the project progresses, the city will need to continue seeking funding and support to fulfill the original promise of the Green Line and reconnect the southeast neighborhoods to the rest of Calgary.
Call to Action
For residents affected by these changes, staying informed and engaged with local government decisions is crucial. Participating in community meetings and voicing concerns can help ensure that future phases of the Green Line address the needs of all Calgarians.