Winnipeg’s Rapid Transit system is taking shape. Phase one of the Transitway is under construction-part of a system that will also include bike and pedestrian paths.
A full house of Winnipeggers turned out to an open house on Wednesday to get a glimpse at the plans.
The city shared details on what the first phase of the Bus Rapid Transit corridor-from The Forks to Jubilee and Pembina will look like when it’s complete.
Also on display are the final designs for the new Osborne and Harkness bus stations. For the Fort Rouge station, four possible sketches are being shown.
The bike and pedestrian paths are also laid out.
Critics, though, are still worried about the second phase of the Rapid Transit plan-that’s the route that extends all the way to the University of Manitoba.
The city’s capital budget did not include money for that part of the mega-project.
"We’re building a new Bomber stadium. It’s going to be ready in two years and we need to extend it to the University of Manitoba and we need the city to commit to it," said Paul Hesse of the Winnipeg Rapid Transit Coalition.
The city maintains it’s still looking at other possible options for the U of M route, like a light-rail system. It’s also waiting for the province and Ottawa to sign onto the deal.
Meanwhile, the first phase of the $138-million bus-only lane is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.
City officials will be taking questions at this open house which will continue until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Fort Rouge Leisure Centre on Osborne Street.
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