Bank Street O-Train will cause “ridership to climb on Confederation Line 1”
Ward 22 Riverside South-Findlay Creek candidate Zainab Alsalihiy
Bank Street O-Train talk is quickly becoming the number 1 issue for residents throughout Ottawa Gatineau area. In an exclusive interview with Ward 22 Riverside South-Findlay Creek candidate Zainab Alsalihiy says “traffic and congestion on Bank Street - especially with the Ottawa Senators coming downtown, we will need to look at ways to alleviate the problem, and having the O-train could potentially be a solution.”
When candidate Alsalihiy was asked what Ottawa Gatineau’s rapidly rising population means for the city by 2027 when we exceed 1.6 million people. she responds “the population is only growing and definitely we need to make this (Bank Street O-Train) a priority in the future. It will help residents get to and from quicker. I think it’s time to have an A class transit system in our capital city. With the population expected to rise, we will have to project effectively to ensure we eliminate gridlock that is currently the situation now.”
I ask candidate Alsalihiy how important is it to get Confederation Line 1 mechanical issues sorted out?
“Once we have a safe, reliable and fast transit system, residents will be more inclined to use the O-train/buses/subways and leave their cars behind.”
How important is Bank Street O-Train for the city?
“ This will help with tourism, the city will be able to access Lansdowne 2.0 efficiently without causing horrendous traffic, climate/environment issues, and promotes healthier lifestyles. This will also cause ridership to climb on Confederation Line 1.”
Should it be a subway or an above ground option?
“I would love to see an underground system running to downtown, considering the long winters we have here. This is something that will need to discuss with communities and residents and have transparency around the decisions once they are made.”