New HRM transit plan shows commuter trains on both sides of harbour

The latest draft of a newtransportationplan for the Halifax Regional Municipality includes a map with two commuter rail routes oneon each side of the harbour.

Councillorshave talked about commuter rail between Windsor Junction and south-end Halifax for years. City staff are currentlyinvestigating a proposal by Via Rail.

Sam Austin, the councillorfor Dartmouth Centre, said heappreciateskeeping the eastern side of the harbour in mind when it comesto commuter rail, but is not holding his breath for it to start.

"I'm glad they've identified it as potential, but I can't imaginethe Dartmouth one would happen before the Halifax one," saidAustin."If Halifax turns out to be a big success, then maybe after that we can look at Dartmouth."

Dartmouth line 'not same quality'

The proposed commuter rail line on the Dartmouth side runsbetweenWoodsideand theBurnsideIndustrial Park. Austinsaid a lot of people work inBurnside,plusa community college, two ferry terminals and a large numberof apartment buildings sit along the Dartmouth shoreline wherethe tracks are located.

"But the track on the Dartmouth side is more limited. It winds and bends and the speeds are slower;it's not up to the samequality as the Halifax track," said Austin.

He thinks more rapid bus routes wouldbe a better investment.

Details of the latest draft of the integrated mobility plan willbe presented at public sessions until April 27. Staff planto
deliver a final draft to city committees and regional councilin June and July.