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In Ottawa: Quito Maggi, President
quito@mainstreetresearch.ca
May 11, 2017 (Montral, QC) A new Mainstreet/Postmedia poll commissioned by the London Free Press
nds 46% of Londoners want a rapid transit system - with the number increasing to 66% among decided
Londoners. The Mainstreet/Postmedia poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.45%, 19 times out of 20.
While a signicant number of Londoners are undecided on the matter, those who have an opinion say a
transit system is needed, said David Valentin, Executive Vice-President of Mainstreet Research.
Opposition to rapid transit in London is relatively soft but the devil is in the details.
67% of Londoners say they are following the rapid transit debate, a relatively high number for a civic issue.
Another 37% say they would be more likely to use public transit in London if rapid transit was
implemented.
While the debate over Londons transit plan has at times been contentious, there is more support than
opposition to the tunnel component of the plan with 35% in favour and 29% opposed.
38% of Londoners say that councils decision on the plan will inuence their vote - but this cuts both ways.
There will be some who will be upset if the proposal passes - but there will also be residents upset if nothing
is done. Ultimately council will need to decide what form of rapid transit best suits London. Theres never
going to be a transit plan that has universal approval. The real question is: is there a better plan or option
for rapid transit in the city? Council should be mindful that even if they can put together an alternative,
there is no guarantee that specic plan would be received any better than the current one. Ultimately the
future of transit in London is a decision council must make with both eyes open - there will be a political
cost for moving this plan forward, but there will also be a political cost to doing nothing, nished Valentin.
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