City council debated the future of bus rapid transit Tuesday in Winnipeg.
Councillors will be asked to vote on a $590 million plan to extend the bus corridor from Jubilee Avenue to the University of Manitoba in June, unless other motions prevail down the road.
Councillors Browaty and Fielding want a referendum on the project put to voters in the October election.
“This gives an opportunity for Winnipeggers to contact their councillors and let them know that they support a referendum. Perhaps they have opinions on bus rapid transit they would like to get across to councillors,” said Browaty.
Councillors Havixbeck and Wyatt are calling on the city to build light rail over bus.
"Do the light rail. Stop the small-town mentality," said Wyatt, arguing in favour of the more expensive option of light rail.
In the end, he lost the argument and council voted against his motion.
Rapid transit advocates worry any delays could scuttle the project, putting federal and provincial money in jeopardy.
"We do have provincial funding. We have a request for federal funding. We should extend the current rapid transit system now without further delay," said Paul Hesse from the Rapid Transit Coalition.
“It's getting embarrassing that people keep throwing roadblocks, so to speak, in the way of moving forward,” said Coun. Jenny Gerbasi.
Council is set to vote on extending the rapid bus line to the U of M at its June meeting, which will also include a vote on the rapid transit referendum proposal.
Earlier this week, Mayor Sam Katz said he's confident the referendum motion will fail.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
