Re: Eyes bug at $950M rapid transit price tag, News, April 29, 2011.
The idea of a light rail transit system from downtown Victoria to the West Shore is a great idea. I can’t wait to use it.
This is a genuine tourist attraction that also benefits commuters. The problem, however, is the amount of money that has been mentioned to cover expenses: $950 million.
Whoever came up with these numbers must be insane. The LRT is a huge project. The $950-million will cover bonuses for the “elite” and project managers of the companies making it all happen.
There might be a little left over to pay for the labour behind it all. You will not get this job done for $950 million. Try $3 billion (if not more).
There is good news though. The $9 billion which the government wants to spend for 65 fighter jets could be distributed equally through our countries provinces and territories. That would be $692-million for each province/territory. That money is simple math, and we could use it to our benefit.
Stefan Mieczkowski
Langford