Re: "People take the bus out of choice," Sept. 20.
The writer correctly notes that, given a choice of convenient and rapid connections by bus (or tram), people of all walks of life will take public transit rather than their own costlier use of a personal car.
In several surveys conducted by IslandTransformations.org over the past decade, nearly 90 per cent of respondents have said they would prefer public transit if it was available within four to six blocks of start or destination, if it was on schedule, and took very little more time than a car over the same distance.
Also, those who acknowledged the average annual personal savings of not having a car were even more desirous of public transit options, and 90 per cent of those showed a preference for tram rather than bus.
All car owners must recognize that the Capital Regional District has reached its limit for road expansion, and any new development in Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke or Sidney, or even as far as Port Renfrew and Duncan, means more road congestion unless alternatives are offered.
That is why commuter service on the E&N must be provided as soon as possible, as well as new investments in rapidtransit systems. Every car owner who can walk, cycle or use public transit will make it more likely that those who must use their own car, for whatever reason, will encounter fewer traffic delays for their route.
Lloyd Skaalen
James Bay
