Mayoral candidate Susan Stevenson says she would push for a public accounting of London’s Bus Rapid Transit project and proposed North Link if elected. Stevenson made the announcement Thursday morning in front of the BRT shelters at King and Burwell streets. She outlined three commitments: A full public accounting of BRT and the proposed North Link, an annual road construction plan approved by council, and practical improvements to everyday travel. Stevenson said she would take a closer look at how the city is spending money on major transportation projects, including BRT and the proposed North Link. “People have a lot of questions. We spent almost half a billion dollars on this investment, and they would like to see it laid out in plain English in one spot where they can really see and get the answers as to what was spent,” Stevenson said. “What was the reason for the $174 million overruns? Were there construction delays? Like, how well did we do in managing this project, and what is it that we’ve committed to going forward?” Stevenson is also proposing an annual road construction plan aimed at better coordinating roadwork, utility projects and development, while keeping businesses and emergency routes accessible. She said residents and businesses should receive more advance notice when construction is expected to affect them. Her platform also calls for a review of traffic signals, turning restrictions and cycling lanes, along with a greater focus on road and sidewalk maintenance. Stevenson said she would work with London Transit and local employers to explore transit options for industrial areas, including service timed around shift work. “Getting around London should be something we can count on,” Stevenson said. The current Ward 4 councillor said she would begin the BRT review and construction-coordination work within her first 100 days in office.
