07-25-2024, 05:42 AM
(07-24-2024, 06:43 PM)bravado Wrote: Just to be fair, just because we specifically can't do something because of corruption and waste and incompetence, doesn't mean that the idea is bad. Lots of places could have done the ION "the right way" and on-budget. We should have, but I know full well why we didn't/couldn't.
The ION is a big compromise that is in no way capable for the future, but the alternative was literally nothing, so I get it. I'm still just kinda sick of accepting mediocrity for the same price tag as excellence.
There probably was some waste or lack of competence (though whether it was any more than usual is a valid question) but I have seen absolutely zero indication of there having been any corruption in the construction or procurement of the ION LRT. Unless you have something substantial on that, let's please not throw that word (which has a very clear and specific meaning) around.
As it is, even the way it is built, it can still absolutely be better. The speeds can be improved in many sections without changing the tracks or the trains (Transport Canada cough cough) and, once the ridership merits it, we can first reduce headways and eventually upgrade to longer trains.