04-14-2021, 06:53 PM
Quote: Problem is, at this point it is only potential. The residential areas alongside Homer Watson within 800m walking distance are low density (10-15ppl/ha), and there's no big job nodes, either. There's a paucity of high value nodes between Block Line or Fairway Station and Conestoga College, and redevelopment will take decades to change that, too long for ION Stage 2.
Because it's also the shortest route. If you want ION to be a practical form transportation between Kitchener and Cambridge, you need to shorten it where reasonably possible to reduce trip time. The Homer Watson route to Conestoga College and then to Preston is a third again as long, and if you're imagining stops along Manitou, Homer Watson, and Fountain, that trip time increases even more.
Also, that 4km stretch isn't as bad as it seems. Northfield to R+T is 5km.
Northfield to R+T is closer to 2km.
I get the directness argument, although we have also diverted stage 1 and stage 2 (to Hespeler Rd) in part for the sake of increased development potential. If it were all about transportation, we'd continue to run buses along Highway 8/401.