Fewer solo drivers aim of Regina 25-year transportation plan
2/3 of morning commuters alone in cars, report says
Rush hour in Regina is mostly a lot of people driving alone in their cars — but that needs to change, a city report says.
The final draft of the city's master transportation plan has just been released, and it's supposed to guide policies for the next 25 years regarding cars, bikes, buses and walking.
It notes that currently, during peak periods — the morning hours when people are heading to work or school — 67 per cent of those on the move are driving alone in their cars.
That's too high, when it comes to pollution, traffic congestion and wear and tear on the road system.
The draft plan going to the city's public works and infrastructure on Thursday calls for reducing that number to 60 per cent by 2039.
The plan says that can be accomplished by getting more people to walk, bike or take a bus to work or school. It also envisions more carpooling.
Even 25 years from now, the city expects the car will continue to be king and there will have to be an increasing investment in maintaining roads. That will mean higher taxes, the plan says.
The draft plan goes to Regina City Council on June 22. If its approved, city administrators will get to work on an implementation plan for consideration next year.