A group of local mayors says they can start a rail service between the Ottawa Valley and west Quebec before Ottawa's downtown LRT even starts construction.
The group, along with a private rail planner, is proposing a passenger rail service using 400 kilometres of existing VIA Rail lines to get commuters to and from downtown Ottawa.
"We don't have to buy bridges. We don't have to dig a hole," said planner Joseph Potvin. "We just want to use resources that are right in front of our face."
The proposal includes a three-line system between Norway Bay and Casselman, Smiths Falls and Wakefield, and Arnprior and Montebello.
"The demand is there for people to leave their cars at home," said David Jeanes of Transport Action Canada.
Potential passengers said they agree with that sentiment.
"We have a lot of tourists so it's great for them," said one.
"I would use it and I know a dozen other people who would," added another.
The plan would share costs amongst various levels of government around the region, with the group saying it could start by the end of 2012.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Stefanie Masotti
