Ottawa, Ontario, the poster-child for busway advocates, has changed directions and approved an approximately five mile light rail pilot project. It will operate on existing Canadian Pacific R.R. freight tracks between Greenboro and Bayview, near downtown Ottawa. The two year pilot project is expected to cost $16 million. The line will use diesel self-propelled rail cars and link the Labreton Flats area near central Ottawa with Carleton University and nearby office parks. It will connect with the existing busway system.

This is the city whose busway network Charlotte hopes to closely follow as a model for our four planned busway corridors. While Ottawa turns to light rail, Charlotte clings to Ottawa’s old busway technology.