Bank Street O-Train Subway Time?

In 1961 Montreal started planning its Metro Subway. The city at the time had 2 million people. Ottawa Gainteau's current population is 1.6 million. If current population growth continues, Ottawa Gatineau will exceed 1.8 people by the end of 2028.

Residents all over the city are asking about Ottawa’s Bank Street. A major thoroughfare famous for traffic & gridlock; a subway under Bank Street would significantly reduce the number of cars on the road, easing traffic flow and commuter times for everyone. This would benefit transit users and drivers.

OC-Transpo buses like the #6 & #7 get slowed down by traffic, late 40% of the time according to recent reports making for unreliable travel times. A subway would be unaffected by traffic, offering a faster and more predictable travel option, especially during peak hours. It would also attract more transit users who don’t want to stand around freezing in the winter or getting soaked during rainy seasons.

The Bank Street O-Train and the existing Confederation Line would allow for easier transfers and access to other parts of the city. Offering a quicker route into the city core compared to buses which are always late - a Bank Street O-Train would convince people to use public rail transit instead of driving cars. This would create a more comprehensive and efficient transit network for people who live in the city core and the suburbs.

Fewer cars on the road due to a more attractive public transit option would contribute to lower climate-changing emissions, a cleaner city, and less surface noise.

It would also over time mean less maintenance costs for roads and new road construction as more people switch to the O-Train network.   

The idea would improve access for tourists visiting Ottawa easing congestion around Lansdowne Park during major events and make it easier for people to attend Ottawa Senators hockey games once the arena is completed. It would also create a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly Bank Street, benefiting local businesses and residents.

Maybe it’s time for the Ottawa Bank Street O-Train Subway. If a Bank Street O-Train Subway gets built, why not extend it to Place du Portage & Terrasses de la Chaudière in Gatineau?