Fort McMurray Forum

Globe and mail has an interesting story about Fort Mac traffic problems.

They talk about adding Light Rail System, which could be interesting.

I like that they are trying to offer alternatives and improve the traffic situation but this doesn't look promising

An online survey performed by the municipality earlier this year asked participants how often they use transit. Of 811 respondents, 684 replied “never.”
When asked how to improve traffic, nearly 78 per cent said “building more roads and widening highways,” while only 22 per cent asked for “improved public transit.”

Btw, a welcome news is that as of Aug. 21 intersection of Highway 63 and Silin Forest Road (Water intake plant) will be an intersection with Highway 63 southbound lanes only, with only right turns permitted at this intersection. This should improve things slightly.

For me it comes down to my time and what it is worth to me. Utilizing provided transportation extends my work day by the minimum one hour or longer depending on other factors. That is extra home time I get with my family and I have no incentive to give that up just to please civic officials.

If they really wanted to cut the traffic down then they should implement a car pool rule or car pool lanes. Also company vehicles should never have only one person inside. Honestly if every single plant worker parked their vehicles and used the bus then there would be people stranded left and right at bus stops because they would never have enough buses or staff for that kind of rider volume.

poopdogg wrote: Honestly if every single plant worker parked their vehicles and used the bus then there would be people stranded left and right at bus stops because they would never have enough buses or staff for that kind of rider volume.

You're right, but I don't think they were planning for everyone to take the bus either.

I also think if they changed the company vehicle policy things could improve. Maybe group people who work on the same schedule and live close by and give them 1 car per 2 -3 people.

I strongly believe they should be all made to take the bus. It cuts down environmentially on the community and that would also bring less negative comments from the media. Might give the media something good to talk about for a change. Fort McMurray is a rapidly growing city. They need to take whatever measures needed or required to protect the future growth of the community. But placing measures like it's manditory for workers to take the bus or face fines for not obey company policies or something. Until something is put in place like a train or whatever. The roads cannot keep up with the amount of traffic it holds. Therefore, hard working tax payers money is being spend on unnecessary repairs instead of building new roads, creating better transportation. I agree with taking the bus forsure.

bunnie1975 wrote:I strongly believe they should be all made to take the bus. It cuts down environmentially on the community and that would also bring less negative comments from the media. Might give the media something good to talk about for a change. Fort McMurray is a rapidly growing city. They need to take whatever measures needed or required to protect the future growth of the community. But placing measures like it's manditory for workers to take the bus or face fines for not obey company policies or something. Until something is put in place like a train or whatever. The roads cannot keep up with the amount of traffic it holds. Therefore, hard working tax payers money is being spend on unnecessary repairs instead of building new roads, creating better transportation. I agree with taking the bus forsure.

The same could be said for the amount of people who work south of the bridge. Make all of them take the public transit to take the strains off parking and traffic. But we all know that isn't practical.

I'm telling you if they took away a 1/4 or 1/2 of the company vehicles and made them car pool it would make a huge difference. I would rather capool then take the germ infested diversified buses anyday. I would even pay a $1000/year premium so I could drive my own vehicle out to work.

bunnie1975 wrote:I strongly believe they should be all made to take the bus.

In Soviet Russia workers would be forced to take the bus!

Since we live in democracy financial incentives work best.
Here are a few ideas:

• Institue paid parking with high fees, and give discounts to car poolers.
• Make HWY 63 a toll road with proceeds going towards better public transit.