Blaney Commits to Adding 1 km of Dedicated Lanes on Guillaume-Couture
Enhanced Bus Lane Project Proposed for Lévis
Steven Blaney’s Vision for Improved Public Transit in Lévis
Steven Blaney, a candidate for mayor of Lévis, is proposing an expansion of dedicated bus lanes on Boulevard Guillaume-Couture as an alternative to the rapid bus service (SRB) suggested by his opponent. Blaney promises a 1 km extension, aiming for a gradual and taxpayer-friendly implementation of the bus lane network.
In an interview with Emegypt, Blaney explained his intent to build on the foundation established by Gilles Lehouillier. With the city’s increasing density, Blaney believes it is crucial to enhance both automobile and public transportation efforts without delay. He emphasized that this commitment will be a priority in his first term, spanning the next four years.
A $50 Million Investment in the First Phase
The aspiring mayor commits to initiating at least one new phase of the project, extending approximately 1 km between Rue Charles-Rodrigue and Route du Président-Kennedy. The estimated cost for this development is $50 million, with Blaney hopeful that 80% will be funded by the Quebec government.
This proposal complements the existing 3 km of dedicated bus lanes under construction from 2023 to 2027, with a total budget of $149 million. According to Emegypt, Blaney’s party intends to execute additional phases progressively, exceeding the initial 1 km target if feasible.
Concerns Over Rapid Bus Service Revival
Blaney has expressed strong concerns regarding the revival of the rapid bus service project proposed by Serge Bonin of Repensons Lévis. He argues that the central integration of this system could undermine the existing lateral bus lanes. Blaney also questions the announced cost of at least $1 billion for Bonin’s project, referencing a higher evaluation of $2.45 billion by CDPQ Infra for a similar SRB along Guillaume-Couture.
The CDPQ Infra line proposal, spanning 20.8 km and crossing the Quebec Bridge, is longer than the 17 km plan by Bonin, making exact comparisons challenging. Blaney warns that such projects exceed the city’s financial capacity, stressing the importance of cautious commitments given Lévis’s debt level and necessary capital works.
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