Stevenson proposes BRT accounting and better construction coordination

LONDON, ON — Mayoral candidate Susan Stevenson is proposing a full public accounting of Bus Rapid Transit and the proposed North Link, an annual road construction plan approved by Council, and practical improvements to everyday travel.

“Londoners deserve to know what BRT has cost, what remains to be paid, and when the promised service will be delivered,” said Stevenson. “They also deserve a City that plans roadwork around the people who need to get through it.”

The BRT report would bring together original and revised budgets, actual spending, remaining contractual commitments, funding, operating costs, and expected delivery dates. It would identify completed and remaining work, distinguish transit costs from other infrastructure renewal, and explain changes to budgets and schedules. The proposed North Link would be included, showing decisions already made and approvals still required.

Stevenson would bring the annual City Road Construction Plan to Council before the construction season. It would limit overlapping disruption on main routes, coordinate utility and development work, protect emergency and business access, and provide accessible detours. Businesses would receive early notice, a named contact, and access and signage plans.

“Council should see how the work fits together before the construction season begins,” Stevenson said. “When a schedule changes or access becomes a problem, residents and businesses need clear information and follow-through.”

The plan also calls for a review of traffic signal timing and coordination, turning restrictions, and protected cycling lanes, with changes assessed for traffic flow and safety. Stevenson would prioritize road and sidewalk maintenance and publish an annual snow-removal review with corrective actions.

Working with London Transit and employers, Stevenson would develop a budget case for industrial-park transit service matched to shift times and demand. She also proposes cleaner, better-maintained shelters and a costed review of transit police or special-constable options with the relevant agencies.

Within her first 100 days, Stevenson would initiate the BRT accounting and construction-coordination work and bring report dates to Council. New costs would be considered within her commitment to municipal tax increases under one per cent in 2027 and 2028, with zero as the goal, followed by inflation or less in 2029 and 2030.

“We should be able to measure whether daily travel is improving and explain what each investment delivers,” Stevenson said. “I will bring the facts to Council, build support, and report on the results.”