Build light rail in Kelowna

I've been a Westbank/West Kelowna resident since 2006 and have dealt with the traffic daily for a long time, and it's only getting worse.

I try to keep perspective of commutes, as they can be longer in many other cities. Give yourself time, put on some good music and you'll get there when you get there.

There is still a lot of the “old bridge” mentality that exists, especially on the Kelowna side. That said, one minor traffic issue can obviously cause major delays.

I see there being only two realistic solutions to solving the traffic congestion on Highway 97. Another bridge simply isn't going to happen in my lifetime.

(One option) is the often-talked about bypass that would take travellers and truckers around the city if they aren't stopping or staying in Kelowna. That should happen.

That said, it will not do anything to get people out of their cars within the city. Due to the traffic, the bus transit that exists simply cannot be relied on. Building a light rail system (or SkyTrain-type system) is the ultimate fix.

That could be built above the highway and across the lake. Start at Elliott Road. in West Kelowna with stops at the Mt. Boucherie transit exchange and near the bridge by the Xtreme (movie) theatre.

On the Kelowna side, have stops downtown, in the Capri area, at the Parkinson Recreation Centre/Landmark area, possibly at Dilworth Drive/Orchard Park Shopping Centre, McCurdy Road, the UBCO campus and the airport.

I understand that parking is an issue, but smarter people than me can sort that out.

Anyone willing to champion this has my vote. Where there's a will, there's a way.

John West, West Kelowna