This image sums up the problem with the current green line plan:
Look at how much larger the SE catchment area is to achieve competitive numbers with the north. The bulk of the population is well south of Shepard stage 1 terminus, and the bulk of the jobs are well east of the line (mostly on the other side of a canal). They've drawn the entire SE city limits (and presumably used it for the numbers)...is the green line really going to do anything for someone working in a warehouse on the
east side of Stoney Trail, over 7km away from the nearest green station?
This abomination won't even be ready until 2026 at the earliest. My newborn will have grey hair by the time the line reaches Seton or Country Hills. Though to be fair...we go grey very early in my family.
The SE leg is shaped like a dumbbell - broad destination areas on each end with very little in between. Buses actually make sense for that (no need for express commuter buses to stop 5 times like the train would).
The plan was for SE BRT for a longtime, until the money fairy made a shocking appearance before a federal election. They're going back and forth on at-grade vs. tunnel and route termini, but they should really be re-thinking whether the SE actually needs LRT right now.
As much as I'd love council to renege on the arena deal, it would undermine every other decision they ever make. Woolley may be grandstanding, but I'm glad he is. People in this city should be reminded of the ridiculousness that played out over ~7 days in August. Those that missed it, should hear the cliff notes now. IMO Woolley was right about the arena then, and he is still right now, even though it is too late to do anything about it. He's also right about the current Green Line running from "nowhere to nowhere"...thankfully there is still plenty of time to fix it, though the decision making of late does not inspire confidence.