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Bedford Fast Ferry Then, and Now |
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Written by Shet Flouts
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Sunday, 03 June 2007 |
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During the 2000 municipal elections, a fast ferry from Bedford to Halifax was proposed by then mayor, Walter Fitzgerald. It wouldn't float in 2000, so why is it making like a turd in Halifax harbour and floating now? Bedford Ferry Not a Very Good Idea: Expert -From the Daily News, September 02, 2000
Walter Fitzgerald's Opposition to Commuter Rail Produces Unworkable Alternative Proposal
Mayor Walter Fitzgerald's idea for a ferry from Bedford to Halifax is just a political "red herring," says a transportation expert who doesn't think the idea will float. "If money is poured into a ferry, it's going to be a complete waste of time," Larry Hughes, a Dalhousie professor and transportation activist, said yesterday.
Fitzgerald said Wednesday the city should look at operating a high-speed ferry to reduce congestion on the Bedford Highway and in downtown Halifax.
Hughes believes Fitzgerald's proposal is just a tactic to rattle mayoral opponent Peter Kelly. The Bedford councillor has been a longstanding supporter of an Annapolis Valley-Halifax commuter train. Hughes thinks Kelly was diplomatic about the ferry suggestion because he didn't want to alienate voters.
But the idea sank with Hughes, who sits on a subcommittee that will present Halifax regional council with a commuter-rail report this week. Hughes said a ferry wouldn't "make a dent" in the city's traffic problems. The boat wouldn't be an option for people making long commutes off the Highway 101 and 102 corridors, he said. "If somebody has driven for half-an-hour, it's unlikely they're going to stop, get out of their car, get on a ferry, wait for a while longer to take a ferry in, when they could just stay in their car," Hughes said. "It doesn't make any sense."
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