Just days after a public survey that has been criticized as a "push poll" showed strong opposition to bus rapid transit (BRT), a new survey of downtown business owners shows their reluctance to hop on board the plan.
The Downtown London Business Association (LDBA) commissioned the survey of core businesses, finding 73% of the responding members were against the current BRT plan.
The online poll was conducted by Insights between April 27 and May 4 with 142 merchants participating. The total number of respondents was only 38% of those eligible to participate.
Only one in five felt that BRT would be advantageous to their business once it is up and running. The majority of those opposed expressed concern that construction of the transit system would negatively effect their business. The strongest opposition came from those with stores along Richmond Row.
Of those who were in favour of BRT, 61% believe the system is needed for the benefit of the city.
In a letter going to city council, general manager Janette MacDonald and LDBA chairperson Gerald Gallacher said "it's tempting to react emotionally or apply short-term thinking in times of change or disruption, but that has never been the approach of our BIA. We are committed to being strategic and forward thinking, and considering what is needed for London to become a best-in-class city."
Earlier this week, anti-BRT group Down Shift released the results of its own survey which found 67% of those asked are against the controversial transit plan as it stands now.
Council will debate and finalize the routes of the $560-million BRT plan on Monday and Tuesday.