The Big Story
Why does (most of) Canada suck at building transit? artwork

Why does (most of) Canada suck at building transit?

The Big Story
E88322:24
Play episode

Show notes

By now you are likely familiar with the long, sad story of the Ottawa LRT—which just returned from being totally shut down for a month. But that project is far from the only large Canadian transit project to run into delays, mistakes, errors, sky-high budgets and everything else that can turn an ambitious idea into a headache. Why are so many of these projects stalled or broken? How hard is it to get new transit built in Canada, and why? Are there examples in this country other cities could follow if they wanted to do things right? Are we really awful at building this stuff, or do we just love to complain about our infrastructure? GUEST: Reece Martin, former transportation planner, creator of the RM Transit YouTube channel and substack. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More from this show

More
  1. The unraveling of the BC Conservatives

    Things are not going well for the Conservative Party of British Columbia. Following Kerry-Lynne Findlay's win as leader earlier this summer after the ousting of John Rustad, there…

    E201024:06
  2. Big Headlines: Carney's Liberals sweep a trio of byelections and Marineland ships out its last whales

    Plus: The CBC is barred from attending the Republican Party’s midterm convention, international school trips across Canada are cancelled or tweaked amid a changing landscape, praye…

    E201406:54
  3. What should we know about Mitch McConnell's whereabouts?

    US Senator Mitch McConnell hasn't been seen by the public in some 12 weeks. His last in-person sighting was in Washington, D.C. on June 11, before posting a proof-of-life picture f…

    E200223:12
  4. Big Headlines: Canadian websites confused over Trump's new name for Lake Ontario and three federal byelections

    Plus: Oil prices surge after the U.S. and Iran trade strikes, voters head to the polls in three federal by-elections, Nepalese cultural festivals are cancelled across Canada follow…

    E200907:00
  5. What the Lake Ontario fight reveals about water and sovereignty

    In US President Trump's latest attempt at dominating Canada, an executive order was signed last week renaming Lake Ontario to 'Lake America'. Whether the new title will actually…

    E200819:47
  6. Weekend Listen: Can small businesses survive another tariff hit?

    Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" Canadian small businesses are a big part of the economy. And like the rest of us, they're dealing with more tar…

    E200621:13
Now Playing
Why does (most of) Canada suck at building transit? — The Big Story | Josplay Music