A group representing 300 Douglas Street businesses is contesting the validity of B.C TransitB次元官网网址檚 rapid transit plans for the Douglas Corridor.

The transit authority should include cheaper alternatives in its business case to the B.C. Ministry of Transportation that would address traffic congestion, according to the Douglas Street Business Assocation.

Choice is encouraged by the Ministry of Transportation, and on that basis B.C. TransitB次元官网网址檚 business case should be considered B次元官网网址渘ull and void,B次元官网网址� said Bev Highton, association chair, adding that one of the choices should be high occupancy vehicle lanes.

The group believes a light-rail corridor will negatively impact Douglas Street commerce.

B次元官网网址淚t is called the Victoria Regional Rapid Transit Project,B次元官网网址� said B.C. Transit spokesperson Joanna Linsangan. B次元官网网址淩apid transit, by definition, runs on an exclusive right-of-way and this was set out right from the beginning.B次元官网网址�

B.C. TransitB次元官网网址檚 long-term plan includes installing either light rail or rapid busing on a dedicated corridor running from downtown Victoria to the West Shore. Saanich and Victoria councils have endorsed the plan.

B次元官网网址淟etB次元官网网址檚 study these things,B次元官网网址� Highton said. B次元官网网址淎ll of these things havenB次元官网网址檛 been properly looked at, properly analyzed and properly vetted.B次元官网网址�

But the transit authority says its business case, which is expected to go to the Ministry of Transportation this spring or summer, has received due diligence.

B次元官网网址淲e were very intent on ensuring we made this as public a process as possible,B次元官网网址� Linsangan said.

B.C. Transit is holding two open houses on the regional rapid-transit project on May 4 from noon to 7 p.m. at Victoria City Hall, and on May 5 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Juan de Fuca Kinsmen field house, 1767 Island Hwy.

emccraken@vicnews.com