"In fact, in many ways Canadians are ahead of governments often times on these issues. But they're looking for the solutions to be available to them so they can leave their car at home once in a while. But you can't do that if you haven't got transit that's affordable and available to you."

"We remain eternally optimistic," [Jack Layton] said, "and if (Prime Minister Stephen) Harper is unwilling, then we'll take it to the voters when that time comes. I believe it will have a lot of community support."

Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry Coun. Jenny Gerbasi, one of the strongest advocates at city hall for rapid transit welcomed the plan as "dedicated, predictable transit funding."