WATERLOO — Transit advocates say the region is missing an opportunity by not connecting a key express bus route to a new University of Waterloo transit plaza that will be built next year.

Chris Klein, spokesperson with the Tri-Cities Transport Action Group, said not linking the busy 202 University iXpress leaves a gap.

"This particular route needs to connect with Ion and we think that plans needs to be in place for (the) Ion launch in early 2018 because the region is only launching Ion once," Klein said. "They have one shot to put their best foot forward."

Coun. Tom Galloway said he recognizes the need for the 202 iXpress to link with light rail.

"It's important that when we launch Ion that these cross connections are already in place," Galloway said. "We don't want to lose, let's call it, the momentum of Ion with ridership by not having these connections properly made."

The Region of Waterloo plans to build a plaza that will accommodate Grand River Transit and GO Transit and is adjacent to a light rail transit stop.

The new transit plaza will be built between Phillip Street and Ring Road opposite the Davis Centre.

The region's transportation master plan emphasizes an integrated system of buses and light rail with buses delivering passengers from outside the corridor to the light rail route.

But the University of Waterloo has expressed concern about pedestrian safety on Ring Road and asked transit planners to minimize bus use, particularly on the southeast side.

As a result, northbound routes have been relocated and the University Avenue iXpress won't connect with the plaza, said John Cicuttin, manager of transit development.

"They've asked us to, for the future, look at avoiding that part of the Ring Road completely, which kind of leads us to travelling on University Avenue only, which does make some challenges in terms of people wanting to travel between the Ion light rail and those routes on University," he said.

With the 202 iXpress staying on University, the nearest light rail stops at Seagram Drive or University Avenue are a walk of about 600 metres, or roughly 10 minutes with street crossings, Klein said.

"I think there's no effective transfer from 202 the way it's planned," he said.

Galloway said if there are solutions to bring the University iXpress closer to the route, the region will consider those.

"I think staff would like to make the connection if at all possible," he said.

The plaza will function basically as its own street for buses, service vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.

The station will connect to the Laurel Trail and provide a pedestrian and cycling link between Ring Road and Phillip Street.

Five bus routes including the 200 and 201 iXpress will connect at the station in fall 2017.

In 2018, light rail transit will replace the 200 iXpress between Fairview Park mall and Conestoga Mall and the 7D and 7E branches.

Final decisions haven't been made on the plaza and routes. Staff will consider public feedback and finalize the design.

The region has budgeted about $5.1 million for the project, with an additional $4 million from the federal Public Transit Infrastructure Fund.

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Construction is expected to start and finish in 2017.

Grand River Transit is seeking public feedback on the plaza plan. To comment, go to http://www.grt.ca/en/aboutus/uwaterloo-transit-station.asp

University of Waterloo officials were not available for comment.