Ottawa's in - now what?

The federal and provincial governments have now made their financial commitments to Waterloo Region's rapid transit plan.

Now we wait as regional council is not expected to make a move until after October's municipal elections.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in Kitchener and announced a federal pledge of up to $265 million dollars.

Harper says rapid transit will offer better service to riders, relieve congestion and cut travel times for everyone.

With the province's commitment already in place, just over two thirds of the 790-million-dollar bill is now covered.

If the region decides to push ahead with light rail, it will have to come up with the rest of the money.

Regional Chair Ken Seiling says staff will spend the next few months examining financing options, including possibly looking to the private sector.

They will also study whether any elements of the proposal need to be changed.

If everything goes as planned, light rail connecting Waterloo to Kitchener and rapid bus service linking those cities to Cambridge, will be up and running by 2015.