Commuters in Canada's capital will coast on light-rail lines in the future should a transit committee's recommendation also meet the approval of city hall.

Staff told councillors on Wednesday that light rail is the most viable option for Ottawa to pull back on its reliance on buses, given that light rail penetrates easily into suburban communities.

Heavy rail is a cheaper option but more difficult to implement in the long run, said a report presented to the committee.

City council will meet next week, on Oct. 28.