Edmontonians could see a jump in their taxes if city council approves a plan to fast track the LRT system expansion.

City staff have recommended that the NAIT, Mill Woods and the west end LRT lines be completed by the end of 2016.

To cover the costs of the 30 kilometres of new track, taxpayers could pay a portion of the $3 billion project if it is approved, Bob Boutilier, Edmonton's transportation general manager said Thursday.

The lines would be in place if the city wins the bid to host Expo 2017.

"This is not a project that is just about Expo 2017, it's about the city," Boutilier said.

"The advantage of doing this now is that with Expo 2017 coming, the potential for other orders of government to put even more money into it ... that opportunity is there."

If approved, the extensions would be built in phases, Boutilier said.