Rapid Transit lines for Hamilton reflected in Metrolinx Plan

September 23, 2008 Chair of Metrolinx, Rob MacIsaac, previewed Metrolinx’s draft transportation strategy, which identified three rapid transit routes in Hamilton to be implemented consecutively over the next 25 years. The Big Move: Transforming Transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area maps out $50 billion in new transportation projects over 25 years. Listed among the Top 15 “early implementation” priority projects was rapid transit expansion from McMaster to Centennial Parkway – the current HSR ‘B-Line’. The ‘A-Line’ was also included in the first 15 years of the plan. A Mohawk Road route from Ancaster to Main Street was included in the plan beyond 25 years. “We are happy with the news this morning,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “Indeed, I believe that rapid transit will be transformational in that it will push Hamilton into the future. In addition to the positive effect on our environment, rapid transit will have numerous benefits such as real estate and job growth,” he added. The Mayor urges the people of Hamilton to participate in the Metrolinx public consultations expected to take place in October. "As Hamilton's representative on the Metrolinx Board, I will continue to work hard to ensure this announcement becomes a reality.” When pressed for more details about whether rapid transit in Hamilton would be light rail transit (LRT) or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), MacIsaac reinforced that this is a draft strategic document which still requires more detailed analysis. Metrolinx plans to begin a public consultation process in October, reaching out to municipal partners, stakeholders and the general public. The final plan is expected to be released in November 2008 with implementation to begin soon after. In the meantime, City of Hamilton staff will continue to aggressively develop rapid transit plans in anticipation for the final announcement in November. “We will continue to meet with Metrolinx officials to demonstrate that Hamilton is ready to implement light rail transit now,” said Jill Stephen, Manager of Strategic Planning in the Public Works Department.