Quote:
Originally Posted by bigguy1231
This is not the field of dreams. If it is built it doesn't mean people are actually going to use it. It doesn't mean there is going to be billions of dollars in developement. It's all speculative. Hamilton is not like most other cities. What works elsewhere won't neccessarily work here. Because of our proximity to Toronto and our topography we are limited in what can be done and the possible benefits that may be realized.
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(as I preview my post, I see Ryan has again said it much better than myself, as he's directly involved with Hamilton Light Rail. But I'll still offer my "bystander's perspective")
I have been to a light rail meeting or two. But in general, I'm just someone who's been watching, reading, listening. I've certainly learned a lot by doing that. And some of the things you're saying are just plain inaccurate.
I simply want to help clear a few things up. I do hope you look into this yourself and get a bit better informed.
I think you'd be pleasantly surprised.
There's many case studies done in cities (and many are far more similar to Hamilton than Toronto) looking at ridership and economic benefits. There's well-documented evidence that LRT does draw in new ridership and cause development. Looking only at the cities with similar populations (or even less people) than Hamilton, you still see the same benefit. Our suburbs are well-positioned for endpoints and stations on light rail. We're in a good place to do this.
It is rather surprising how many people thought they would never ride transit, and never use anything besides their cars, but once light rail was built they found themselves using it. But to state that "the people of the city" aren't on board yet to get it in Hamilton isn't accurate - overwhelmingly, the city is already on board, and you might be the one missing the train (somewhat literally...?).
One of the reasons it's a good idea is because it HAS worked in cities
very much like ours.
LRT began to change the mentality towards transit in those cities also, a mentality you've so well-summarized in your final eight or nine sentences. And like you said, it's the mentality of many in this city also. And like other cities, the LRT will only change things
if there's real benefits to it. If light rail wasn't faster, cleaner, more efficient, and well... sexier than ye olde bus.. it wouldn't change anyone's mind or bring any development around it. But it is... and it does.
The so-called "topography" issue is one tunnel through the escarpment. That's it. Leaving aside any much-less-useful option using an existing mountain access, even that is an issue to be dealt with
after the construction of a successful B-line that's proven its benefits well before a second one is in the works.