Rapid Transit

[Jon Dalton]

^^So basically that's a very long winded way of saying we have nothing to say.

[SteelTown]

Horwath pushes Liberals to commit to light rail in Hamilton

April 30, 2010
Meredith Macleod
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/760929

Andrea Horwath is demanding the province commit to funding light rail transit for Hamilton this year.

The NDP leader called on the McGuinty government to make a promise to Hamilton so that LRT can be up and running in time for the Pan Am Games in 2015.

She said a delay in rolling out $4 billion in funding for transit projects around Toronto is raising fears in Hamilton.

"Hamiltonians are understandably worried that their city's LRT plan will meet a similar fate," Horwath said in the Ontario legislature during yesterday's question period.

"The government has cut $4 billion from the $11.5 billion allocated to Metrolinx. My question is this: Is this going to stop Hamilton's light rapid transit dream dead in its tracks?"

Transportation Minister Kathleen Wynne responded by accusing Horwath of "scaremongering."

Wynne said the Liberal government is committed to its regional rapid transit plan and has allocated $3 million to study the best option for Hamilton.

She said projects in Toronto are being stretched over a longer period of time, not cut entirely.

"We're going to move ahead and, I think, what the member opposite should be doing is working with us and working with the community to make sure that the right option is chosen," said Wynne.

Horwath told The Spectator that she's trying to keep Hamilton's transportation needs at the forefront.

The MPP for Hamilton Centre also said she's concerned that Wynne seemed unaware the city has already endorsed LRT.

Horwath says light rail will be "transformational" for Hamilton.

Liberal Hamilton Mountain MPP Sophia Aggelonitis said she supports LRT for the city and will continue to fight for it.

"The province has invested $110 million in Hamilton transit since 2003. And we'll be there in the future."

When the province announced the transit funding delays in its March deficit-fighting budget, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan said priority would be given to transit plans that would support the Pan Am Games.

[SteelTown]

Push hard for light-rail transit, Metrolinx chair urges Hamilton

April 30, 2010
By Meredith MacLeod
Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/761113

Metrolinx chair Rob MacIsaac says Hamilton should continue to build its case for light-rail transit.

“I encourage the city of Hamilton to proceed undaunted in planning for light rapid transit for Hamilton,” MacIsaac told a transportation summit held at Liuna Station this morning.

“The best chance for Hamilton to maximize an investment is to have its house in order. Being in an impeccable state of readiness ... (will make) an irresistible opportunity for an investment in rapid transit.”

Metrolinx has not committed to building an LRT line in Hamilton, but the city has endorsed it as its preferred option. Ongoing planning work on an east-west line running along Main and King streets is only focused on LRT.

MacIsaac said the province’s delay in rolling out $4 billion in funding for five projects in the Toronto area is causing concern among those hoping for a boost to rapid transit in Hamilton. But he said those projects will be funded over 10 years, rather than eight, and pointed out that current investments in public transit are at “historic rates.”

But he warned that tough choices must be made in order to fund a first-class regional transportation system.

The summit, called Taking Back the Streets, is focused on making Hamilton a great city to walk and bike to commute to work and for leisure.

[SteelTown]

NDP leader Andrea Horwath wants a written commitment that the government will support LRT for Hamilton. Do you agree the province should give such a commitment, which it already has done for Toronto?

Spec's poll
http://www.thespec.com/

[SteelTown]

I do agree that the province should make some kind of commitment, either LRT or BRT, ASAP. Quit this guessing game and get on with it.

[SteelTown]

LRT: Let's get it in writing

May 03, 2010
Robert Howard
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/Opinions/article/761991

Andrea Horwath, to her real credit, has not forgotten where she came from. The Ontario NDP leader regularly demonstrates the ability to find a balance (understandably not always even) between her provincial responsibilities and her role as MPP for Hamilton Centre.

She went to bat for Hamilton at Queen's Park last week, correctly identifying light rail transit here as a battle worth fighting.

Nothing on the table now has the potential to be as transformational for Hamilton -- attracting new investment, supporting existing businesses and making this city a more livable place -- as light rail transit.

When Horwath pressed Dalton McGuinty's government to commit -- in writing -- to fund light rail transit in Hamilton, she brought legislature focus onto the project and put pressure on the province to commit to LRT here.

Horwath asked the government for a funding commitment this year, clearly with the intent of getting light rail in place for the 2015 Pan Am Games that will showcase the city. We're not convinced there's any real likelihood, despite Horwath's question-period demands, of funding in what remains of 2010.

But Hamilton needs LRT funding in time to co-ordinate it, at least its initial stages, with the Games, and Horwath is absolutely on target in seeking a commitment in writing. That is appropriate -- and needed -- for the city to continue moving forward on planning.

LRT and the Pan Am Games should go hand-in-hand in Hamilton. It will be the best way to move the anticipated large numbers of visitors around the city -- and it will be a clear illustration that this city is a good place to work, live and raise a family.

And (because these things are taken into account) it would showcase the Ontario government's forward-thinking, enlightened and enterprising nature.

Certainly the precedent for a written commitment for transit funding is there -- and recent: The province just gave the City of Toronto a written commitment to fund four Transit City light rail lines over the next 10 years. Given that 2011 is a provincial election year and that almost anything can happen between now and polling day, it is important that Hamilton get a virtually iron-clad commitment that will survive any possible change in government.

Hamilton council has endorsed light rail; now the city (and the province) are awaiting a recommendation from Metrolinx, the agency co-ordinating the province's transit plan. If it recommends light rail for Hamilton, it's important that all the city's representatives -- municipal and provincial -- hold McGuinty's feet to the fire to come through promptly with funding.

Hamilton should also look to Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak -- whose riding includes Glanbrook -- to offer a commitment to Hamilton LRT if his party forms a government in 2011.

Light rail, with the Pan Am Games, is a huge opportunity for Hamilton. We need all the political support we can get to take advantage of it.

[SteelTown]

HA! Mayor Fred accidently slipped out a big piece of information. He said the City is trying to keep Siemens and the jobs in Hamilton "with LR eerrr..." haha.

[flar]

An interesting article looking at the Ottawa rapid transit case. Ottawa cheaped out on BRT years ago and is now facing a scenario where the system will not be able to handle demand sometime in the next 20 years.

Ottawa, Closer than Ever to Replacing Bus Rapid Transit with Light Rail
http://www.thetransportpolitic.com/2010/...acing-bus-rapid-transit-with-light-rail/

There was a time, a few years back, when talk of building bus rapid transit as a cheap precursor to train service was common. The theory was that cities could invest in new rights-of-way for rapid transit and design guideways specifically for future light rail implementation, but only fork up enough dough to pay for the buses.

...

Though the existing bus transitway is already in place, light rail construction will be expensive, notably because of the tunnel, which will cost C$735 million by itself. Even if bus service had been chosen as the preferred technology, this expense would have been required. But the C$540 million cost to convert the remaining ten kilometers of right-of-way is more surprising; much of that will go towards the big new stations along the line, with the rest to pay for tracks and electrification. Vehicles and a new maintenance facility will cost C$515 million.

With expenses like that — practically equivalent to building a new rail line from scratch — one wonders whether there was ever any fiscal advantage to using buses first along the rapidway. Did the city lose out by not choosing rail when the transitway first opened in 1983?

[SteelTown]

The A-Line feasibility rapid transit line is currently being developed. Should be completed by the end of 2010.

[LikeHamilton]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

The A-Line feasibility rapid transit line is currently being developed. Should be completed by the end of 2010.

I love the picture. I would like to see more picture like this from anyone. I think it would go a long way in selling the system to the few hold outs that are still out there.

[SteelTown]

Hamilton has "big headstart" as next Metrolinx project

May 17, 2010
Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/770880

Metrolinx CEO Rob Prichard says Hamilton has a "big headstart" on being next major project.

Pritchard made the comments today at the city's economic summit.

[SteelTown]

There will be tons more of renderings and videos for the LRT within a couple of months, it’s a requirement based on the EA bid.

There seem to be a shift about the B-Line being completed by 2015.

The City seems to think construction will happen in 2012. Perhaps have the median completed in time for 2015.

[matt602]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Hamilton has "big headstart" as next Metrolinx project

May 17, 2010
Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/770880

Metrolinx CEO Rob Prichard says Hamilton has a "big headstart" on being next major project.

Pritchard made the comments today at the city's economic summit.

This is a nice PR tidbit but it's time for Metrolinx to put the money where their mouth is. The Public Works committee has been investing so much of their time and money for LRT in Hamilton, and they are doing a wonderful job of pitching it to Metrolinx. It's a wonder they haven't been discouraged by all of the setbacks and funding scares.

I just can't believe how much feet are being dragged throughout this whole thing. Lets get some dollar figures going so we can work on getting shovels in the ground. It's going to take a long time to build all of this.

[MalcolmTucker]

^ The project is going to be funded through alternative project financing, so you have to wait for the financing plan just like every other community in the province. And before that doesn't the study have to report back on what is the best tech and route? Spitballing numbers just leaves you in a situation where like Toronto the commitments have started to vastly outnumber the budget/

[LikeHamilton]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Hamilton has "big headstart" as next Metrolinx project

May 17, 2010
Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/770880

Metrolinx CEO Rob Prichard says Hamilton has a "big headstart" on being next major project.

Pritchard made the comments today at the city's economic summit.

Metrolinx CEO Rob Prichard expects Hamilton to be the next major transit announcement coming out of the province.

"I think Hamilton is better advanced and has a big head start on being the next major project to be announced," he told a group of Hamilton's 200 top political, business and civic leaders at the third annual Hamilton Economic Summit.

"I personally think it's Hamilton's to lose, rather than Hamilton's to win."

But Prichard cautioned that competition is fierce for limited provincial funding. He said the city and its residents have a lot of work to do to convince the premier and cabinet to invest here.

That means committing to a route and a mode, and building a cohesive plan around that, he said.

"I'm optimistic Hamilton will prevail but there is a lot of work to do before the cheque is in the mail," Prichard said.

[markbarbera]

I would be extremely cautious about interpreting this to mean Hamilton's rapid transit project is fast-tracking. Rather, I would expect it to be coming later than sooner. The Phase One projects have just had their timelines readjusted with their completion now targeted for 2019. Hamilton's B-Line rapid transit project is part of Phase Two.

Pritchard said he expects Hamilton's project to be the next big announcement to come from Metrolinx. Thing is, he doesn't say when we can expect that announcement.

[thistleclub]

Metrolinx Board approves the 5 in 10 Plan

TORONTO, May 19, 2010 /CNW/ - The Metrolinx Board of Directors today approved a revised plan that will see all of the Big 5 transit projects completed over a 10 year period. The revised project plan will be presented to the Government of Ontario for final approval.

"We have put forth an aggressive, bold but doable plan to deliver the five projects in 10 years" said Robert Prichard, President and CEO of Metrolinx. "Our plan means that within a month projects worth $7 billion of the $9.5 billion will be underway. This is the largest public transit investment in Canadian history and we need to get going now."

In April 2009, the Province of Ontario announced $9.5 billion for the Big 5 projects, which include York Region's VIVA Next Bus Rapid Transit, the Sheppard Light Rail Transit (LRT) line, the refurbishment of the Scarborough Rapid Transit (RT), a Finch LRT and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT.

The 2010 Ontario budget committed to fully funding all five projects including escalation costs but asked that Metrolinx develop a plan to reduce the funding requirements for these projects in the first five years by $4 billion. The 5 in 10 plan achieves this goal - building the five projects by 2020 while saving $4 billion in the first five years.

"As one of the fastest growing regions in the country, it was important for us to work in partnership with Metrolinx to improve transit options," said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. "I believe we have arrived at a realistic plan that gets these projects underway now while giving consideration to the needs of commuters and the overall transit network people rely on."

"It is time to move forward," said Prichard. "We need to get moving to ensure that the region reaps the economic, social and environmental benefits of these unprecedented investments in public transit."

[thistleclub]

Public Works sez...

Rapid transit plans gain momentum in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON – May 20, 2010 – Hamilton’s rapid transit project continues to move forward and, beginning this month, the City will undergo a comprehensive study focused on planning, design and engineering. Following a competitive RFP process, Steer Davies Gleave (SDG) has been selected to carry out the study.

“This is a major milestone in the rapid transit planning process,” said Jill Stephen, Director of Strategic Planning and Rapid Transit. “In this next phase of the study, we are committed to carrying out extensive community consultation - a key component of the success of rapid transit in Hamilton." Ms. Stephen added that the City will also be establishing a Community Advisory Committee with representation from all sectors.

SDG has a broad range of experience planning rapid transit systems in built environments similar to many European rapid transit systems with narrow rights of way. In addition, the consulting team has extensive expertise in both Europe and North America which will be beneficial in moving Hamilton’s rapid transit plans forward.

The one-year study funded by Metrolinx will focus on the preliminary design for the B-line and the feasibility for the A-line. It will outline how the rapid transit system will look and function along the B-line, analyze traffic impacts and develop solutions to address challenges. The study will also develop plans for the A-line to allow that particular corridor to undergo the same Benefits Case Analysis process as the B-line.

[SteelTown]

Hamilton's LRT system taking shape
East-west link the priority

May 20, 2010
Meredith MacLeod
Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/article/772598

The detailed design and engineering work on a light-rail line through Hamilton is about to begin.

It’s expected to take about a year to complete.

The work will be completed by international transportation consultants Steer Davies Gleave, the city announced today.

“This is a major milestone in the rapid transit planning process,” said Jill Stephen, the city’s director of strategic planning and rapid transit.

She said the study will include extensive community consultation and that the city will establish a community advisory committee.

The consultants will be tasked with the detailed design work of an LRT line running from Eastgate Square to McMaster University along Main and King Streets, including impacts on traffic, parking and adjacent properties. The study will also include preliminary feasibility work on a line running from the waterfront to the airport.

There has been no formal commitment from regional transit planning authority Metrolinx or the province on LRT or money to pay for it. But Hamilton was the only municipality to receive a grant - $3 million - to undertake planning, design and engineering work on a transit line.

[SteelTown]

Public input to 'inform' city's plan for light rail

May 21, 2010
Meredith Macleod
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/772980

Hamiltonians will be asked for their input on a proposed light rail project throughout the next 12 months of design and engineering work.

The city will establish a community advisory committee to work with a consultant leading the study, and there will be a number of public information sessions and other communication efforts.

"We will not be waiting until the end to say, 'Here's our plan, what do you think?' " said Jill Stephen, the city's director of strategic planning and rapid transit.

"We'll be getting input throughout and that will inform the plan."

The city announced yesterday it has hired Steer Davies Gleave, an international transportation consulting firm, to do the planning for the estimated $784-million light rail line from Eastgate Square to McMaster University.

It's expected the study will take a year and it kicks off a crucial period in Hamilton's quest to land light rail.

The report will look at everything from station location to the technology to run the trains. It will analyze how traffic will flow throughout the area and how property owners will be affected.

The study will also include a feasibility study into an LRT route from the waterfront to the airport.

Steer Davies Gleave has spearheaded transportation projects around the world and was the lead architect of the Metrolinx benefits case analysis for Hamilton.

The city is the only municipality so far to get a grant from the province for its transit planning study. Local officials point to that $3 million as proof that Hamilton is well on its way to LRT.

Rail spirits were further boosted this week when Metrolinx CEO Rob Prichard told the Hamilton Economic Summit that he anticipates the city's transit project will be the next major announcement.

But the agency has made no commitment to LRT and the province has not promised any funding.

There is clearly a timeline at play. Everyone is talking about the trains running by the Pan Am Games in 2015 and the project is a big component of the city's controversial bid to build a west harbour stadium.

Kathy Drewitt, executive director of the Downtown Hamilton BIA, says business owners are anxious to get answers about how light rail will affect them during and after construction.

The city's proposal includes converting Main and King to two-way traffic and the possibility of removing street parking in the core, restricting left turns to signalled intersections and potentially closing a section of King to vehicles.

"Business owners want to know where the stops will be, how they'll get deliveries into their buildings, how their customers will get to them ... we're hoping the consultant will answer those questions."