Rapid Transit

[emge]

I don't think there's much chance King will make it as a route for either direction. I'm guessing Main both ways, especially if we have to fund part of it.

I think that makes sense anyways. It would be nice to get LRT on both streets, but I don't think there's enough benefit for the cost, confusion, walk between,etc.

[BrianE]

Better to over estimate the cost of LRT than under estimate it.

It's much easier to tell people a project will cost less than you thought than to tell them it will cost more.

[omro]

Originally Posted by emge

I don't think there's much chance King will make it as a route for either direction. I'm guessing Main both ways, especially if we have to fund part of it.

I think that makes sense anyways. It would be nice to get LRT on both streets, but I don't think there's enough benefit for the cost, confusion, walk between,etc.

Totally agree with the section in bold, but then I have posted into a thread about it

That said, I would be perfectly happy to see both lines on King or Main, as long as both lines are together.

[LikeHamilton]

Originally Posted by ryan_mcgreal

Give or take - though the $650 million price tag seems high.

I suspect that the first route will be the most expensive one to build. With it they will have to build the entire infrastructure to go with it. They will need a storage and maintenance facility. They need an electrical plant to feed the system. Maintenance and service vehicles such and specialized tow vehicles, track grinding vehicle etc. They will have to train staff in LRT operation from administration to cleaning to driving. With proper planning, they should be able to expand the system with little or no expansion of the infrastructure.

[crhayes]

Originally Posted by LikeHamilton

I suspect that the first route will be the most expensive one to build. With it they will have to build the entire infrastructure to go with it. They will need a storage and maintenance facility. They need an electrical plant to feed the system. Maintenance and service vehicles such and specialized tow vehicles, track grinding vehicle etc. They will have to train staff in LRT operation from administration to cleaning to driving. With proper planning, they should be able to expand the system with little or no expansion of the infrastructure.

Does this LRT system have overhead wires or an electric track? I'm pretty sure I read it has overhead wires (which sucks), and I was thinking it should really have an electrified track, but then I thought that it's right in the middle of the street and people will probably be walking over it

[ryan_mcgreal]

Originally Posted by LikeHamilton

I suspect that the first route will be the most expensive one to build. With it they will have to build the entire infrastructure to go with it.

You're absolutely right. These are one-time costs that will have to be incurred whenever the first branch is built. I wasn't thinking of them when I saw the price tag.

Originally Posted by crhayes

Does this LRT system have overhead wires or an electric track? I'm pretty sure I read it has overhead wires (which sucks), and I was thinking it should really have an electrified track, but then I thought that it's right in the middle of the street and people will probably be walking over it.

The decision on which technology to use will be part of the planning / environmental assessment phase. Alstom Citadis is available with a ground level power supply (the track is energized just as the vehicle passes over it, so it's completely safe to walk on), but the city will have to weigh the higher cost of such as system and study the technical considerations given Hamilton's variable climate.

[emge]

Isn't light rail generally grade-separated or barrier-separated as well?

[crhayes]

Originally Posted by ryan_mcgreal

You're absolutely right. These are one-time costs that will have to be incurred whenever the first branch is built. I wasn't thinking of them when I saw the price tag.



The decision on which technology to use will be part of the planning / environmental assessment phase. Alstom Citadis is available with a ground level power supply (the track is energized just as the vehicle passes over it, so it's completely safe to walk on), but the city will have to weigh the higher cost of such as system and study the technical considerations given Hamilton's variable climate.

Man the last thing I'd like to see is wires strewn all across the city in order to power LRT...in all honesty.

[SteelTown]

Metrolinx's $50b plan approved

November 29, 2008
Rob Faulkner
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/474367

After a long debate, Metrolinx yesterday unanimously passed a 25-year, $50-billion final plan to tackle gridlock and pollution in the greater Toronto and Hamilton area.

The Big Move: Transforming Transportation in the GTHA plots four Hamilton transit lines, with a priority on an Eastgate Square- McMaster University line, and extended GO trains into Stoney Creek.

"Pretty much as expected," Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger said at the provincial crown agency's packed board meeting.

In addition to future rapid-transit lines (whether bus or rail is undecided), this area also sees GO rail-line electrification cutting travel time to Toronto, the James Street North regional rail station and a Burlington RT line linked to Toronto's Kipling subway station.

The first five years of the Metrolinx budget (2009-13) will spend $7 billion of the $11.5 billion in funds that the province has committed to the fledgling agency. Due to the shortfall in funding the whole $50-billion plan, yesterday's meeting heard a spirited debate.

Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion made an amendment to the plan that, instead of putting off the discussion of long-term financing tools, such as tolls, until 2013, that this discussion occur sooner.

Metrolinx wants to first spend the $11.5 billion it has, seek the $6 billion it requests from Ottawa, and discuss possible tolls or other new fees in 2013 after residents see improvements to transportation.

City of Toronto chief planner emeritus Paul Bedford asked the board to "make the plan matter," by making Ontario Municipal Board decisions fit with The Big Move.

This didn't pass.

In a bid to avoid more low density, car dependent development, Bedford also tried to have new 400 series highways in the 25-year plan be reserved for goods movement, and be built as toll roads. It was considered too big a change to make to the plan without public consultation but was referred to staff.

In its $7-billion, five-year capital plan, Metrolinx will start with construction of the Sheppard East light-rail line and York Region's VIVA bus rapid-transit system. The plan's first full year of construction is expected to generate 17,000 jobs.

See the plan at metrolinx.com.

[SteelTown]

Learn, Share and Inquire at Rapid Transit Community Update Meetings
The Rapid Transit Team is holding two community meetings next week to share information with stakeholders about ambitious rapid transit plans for Hamilton. Staff will provide an update on the Metrolinx Regional Transportation Plan, the status of the ongoing light rail transit plans and studies in Hamilton and discuss the next steps in the process.

Community Update Meetings:

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Hamilton Convention Centre, Webster Room C
1 Summers Lane

Thursday, December 4th, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Barton Stone United Church

[omro]

Short-line rail good Hamilton investment

J.C. (Cliff) Mackay
The Hamilton Spectator
(Mar 9, 2009)

Canada's railways are back on the public agenda -- and no one should be surprised.

Expanding global trade has accelerated growth in rail freight. Increased environmental concern has highlighted the virtues of rail as the greenest of transportation modes. Passenger rail numbers are rising rapidly. And now a global economic crisis and the need for economic stimulus have many talking about major transportation infrastructure investments.

Much of the recent public discourse on rail investment has focused on high-speed passenger rail -- an ambitious policy goal that must be pursued. Receiving less attention is desperately needed investment in "short line" rail infrastructure that provides immediate stimulus to the economy, creates jobs, supports railway parts manufacturing and ensures an environmentally responsible platform for economic growth.

(A "short line" railway is a small independent railroad that operates over a short distance. As a general rule, it links industries or industrial towns with mainline railroads. In this area, Southern Ontario Railway includes a line that runs about 90 kilometres from Brantford to Nanticoke. The Hamilton terminal section runs for about six kilometres, connecting the Port of Hamilton with both CN and CP. It services the industrial basin in Hamilton.)

In Hamilton and every part of Canada, rail infrastructure projects and suppliers are ready to move now. Construction will employ thousands of Canadians -- immediately. The benefits to local and regional competitiveness will be felt just as fast.

In Hamilton, there is immediate need for investment in short-line rail that could not happen without public-private partnership.

Short line typically has lower traffic volumes that don't generate the revenue required to upgrade and rehabilitate the rail infrastructure.

But these short lines are critical to the competitiveness of local industry and the economic health of communities such as Hamilton.

We have identified 10 short-line infrastructure projects that meet all the criteria for investment under the federal-provincial infrastructure spending plans. This rail investment proposal, calling for $94 million in investment from these two levels of government, deserves the support of Hamilton.

Among other improvements, short-line investments will include track upgrades and bridge reinforcements. In turn, this results in public and economic benefits in communities such as Hamilton.

Ontario's short-line railways have placed a well-defined proposal before governments.

Rail investment also will help offset declines in the automotive sector. Skills in the two industries are readily transferable.

Today's rail industry is well positioned to partner with the provincial and federal governments, to put shovels in the ground immediately and help move the economy in the right direction.

Work can begin immediately in communities such as Hamilton -- and all Canadians will benefit.

J.C. (Cliff) Mackay is president and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada.

Want to get into the debate? Have Your Say on thespec.com

[SteelTown]

City moves to secure light rail land

April 07, 2009
Nicole Macintyre
The Hamilton Spectator
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/544402

The city is looking to spend $500,000 to get first dibs on land to support its proposed light rail transit system.

The public works committee voted yesterday to allow staff to start negotiations for land for a maintenance facility.

The $500,000 cost will only give the city first right of refusal on the undisclosed property. More money would be needed for the purchase if the rail plan moves ahead.

"It just secures the property," said Jill Stephen, director of strategic and environmental planning. "It's just one more step in the process."

The city won't find out until the summer if its $1-billion proposal for light rail transit is approved by Metrolinx. Council has selected rail as its top pick, ahead of rapid buses.

Stephen said the board of Metrolinx, the regional transit authority, will make decisions on timing and funding in July.

Staff plan to report back to council in the fall. Only then would any land purchases proceed.

The location is confidential.

Councillors Lloyd Ferguson and David Mitchell voted against locking up the land.

The purchase will only be necessary if Hamilton is approved for light rail, said Ferguson, noting the facility isn't needed if the city opts for rapid buses.

Plus, he added, the city might have to change the light rail route if Hamilton is part of a winning Pan Am Games bid.

"I think it's premature at this point until some other decisions get made," Mitchell agreed. "Spending money before you really know is my main concern."

The proposal goes to council for final approval next week.

[omro]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Plus, he added, the city might have to change the light rail route if Hamilton is part of a winning Pan Am Games bid.

Just build a second line!

[coalminecanary]

Originally Posted by omro

Canada's railways are back on the public agenda

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

Originally Posted by SteelTown

City moves to secure light rail land

The fact that the city is so serious about this really blows my mind. Good work to everyone who pushed hard early (and continues to do so)

[adam]

2 voted against, I am assuming everyone else voted "for"??

[SteelTown]

[SteelTown]

The Rapid Transit Office has done preliminary work (pre-EA work) for LRT along King/Main.

For Main St they have the transit lane on the North side of Main instead of the South side. Reduced Main St from 5 lanes to 3 lanes.

[omro]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Where did you spot that? Or did you mock that up?

[omro]

Are they even considering two LRT lanes on Main

[SteelTown]

Yes, from University Plaza to Paradise Road and from the Delta to Eastgate. The rest one lane for LRT on Main.