Rapid Transit

[thistleclub]

Originally Posted by Dr Awesomesauce

^Agreed. But the escarpment presents some pretty big financial challenges.

Rather than building a tunnel, I'd run it past the GO down Hunter to the Claremont and up the Mountain that way.

Very expensive either way but, ideally, it would connect to Mohawk...

Like the alignment in SDG’s Preliminary Design & Feasibility Study:

[thistleclub]

Council sidesteps troublesome LRT vote
(Hamilton Spectator, Matthew Van Dongen, May 11 2016)

A majority of city councillors aren't ready to publicly endorse a $1-billion, provincially-funded LRT project announced in a splashy news conference a year ago.

But don't equate caution with rejection, said several city politicians who voted to put off a debate Wednesday on "reaffirming acceptance" of the $1-billion provincial offer to pay for light rail transit.

Coun. Sam Merulla put forward the motion with support from Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who previously billed it as a "put up or shut up" opportunity for councillors having second thoughts about the contentious project, which would run from McMaster University to the Queenston traffic circle and include a spur to the James Street GO station.

But Coun. Judi Partridge almost immediately asked for a referral vote designed to put off the debate until a May 18 meeting, arguing all of council deserved to hear an updated staff presentation on the latest project designs.

Council voted 9-6 to delay the debate, with only Coun. Arlene Vanderbeek missing from the meeting.

Partridge said after the meeting she hasn't received "the clarifications that I need to be able to come out firmly in support, or firmly not in support (of the project.)"

"It's about having the opportunity to receive more information," she said. "There's an awful lot of questions — not just from myself, but from nine other people who voted."

Eisenberger noted all councillors had one-on-one opportunities to ask questions about the designs with LRT staff.

But the mayor added the "aggressive" motion my have rubbed some council members the wrong way.

"In the end I'm confident the vast majority of council will eventually support the project," he said. "I'm not too fussed."

Merulla, by contrast, called putting off a public endorsement a "weak-kneed" tactic, suggesting public perception of council's position on LRT is "inconsistency, unpredictability and chaos."


Read it in full here

[thistleclub]

Hamilton council puts off critical vote to accept LRT money
(CBC Hamilton, Samantha Craggs, May 11 2016)

It was far from unanimous, but Hamilton city councillors voted Wednesday to delay a vote to accept $1 billion in provincial money for light-rail transit (LRT).

Sam Merulla, Ward 4 councillor, tried to introduce a motion at Wednesday evening's city council meeting prompting his fellow politicians to "reaffirm the acceptance" of the money.

But council voted 9-6 to put off voting until staff presents another report on LRT.

That frustrated Merulla, who says his motion was really to ferret out who had "soft" support for LRT, an issue council has voted on several times before.

"Can I just say mission accomplished?" he called out after the vote....

In favour of the deferral: Terry Whitehead (Ward 8), Donna Skelly (7), Tom Jackson (6), Chad Collins (5), Doug Conley (9), Maria Pearson (10), Brenda Johnson (11), Rob Pasuta (14), Judi Partridge (15)

Opposed: Mayor Fred Eisenberger, Sam Merulla (4), Matthew Green (3), Jason Farr (2), Aidan Johnson (1), Lloyd Ferguson (12)

Not present: Arlene VanderBeek (13)


Read it in full here.

[bigguy1231]

I hate to say it, but I am going to say it anyways, I told you so. I have been saying all along that this wasn't going to get the go ahead and now it looks like I may be right.

Councillors have just been kicking the tires to see how this would unfold, tracking public opinion and biding their time. They have been asking questions and trying to get answers that are not forthcoming. The main question that is not being answered is how much is this going to cost the taxpayers of this city. Without an accurate answer this is dead in the water.

A good friend of mine ran in the ward 7 byelection and he told me that the main question going door to door was whether or not he supported the LRT. He said people were absolutely hostile to the idea of building the LRT. It's not surprising that councillors are giving this a second thought.

[thistleclub]

LRT vote a high stakes game with Hamilton’s future
(Hamilton Spectator, Andrew Dreschel, May 13 2016)

Unlike other LRT advocates, the mayor appears neither spooked nor ruffled by council's decision to delay voting on whether it still supports the $1-billion provincially-funded LRT project.

Fred Eisenberger claims it's only natural the recent unveiling of the LRT design is generating nervousness and raising questions among councillors and their constituents, which for him explains Wednesday's 9-6 vote to put off the endorsement until a May 18 staff presentation.

"I don't sense that everybody's walking away, but they want to look at in more detail some of the issues that are coming up recently."

Fair enough. But what happens if council ducks reaffirming support on May 18 or — even worse — defeats Sam Merulla's motion? Does that constitute a vote of non-confidence in the project?

Eisenberger says that's a technical question that would require a ruling from the clerk. He admits politically it wouldn't be good thing.

"But I wouldn't see it as the death knell of LRT. We have already confirmed and affirmed a number of steps to get this process underway."

As far as the mayor is concerned the project will remain a go unless council formally votes to stop the design work or refuse the money from the province. That would be the defining moment.

Not surprisingly, Chad Collins, who's become an anti-LRT champion, sees Wednesday's vote in a different light.

Collins believes it indicates councillors from all corners of the city do not support the project and that the "soft support" is getting softer.

He argues opposition will only grow as more information about expropriations and the disruptive impact on businesses and traffic comes to light.

They're both right, to some extent.


Read it in full here.

[drpgq]

Originally Posted by markbarbera

From Metrolinx' perspective, LRT is higher order transit, which they require to directly connect to regional rail. Without the spur, there is no direct connection to GO Transit.

Sending it down James in mixed traffic is dumb. I have suggested here before that a better approach would be to pedestrianize Hughson between Hunter and Murray and run the spur along that stretch of Hughson.

I'm surprised that no one is pointing out in the Spec how stupid this is. Clearly it is driven by Metrolinx and in the end Metrolinx is a creature of the province and will respond to the province. Considering the Metrolinx fiasco of the Pearson train, the city needs to put some public heat on Wynne.

[thistleclub]

Ontario says Hamilton must use $1 billion for LRT
(Stoney Creek News, Kevin Werner, May 15 2016)

Hamilton councillors who are having second thoughts on spending $1billion on the light-rail transit project are talking about using the provincial funding for other transit and infrastructure needs for the city.

As politicians prepare to debate the future of LRT at their May 18 general issues committee meeting, Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins said city officials should approach the provincial government and ask if Hamilton can use the $1 billion for other projects.

“We can use the funding for transit improvements in general,” said Collins, recently speaking to reporters. “Every community is seeing an investment from the province. We could fund LRT, or something else.”

That “something else,” said Collins could include repairs to sidewalks, roads, and expand the city’s bus system.

But the Ontario Ministry of Transportation is saying Hamilton has to use the money on the LRT.

“Investments under the Moving Ontario Forward – Inside the GTHA fund are directed to rapid transit projects that will help improve mobility and manage congestion in the region,” stated Bob Nichols, senior media liaison officer in an email.

He stated the province has “committed” $1 billion for the capital construction of Hamilton’s LRT. The province and Metrolinx respects the “importance” of the city’s decision to support transit improvements and will “work collaboratively” with Hamilton to “advance work on the project.”


Read it in full here.

[Dr Awesomesauce]

Surely the Province understands it's dealing with idiots here, so this won't faze them one iota...

[Beedok]

Originally Posted by Dr Awesomesauce

Surely the Province understands it's dealing with idiots here, so this won't faze them one iota...

It's a municipal government, they're pretty well always incomepetent and full of nepotism.

[LikeHamilton]

Stop creating uncertainty and move on with LRT, says Andrea Horwath

By Samantha Craggs, CBC News Updated: May 16, 2016 8:21 AM ET

Both Ontario's transportation minister and the leader of the Ontario NDP say they'd like Hamilton to get on with building a $1 billion light rail transit (LRT) line.

Steven Del Duca said in a statement Friday that he remains focused on getting shovels in the ground. And Andrea Horwath, Ontario NDP leader and Hamilton Centre MPP, wants Hamilton to move ahead as well.

'LRT is the right thing for the city, and we need to stop creating this uncertainty and get behind it.'
- Andrea Horwath

"I understand the hesitancy," she said Friday after a meeting with health-care workers in Hamilton.

But "if we don't go forward with these kinds of projects, then our city will be kind of lost in time and lose a great opportunity."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/n...n-with-lrt-says-andrea-horwath-1.3581726

[thistleclub]

Send a clear signal: Yes, we will build LRT
(Hamilton Spectator, Howard Elliott, May 16 2016)

Now that the LRT pot is on the front burner at full boil, it would be wise for everyone to take a deep breath.

Yes, it's disappointing that city council didn't take the opportunity to render a public display of support at last week's meeting. They should have. But as our elected representatives, they have a right to express reservations and ask for more information and time. Hopefully putting it off for a week — the matter is back before council in its general issues committee form Wednesday — will give staff the time to provide the requisite information and councillors time to reflect.

But if the matter is deferred again Wednesday, it will be more problematic. Quite simply, the time has come for council to send another clear, unequivocal message to the province: Thanks for the billion dollars, and yes, we will use it to build LRT.

Arguments against LRT these days tend to fall into two categories. It's not something Hamilton needs now or ever, or it might be something Hamilton needs, but it's premature.

The first argument is the territory occupied by people who simply don't believe in modern, environmentally sound, economically catalytic public transit. Those of us who support improving and modernizing transit probably aren't going to convince this crowd. Their minds are closed. They're the ones who think the HSR in its current form was good enough in the '70s and '80s, so it's good enough for the future, perhaps with a few tweaks around the edges.

The other anti-LRT position — that it's premature — is more interesting and promising. You can make a solid case LRT might be a better fit eight or 10 years on, when the rest of our transit system is still not optimized to get full value from having LRT as a transit fulcrum. But here's the thing: a billion provincial dollars.

It's unlikely that any time in the foreseeable future a provincial government is going to believe enough in the transformative potential of LRT that they're going to put a billion on the table. That's what we have right now. The money is earmarked for LRT in Hamilton. Not BRT. Not general transit improvements. The province agreed to fund LRT.

We know there are at least two councillors — Chad Collins, who is pushing for a referendum on the issue, and Donna Skelly — who say they will say no to that money. It's hard to imagine a majority of council will make the same mistake.

Even if the timing isn't perfect, it is workable. This isn't entirely about LRT, after all. It's about efficient, modern transit across the city, with routes, vehicles and schedules effectively integrated to use LRT as the spine of a modern public transit system. No one is asking us to choose LRT over fixing the rest of the system. With or without LRT, we'll have to do that. This is a $1 billion opportunity Hamilton can't afford to miss. We're betting most councillors know that.

[thistleclub]

Mayor ‘regrets’ LRT dare
(Hamilton Spectator, Andrew Dreschel, May 17 2016)

As city councillors once again put off a vote to support LRT, Mayor Fred Eisenberger says he's sorry for uttering his "put up or shut up" challenge to those who question the project.

"I'm trying to get LRT landed here, so I know what I say matters. You know, I regret having said 'put up or shut up.'"

"Yes, at some point people have to make a commitment before we go too long down this process, but the aggressive nature of the way I said it wasn't my intent, but it certainly came off that way."

The mayor is not the only LRT advocate taking a step back.

A week ago, Sam Merulla said councillors who wanted to delay his motion to reaffirm support for the project were "weak-kneed and lack balls."

Now Merulla is talking about being "collaborative" and listening to concerns about the $1-billion provincially-funded project.

Why the change of tune? As Bob Dylan yodelled, you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Instead of reaffirming their support, restive councillors rocked supporters with a 9-6 vote to defer the debate until this Wednesday so they can ask staff questions.

Those questions will still be asked, but now, at the mayor's request, Merulla has agreed to table the motion to early June, giving everyone even more time to consult and identify specific concerns.

Clearly, neither Merulla nor Eisenberger believe they have the votes to carry the day. And, clearly, both have decided a more placating approach to LRT skeptics and fence-sitters is needed in order to keep the project humming.

While Merulla has spent the last few days reaching out to some of the questioners, Eisenberger has asked staunch supporters such as Matthew Green and Jason Farr to dial back some of their aggressive language.

"As I said earlier, we need some patience," said Eisenberger. "This is going to be difficult. People are concerned with change and there are various different voices out there who express that to councillors on an ongoing basis. We need to be cognizant of that and not get too fired up."


Read it in full here.

[markbarbera]

A bit of free advice to Merulla and Eisenberger: Re-word this motion so it reads as a unifying force, not a dividing wedge. Something like this:

Whereas LRT is an opportunity to enhance and improve higher order transit for the entire City of Hamilton, and the success of the LRT is dependent upon an enhanced city-wide transit system that will feed the LRT effectively and efficiently, be it resolved that council reaffirm its acceptance and commitment to the B-Line LRT project as offered by Metrolinx, and will commit to enhancing all transit routes which interline with the LRT line upon its launch, as well as introducing intra-city express bus service along the remaining routes envisioned by the HSR's B-L-A-S-T network.

[thistleclub]

Watch live via Joey Coleman: Hamilton City Council GIC for May 18, 2016 [LRT Decision Day … Again]

[thistleclub]

This council session is excruciating. So much self-regard, so little city-building.

[Jon Dalton]

Originally Posted by bigguy1231

I hate to say it, but I am going to say it anyways, I told you so. I have been saying all along that this wasn't going to get the go ahead and now it looks like I may be right.

Wouldn't jump to conclusions about that. So far Collins is the only one unequivocally against it. Others are reserved but have said they don't want to squander the billion dollars. Sure council has come a long way from its unanimous votes of years passed but even a 9-7 vote would get LRT built. Waterloo's LRT came down to a very close vote - and they were building it without 100% provincial funding.

If you're right - I'm sure Toronto needs it more anyways.

[king10]

Originally Posted by Jon Dalton

Wouldn't jump to conclusions about that. So far Collins is the only one unequivocally against it. Others are reserved but have said they don't want to squander the billion dollars. Sure council has come a long way from its unanimous votes of years passed but even a 9-7 vote would get LRT built. Waterloo's LRT came down to a very close vote - and they were building it without 100% provincial funding.

If you're right - I'm sure Toronto needs it more anyways.

Aren't Whitehead and Skelly pretty vocal about being against it?

[matt602]

Originally Posted by king10

Aren't Whitehead and Skelly pretty vocal about being against it?

Whitehead constantly undermines and scrutinizes it but when actually asked whether he supports it or not, he claims he still does. Skelly I have no idea about, I honestly haven't heard her say anything about it yet. Collins is the only one who has flatly said that they don't support LRT at all.

[SteelTown]

Whitehead just wants better bus service on the Mountain and as a councilor from the Mountain he seems to be the sole real passionate advocate for better transit on the Mountain. Looks like it's working anyways, Mayor Fred wants to review at improving bus service on the Mountain once the LRT is operational.


Mayor wants to offer more buses to Mountain in bid to get LRT support
Olive branch offered as LRT supporters look to address reservations

Hamilton's mayor is offering an olive branch to Mountain councillors uncertain about light rail transit (LRT).

Next month, he'll push for any buses freed up by the new system to go to helping serve the Mountain.

Fred Eisenberger said Wednesday that he'll ask city council to redeploy buses currently running along King Street to run on the Mountain instead.

It's a move designed to quell the fears of Mountain councillors who say they're uncertain about Hamilton's planned $1 billion LRT system. It's hard to sell to residents, they say, without ways to explain how their wards would benefit.

Until now, HSR transit head David Dixon says it's unlikely those buses will be redeployed. Eisenberger wants the city to reconsider.

"Rather than debating whether to move forward or not, let's just deal with the specifics" of their concerns, said Eisenberger, who'll bring it forward on June 1.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/n...tain-in-bid-to-get-lrt-support-1.3587553

[thistleclub]

In Rapid Ready, B-Line buses were presumed to be removed from service was a simple matter of realpolitik: Redeployment would increase costs (Rapid Ready estimated the cost of to be $6 million annually, an increase of around 8% in the HSR’s Operating Budget), and the majority of council typically refuse to invest in transit even as they clamour for increased service to their constituencies. The classic example of this is the ideological contortion of Councillor Whitehead's ward neighbour.

CATCH, Sept 13, 2008:

Other councillors sought assurances that HSR improvements affecting their wards also be considered. Lloyd Ferguson pointed to workers getting dropped off at the last HSR stop outside the Ancaster industrial park.

“If I have a real priority in Ancaster it’s to get service into the Ancaster industrial park,” he said.

CATCH, Mar 23 2014:

“Under pressure from Ancaster councillor Lloyd Ferguson, whose residents would pay the largest share of the improved service, a proposal to bump up the weekday daytime service on the Rymal 44 route from 30 minutes to 20 minutes was rejected. And evening buses all week long will come only once an hour rather than the half-hour service that had been proposed.

Ferguson wasn’t at Thursday’s budget meeting that unanimously approved the changes, but was monitoring the debate from his vacation spot in Arizona. It is uncertain that he will support the compromise at the ratification vote at Wednesday’s council meeting.

The Ancaster representative was pressing to keep Rymal weekday service to just once-an-hour during off-peak and evening periods, but HSR staff countered that would create confusion with the 30-minute timing on weekends as well as scheduling inefficiencies.

CBC, Apr 10 2014:

“One thing I’ve heard from constituents loud and clear is ‘why are we paying for this service if we’re not using it?’” Ferguson said."


If you took the 18 buses presumed to be replaced by crosstown LRT and divvied them up evenly over the mountain's 22-27 routes, it would theoretically allow these routes to cut their headways in half.