Rapid Transit

[DC83]

This is fantastic!
Can't wait for the next phase! It'll be a fun ride.

[SteelTown]

We could end up having a LRT for the B-Line within 5 years.

Next year Metrolinx will probably fund the cost associated with the Environmental Assessment, the max it'll take to complete is 8 months. After that Open Houses for routes, a few weeks to pick a perferred route and then another Open House. Then council approval and construction could begin in 2010.

I remember back when the city approved the streetscaping for King St West and counting how old I will be by the time construction for King West will begin lol.

[SteelTown]

Plans for light rail system in city steaming ahead

June 17, 2008
The Hamilton Spectator

Hamilton is aiming to have a rapid transit plan by the fall in hopes of securing provincial funding.

The city is focusing on light rail as its top option after it was overwhelming endorsed by the public. The public works committee agreed yesterday to allow staff to develop a feasibility study over the summer.

If council signs off on the plan, the city hopes to deliver a request for funding to Metrolinx in the fall. The province has set aside $17.5 billion for rapid transit.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said the city must move quickly to get government funding before it's gobbled up by other cities. "I really think we need to have our oar deep in the water by fall."

Metrolinx has not told the city how much money it would be willing to invest, but city staff said they were told to "dream big." A Hamilton light rail system would cost $1.1 billion. Several councillors agreed to take the next step, but are worried about the potential cost to taxpayers.

[DC83]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Metrolinx has not told the city how much money it would be willing to invest, but city staff said they were told to "dream big."

Is 'C-Line' too big??
Will the City be sharing that 'dream' with them?

[SteelTown]

Once the B-Line is complete the articulated buses will likely switch to the new C-Line. HSR will have to test out the C-Line for routes and demands.

Once the A-Line is complete the articulated buses will likely switch to the Barton route.

[DC83]

^^ I always wondered why the Mohawk didn't have an express route? The route is SOOO long and is always packed (during peak hours). To me, Mohawk seems like a better idea than A-Line... but I understand that building on the A-Line is 'building the future of transit', ie: connecting James North GO to Downtown GO to Mohawk College to the Airport.

So hopefully C-Line is eventually converted to LRT. Once they see the benefits along the B-Line, there's no doubt in my mind the City will convert it quickly!! haha

[hamiltonguy]

Originally Posted by DC83

^^ I always wondered why the Mohawk didn't have an express route? The route is SOOO long and is always packed (during peak hours). To me, Mohawk seems like a better idea than A-Line... but I understand that building on the A-Line is 'building the future of transit', ie: connecting James North GO to Downtown GO to Mohawk College to the Airport.

So hopefully C-Line is eventually converted to LRT. Once they see the benefits along the B-Line, there's no doubt in my mind the City will convert it quickly!! haha

A-Line is important because it connects with the other Rapid Transit Line. Otherwise we'd have two orphaned East-West lines.

But I think both the C-Line (Downtown to Limridge) and a T-line (Medowlands to East End following 41 Mohwak Route) should be built sharing track between Upper James and Limeridge Mall.

[JT Jacobs]

Bill Kelly did a segment on LRT this morning. Anyone catch it? The president of the chamber of commerce was the key speaker. Kelly opened the lines to callers but it was all dead air on the subject. I called in and flapped my gums for a bit. Too bad no one else was listening! Anyway, a little more media coverage of the issue is still good news.

[Hammer Town]

Improvements To Existing Transit System Approved
Ken Mann
6/16/2008


Hamilton politicians have decided how to spend 16 million dollars which was recently given to the city by the province to address more immediate transit needs.

A portion of it will be used to create a new route called the "A-Line", which will serve such locations as the airport, Mohawk College and the Hunter Street GO Station, starting in September of 2009.

The city is also buying another 18 low-floor diesel-electric articulated busses.

[raisethehammer]

This is incredible. If a crappy sprawl-mecca like Phoenix can get high density development due to LRT, anyone can.


Real-estate projects boom near Phoenix, AZ light rail
Light rail is six months from operation, but the transit system's impact on the Valley's real-estate market has been in full swing with new condos, office buildings and mixed-use developments rising throughout metro Phoenix.
By Andrew Johnson

Published in the Arizona Republic on June 17, 2008.

Arizona - Light rail is six months from operation, but the transit system's impac on the Valley's real-estate market has been in full swing with new condos, offic buildings and mixed-use developments rising throughout metro Phoenix

Transit officials estimate that since 2004, developers have spent close to $6 billion on public and private projects on and around the future light-rail line.

Critics, however, say that the transit system has put a burden on taxpayers and that construction of the line has shut down businesses.

The $6 billion figure is based on information Metro light rail routinely gathers from planners in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa, the three cities in which the 20-mile system will operate beginning in December.

The number includes projects already completed, developments under construction and announced projects within a half-mile radius of the line that officials from those cities say will likely come to fruition, according to Ben Limmer, a Metro light rail planner.

Light rail is not the sole reason why projects in the transit system's vicinity have developed, real-estate analysts note.

But the future system has definitely been a catalyst prompting developers to pay higher prices for property adjacent to the line for condominiums, office buildings and retail centers.

Economic factors, including soaring fuel prices, have caused developers like Eugene Marchese to focus attention on transit-oriented projects.

Marchese's San Diego-based company, Constellation Property Group, bought about 2 acres near Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe on which it intends to develop Stadium Tower.

Current plans for the project, on which Marchese expects to break ground in early 2009, include a 20-story residential building, a 17-story hotel and retail space.

As gas becomes more expensive and drive times grow longer, public transit becomes more attractive, said Marchese, who added that's why developments built with commuters in mind fare well.

"What we find is there's a higher demand for the product because of the location (near light rail)," he said.

Developers also expect the arrival of light rail to deliver a boost to property values in certain areas surrounding the line - a phenomenon that has happened in other cities that have built their own systems.

In metro Dallas, median values between 1997 and 2001 increased nearly 25 percent for office buildings and about 32 percent for residential properties near light-rail stations, according to a University of North Texas study.

That compares with an 11.5 percent increase for comparable office buildings and a 19.5 percent hike for residential properties not located near light-rail stations.

Phoenix-based Equus Development Corp. currently is putting the finishing touches on Century Plaza, a 15-story office tower in midtown Phoenix it has converted into a 17-story condo building.

Equus bought the building at the southeast corner of Central and Lexington avenues in December 2004.

The property's location just south of a future light-rail station was one factor that enticed the company to develop there.

"We were very specific to select right around a light-rail station," said Douglas Edgelow, president of Equus.

Equus also is drafting plans to build four new high-rise towers that could include a five-star hotel, office space and more residential units.

The condo project has seen a significant amount of leasing activity. The company has received down payments on about 80 percent of Century Plaza's 145 units, which are currently priced from about $370,000 for a one-bedroom unit to $2.5 million for a two-floor penthouse, according to Michael Webb, a sales representative for Equus Realty LLC.

Webb and Edgelow say the project's location on the light-rail line, which cuts down Central Avenue to downtown Phoenix, has helped spur demand, along with proximity to office buildings and downtown's entertainment venues.

Commercial real-estate brokers say light rail also has become an attractive selling point for non-residential projects.

Marcus Muirhead, an associate vice president in Colliers International's Phoenix office, said the transit system has even helped spur interest in older office properties that are within a stone's throw of the line.

There is "strong interest" among investors for Class B and C office properties, older buildings that do not include the latest amenities and need improvement, that are located within a few blocks of Central Avenue, Muirhead said.

Muirhead and his colleague, Charlotte Christian, say they expect to see properties within a half-mile of the line to get a boost in value down the road.

"It has created demand and I think it will create more price increases when the rail is in operation," said Christian, a senior vice president with Colliers International who specializes in mixed-use projects.

Christian represented Marchese, the San Diego developer, in his purchase of land for his proposed Stadium Tower project.

Marchese said he paid $6.5 million for the approximately 2 acres about two years ago.

As the Valley's office market struggles to retain and attract tenants during the economic downtown, light-rail proximity also could be an effective marketing point for landlords trying to lease space.

Mindy Korth, an executive vice president with CB Richard Ellis Inc. in Phoenix, recently highlighted the presence of light rail in a marketing package for Meridian Tower, a 21-story office building at 3550 N. Central Ave. that she is marketing on behalf of its owner.

Light rail also could benefit retail centers, which have taken a hit because of the general downturn in the economy.

Mike James, deputy transportation director for Mesa, pointed to the Tri-City Pavilions at the end of the current light-rail line.

The neighborhood retail center, which is anchored by a Safeway, could fare well from people who don't want to drive to do their shopping, said Greg Greenstein, president of JG Management Inc.

The Westlake Village, Calif.-based real-estate investment firm bought the center in 2006.

"Our feeling is that (its location) will add trips to the shopping center because of the adjacent park and ride station," said President Greg Greenstein.

[SteelTown]

A Hamilton light rail system is on track despite $1 billion price tag

By Kevin Werner

News
Jun 20, 2008
Large Medium Small Print This Article Tell a friend Hamilton's Light Rail Transit system remains on the fast-track despite the estimated $1.1 billion potential cost.

But councillors remain wary of such a "futuristic" plan because of the high cost Hamilton taxpayers may have to shoulder.

"It's important to dream big," said Ward 5 councillor Chad Collins. "LRT has the potential to change the entire landscape. But we need more details, more meat on the bones."

Added Mountain councillor Tom Jackson: "I'm guardedly supportive. I may or may not support it in September."

As part of its Rapid Transit Feasibility Study, city staff are recommending the city craft a detailed design and construction plan to implement a light rail transit system for council's review in September. City staff will also pursue a draft budget that would be included in the Metrolinx's five-year capital plan between 2009 to 2013.

Politicians will vote on the recommendations at their June 25 council meeting.

"This is about the future," said Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who has been championing the idea of creating a LRT system for the city.

"It will move people more quickly, and there will be an economic uptake."

A LRT is a street-level rail system that uses electricity with overhead, or buried wires, for energy. Cities that have adopted the system include Edmonton, Alberta, San Jose, California, Portland, Oregon, and a number of European cities, including Bordeaux, France, and Bremen, Germany.

The idea would be to construct the system along two rapid transit routes called an A-line, along James Street and Upper James from the Hamilton Airport to the waterfront, and a B-line, along Main and King streets from McMaster University starting at University Plaza in Dundas to Eastgate Square on Centennial Parkway.

Problems for an LRT system include limited electricity; the bridges over James and King street are too low to accommodate the vehicles; and for the LRT to cross the Niagara Escarpment two tunnels would have be constructed from St. Joseph's Hospital to Mohawk.

Jill Stephen, manager of strategic planning, estimated the cost of an LRT at about $1.1 billion. But an unknown portion of the funding is expected to be picked up by Metrolinx, she said.

"There is no upset limit on how much Metrolinx would fund it," she said.

Mr. Eisenberger, a member of the Metrolinx board, said it has a $11 billion budget and is prepared to finance municipal rapid transit projects.

"But it is critical the costing be clear," he said. "Clearly, though, there will be a cost share. It is not a zero sum game."

City staff were confident in recommending an LRT system to councillors over a bus rapid transit system due to the overwhelming public support they have had over the last few months.

A BRT system was identified as the least expensive at an estimated cost of nearly $500 million.

During two public meetings the majority of the estimated 240 people who turned out supported an LRT. In addition, said Ms. Stephen, community discussions in the media, blogs and meetings was also strongly pro-LRT.

"This has generated a lot of support across the community," said Scott Stewart, general manager of public works.

Meanwhile, members of the public works committee approved implementing a new A-line bus rapid transit service between the Hamilton Airport and downtown Hamilton starting in September 2009.

And the city isn't paying for it, said Don Hull, manager of transit.

He said the city recently received a $32 million "windfall" from the province to begin its A-line operation and improve its B-line service. About $16.5 million will be used to purchase 18 low-floor diesel-electric buses.

Some of the buses will also replace the existing ones along the B-line service from University Plaza in Dundas to Eastgate Square.

"This is as good an investment as we can make," said Mr. Hull.

Mr. Jackson, though, remained troubled by the city potentially operating in the future both an LRT and a bus rapid transit system.

Transit officials say it will take years before a LRT is operating. And when it is, said Ms. Stephen, the bus system can always be "reallocated" to other areas.

[DC83]

Rapid Transit Feasibility Study
Survey #2

This is where we get to decide where to terminate lines (ie: extend to Fiesta or Downtown Dundas), also you can suggest 'additional' lines (ie: Mohawk Rd as East-West Mountain route).

[raisethehammer]

Another N/S lower city route would be good using a route such as Innovation Park along Aberdeen to Locke, up Locke to Barton to Centre Mall etc.... or an east end one: Ottawa/Parkdale N/S loop from top to bottom.

[SteelTown]

A route from Limeridge Mall to Meadownlands and down 403 to exit at Aberdeen to Longwood and turn to McMaster.

[hamiltonguy]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

A route from Limeridge Mall to Meadownlands and down 403 to exit at Aberdeen to Longwood and turn to McMaster.

How do you propose to go down the 403? There's no room to widen that corridor?

[SteelTown]

Don't need to widen the 403 for a bus. I see an HSR bus on the Linc and I see buses on highways in the GTA, especially Missy. Sure HOV would help but don't really need it. This would be an express route.

I believe HOV lanes has been proposed for the 403.

[hamiltonguy]

Oh I thought you meant an LRT.

My bad.

[raisethehammer]

shoulders of the 403 or median would suffice.

[SteelTown]

So it'll be September 26th that we will know from Metrolinx on how much and when funding for our LRT will be.

Draft Regional Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy for Fall 2008

TORONTO, July 8 /CNW/ - Metrolinx will present its Draft Regional Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy at the next board meeting, now scheduled for September 26, 2008.

According to Board Chair Rob MacIsaac, the additional time will provide the agency with the opportunity to more broadly address a full suite of funding options, through expanded evaluation, design and assessment.

"We want to conduct further analysis on our financing strategies before the release of the Draft Regional Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA)," said MacIsaac.

"The Regional Transportation Plan will be the first of its kind in a generation. Our Investment Strategy must respond to decades of under investment in transportation infrastructure. Taking the extra time now, will ensure we are able to bring the best possible options to the Board and the public in September," MacIsaac said.

In its Draft Regional Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy, Metrolinx will propose a phased approach to implementing a 25-year vision to provide people and businesses with more travel choices across the GTHA. The agency is also committed to developing a funding plan that will be supported by the public.

"In the end, we must have a funding program that meets the needs of the region while providing value to commuters, businesses, and taxpayers," said MacIsaac.

"In so doing, we have an opportunity to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, to create and protect jobs by enhancing our economic competitiveness, and to ensure people have more time with their families."

[mishap]

Originally Posted by hamiltonguy

How do you propose to go down the 403? There's no room to widen that corridor?

You don't go down the 403. You use the hydro corridor that runs from the Scenic Loop to the old CNIB. This corridor was already considered in the transportation plan, but was deemed too expensive. With the possibility of Metrolinx funding it ("dream big"), maybe this option is worth bringing back.