Rapid Transit

[SteelTown]

Having the A-Line to the Airport will bring huge economic benefits to the area as workers will be able to commute on the LRT.

If you disagree with LRT to the Airport than why have LRT all the way to the waterfront? Have it stop at the LIUNA Station.

[SteelTown]

VERY VERY good news today.....

Federal Transportation Minister will annouce $7 billion worth of funding, almost extactly the amount the province requested to cover MoveOntario 2020.

So it appears the Feds will be backing Hamilton's LRT plans. YAY!

[coalminecanary]

WOWOW! bring it!

[oldcoote]

Great news!

It's all coming together.

[LikeHamilton]

Last summer at the CNE, they had two LRT mock-ups on display. One was from Bombardier and the other from a European manufacture. They where half length but full size and you could go into them and see what they where like. I think they had ballots for a vote on the one you liked. When I get home tonight, I will check to see if I took pictures of them. It is something I think the city should put on display. They should have on display at “It’s your festival” at Gage Park.

They should have them on display at city hall when they vote on LRT!

In my comments with the survey on the cities rapid transit site, I stated that they should not only have the plan for what has been proposed up to now with LRT, but have a vision of LRT for the future in Hamilton. This included having large, free parking lot on the A Line close to the airport so all the people coming in from Caledonia can park and take the LRT in. I had to go out to Caledonia early last week around 7:30 am and I could not believe how busy Hwy 6/Upper James was coming into the city. I also suggested expanding the B Line at both end into Dundas and out towards the end of Stoney Creek to have a large free parking lot so people can get out of there cars. I suggested that they have a vision and a frame work on the future of LRT after the A and B Lines or complete. They need to lay out the potential lines for the future of rapid transit in the city.

[LikeHamilton]

Ottawa, Queen’s Park announce $6.2 billion for infrastructure

TheSpec.com

LONDON, Ont. - The federal government will provide more than $3 billion to help Ontario repair its aging roads, bridges and other infrastructure.


The provincial government will match that amount to raise the total investment to about $6.2 billion.


The funding arrangement will run until 2014.


The spending is expected to create much needed jobs in Ontario, which has been hit hard in recent
months by cutbacks in manufacturing and the auto sector.


Initial priorities include improvements to the Trans-Canada Highway in northwestern Ontario, rural broadband coverage in parts of Ontario and rapid transit in Waterloo Region.

[drpgq]

So from looking at Wikipedia, Hamilton's population is 505,000 and Ontario's is 12.9 million, thus Hamilton's share of the population is around 3.91%.
3.91% of 6.2 billion dollars is around 243 million dollars, which would make a pretty good dent in paying for the LRT. I wonder what the chances are of Hamilton actually getting its fair share?

[raisethehammer]

Originally Posted by SteelTown

Having the A-Line to the Airport will bring huge economic benefits to the area as workers will be able to commute on the LRT.

If you disagree with LRT to the Airport than why have LRT all the way to the waterfront? Have it stop at the LIUNA Station.

if there's enough demand at the airport, then no probs.
The waterfront is a no-brainer. One of the most popular and beautiful spots in our entire metro area. We'd be crazy to not run it down the harbour.

[matt602]

As already said, if it's gonna be paid for we might as well build this thing as far as we can, including out to the airport. Even if it's not used in the near future, it'll be existing infrastructure that won't need to be built down the line. They could even build the tracks/wires and all that and run buses on it until the extra capacity is needed (though I don't even think this would be cheaper than just running the rail cars).

The funding announcement looks good too. I don't think LRT is an "if" question any more, but rather "how soon?". All thanks to some very hard work by the citizens of this city to get the word out to the people with the money and influence. When this line gets built, it's going to completely transform the city's image.

[raisethehammer]

yup. you're right.
And I'm pumped!! Who would have thought this even a year ago?
I remember being at meetings, sending emails and researching LRT only to be sent back polite 'thank-you' responses with no interest.
this is awesome.
Credit to the city staff working on this too...they have worked their tails off and pushed this project forward faster than I'd ever expect, expecially with city hall's less than stellar record.
Beware though...there is still one more huge battle looming - the suburban car addicts will go nuts once they hear concrete plans to remove lanes on their precious freeways.

[matt602]

I honestly don't think any amount of their complaining can stop LRT at this point. There's just too many important people onboard now. I also think that we won't hear any complaining until construction actually starts, at which point it will be way too late for them.

[LikeHamilton]

From an article in CATCH

“Light rail (modern streetcars, trolleys, and heritage trolleys) had the highest percentage of ridership increase among all modes, with a double digit 10.3% increase for the first quarter,” reports the American Public Transportation Association. “Light rail systems showed double digit increases in the following areas: Baltimore (16.8%); Minneapolis (16.4%); St. Louis (15.6%); and San Francisco (12.2%).”

The full article

http://www.hamiltoncatch.org/view_article.php?id=361

[SteelTown]

City wish list tops $1b
Water, transit, roads key priorities for infrastructure cash

July 24, 2008
By Rob Faulkner

Mayor Fred Eisenberger says a long-awaited federal-province infrastructure pact will speed local water, transit and road projects.

After a long battle, Canada and Ontario signed a framework agreement today worth $9.3 billion over seven years to fix the province’s aging roads, bridges and other hard infrastructure.

Of this, $6.2 billion is federal cash, and $3.1 billion is provincial matching funding for part of it.

Only a few priority projects were named: Northern Ontario highways, rural broadband Internet, Waterloo rapid transit and clean water in London.

A total of $880 million has already been committed from the $6.2 billion in federal cash, for the Spadina-York Subway, the Ottawa Congress Centre, London water projects, Cambridge and Burlington arts centres, and Peterborough commuter rail.

The rest of the $5.3 billion in federal funds is yet to be committed.

Eisenberger said Hamilton will wrest its fair share of the cash. Project costs will be split three ways, with federal, provincial and municipal governments, he expects.

“We’ve made the case on infrastructure for a long time,” he said. “The federal government has said it has $33 billion (nationally) for it, but the frustration was that we couldn’t get at it because there was no framework agreement.”

Yesterday’s agreement will fund projects to 2014. It was hailed as a way to create jobs, at a time when Ontario’s auto and manufacturing sectors are suffering.

The mayor says it’s too early to guess how much Hamilton will get.

Eisenberger said the fund has been controversial because Ottawa has announced funding of some specific projects, without provincial approval.

City finance chief Joe Rinaldo said Hamilton has a wish list of projects for which it would like to receive funding under the pact.

- Hamilton will spend $1 billion over the next four or five years on water and wastewater upgrades; the city wants $250 million of this to come from Toronto or Ottawa.

- $500 million is the possible price tag for a new rapid transit system being worked on by the regional transportation agency Metrolinx and city staff.

- $15 million in renovations to the Central Library and Hamilton Farmers’ Market.

- $6 million to build a downtown bus terminal at Main and MacNab.

- $1 million to pedestrianize Gore Park after buses leave.

- $100 million in deferred repairs to roads and bridges.

[hamiltonguy]

Originally Posted by raisethehammer

I think B-Line is bang on.
A-Line you'd probably need to stick to street names that are familiar like Cannon, YOrk etc...

Some on Upper James I've never heard of.

Also, I don't think LRT will go to the airport...not for several years. It'd be a waste of money. End the line at Rymal and use buses for the rest.

I should Probably explain some of the stop choices on the A-Line:

Strachan; is conveniently located to serve both Bayfront Park and the James North Go Station.

Vine: Located between Canon and York/Wilson which are two close for individual stops

City Centre: between King and Main, connection to McNab terminal

Go Centre: Actually just North of bold street. This is to allow access to the terminal via the Parking Lot Walkway (On the bridge above James), as well as wheelchair access by the sidewalk) This also cuts out a big part of the grade for the people using the terminal to access James South.

St. Joseph's: Located between Herkimer and Charlton, close to the centre of St. Joe's but still close to the James South Shopping Area

Mohawk College: By Coming out of the tunnel behind the old Psych Hospital it meets the College at a location with plenty of room for a terminal (for the west mountain buses). Plus it is much closer to the centre of the College.

Fennell: Located just South of Fennell pretty self-explanitory.

Mohawk: Is located just north of Mohawk to allow both branches to share a station.

Jameston: Limeridge has nothing immediately south but the pedestrian unfriendly linc. Jameston is better positioned to serve the area south of Mohawk.

Jerome: In order to serve the south side of the Linc, a station has to go somewhere. Besides it sits near a lot of undeveloped land *crosses fingers*

Stone Church: Just South of the street because the necessary swing to the east of Upper James at Stone Church to avoid the church. Therefor it would be about where the East Side Marios is.

Rymal: Located just north of Rymal in the middle of a big development that could be turned into a mixed use shopping district.

Alderlea: Room for park and ride, redevelopment, and it serves the development that stretches a good distance south of Rymal.

Mountain Transit Centre: For Transit Staff and park and Ride

English Church: Park and Ride

Mount Hope: Mount Hope

Airport: Airport

[matt602]

Good choices.

[hamiltonguy]

With the present population of Ontario (12 924 196) the 6.2 billion works out to $479.72 per person.

With our population (504,559) we are entitled to only $242.05 million.

What should be our top priotities? The $22 million for the middle priorities sound resonable (that leaves us only $220.05 million)

We need the maintenance on the water and roads which has been put off too long. However we can offset some of it with tolls on the RHVP, removing area rating and higher water rates. (lets say half of it) then that's 62.5 mill for water (the federal half of the half of the 250 mill) and 16.5 million (a third of the half). In total that's 79 mill.

141.05 mill left for the LRT. Still about 26 million short for the federal share. I'm assuming we'll pay for that. It remains a good deal with 2/3rds provincial funding.

[drpgq]

Originally Posted by hamiltonguy

With the present population of Ontario (12 924 196) the 6.2 billion works out to $479.72 per person.

With our population (504,559) we are entitled to only $242.05 million.

What should be our top priotities? The $22 million for the middle priorities sound resonable (that leaves us only $220.05 million)

We need the maintenance on the water and roads which has been put off too long. However we can offset some of it with tolls on the RHVP, removing area rating and higher water rates. (lets say half of it) then that's 62.5 mill for water (the federal half of the half of the 250 mill) and 16.5 million (a third of the half). In total that's 79 mill.

141.05 mill left for the LRT. Still about 26 million short for the federal share. I'm assuming we'll pay for that. It remains a good deal with 2/3rds provincial funding.

No to the tolls on the RHVP for me. You would end up wasting a lot of money on an unproductive use (ie the system for administering the tolls) and end up driving a lot of people onto other roads to save a couple of bucks.

[SteelTown]

City pressing forward on light rail transit
Hamilton's goal is to submit a proposal to Metrolinx for inclusion in its capital budget in the fall

July 28, 2008
Dana Brown
The Hamilton Spectator

The city is moving quickly on plans for light rail transit in a bid to ensure it is able to grasp external funding dollars in the fall.

Council approved moving into the next stage of the Rapid Transit Feasibility Study last month, with a focus on light rail transit.

A public consultation session, the last in this phase of the study, is being held this morning at Jackson Square.

The goal is to ensure Hamilton can submit a proposal to regional transportation body Metrolinx for inclusion in its capital budget in the fall.

Jill Stephen, manager of strategic planning for the city, said this is the first in a five-year rolling budget from Metrolinx.

"We want to make sure that we're in there," she said.

"We may not be able to construct anything until the fifth year of the budget, but we want to make sure that Hamilton is definitely included in that."

The study is focusing on two lines for light rail transit, with one route potentially running along James and Upper James streets from the airport to the waterfront. The other could run along Main/King streets from University Plaza to Eastgate Square.

The option of using the Claremont Access instead of James Mountain Road for the first route is also being looked at.

Stephen said that's because, in part, the 10.7 per cent grade on the Mountain road is too steep for light rail. A tunnel would be needed through the escarpment to run the route there.

The Claremont Access has a grade of 6 per cent, which is within the manageable range for light rail.

Stephen said the city is also keeping its mind open to other route possibilities.

Two public open houses about rapid transit have already been held and more are expected as the process moves forward.

Out of 1,500 responses from the open houses and a designated survey, only about 5 per cent of people are opposed to any form rapid transit (bus or rail), Stephen said.

This morning's public session is being held on the Jackson Square rooftop, beside the stage, from 11:30 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m.

[markbarbera]

I'm glad to see they are considering using Claremont for the A-line. It doesn't make sense eonomically or ecologically to be drilling a tunnel through the escarpment at James. The A-Line can run north from the airport along Upper James to Fennell, west on Fennell to Mohawk College, then north on West 5th, following Claremont down to King, west on King to James, north on James looping at the base, then south on James to Charlton, east on Charlton, north on John, east on Main then back south up the Claremont to Fennell via west 5th, east on Fennell to Upper James, then south back up to the airport loop.

[ryan_mcgreal]

http://raisethehammer.org/blog/1069/

Mayor: Infrastructure Commitment Supports Re-Urbanization
Ryan McGreal
Published 2008/07/25

The federal government has announced $33 billion in new infrastructure capital, with $6.2 billion earmarked for Ontario. The province is expected to provide another $3.1 billion in matching funding.

In a telephone interview with Raise the Hammer, Mayor Fred Eisenberger explained in more detail what the new funding means for Hamilton.

He noted that the national municipal infrastructure deficit is some $124 billion, and added that the announcement is an important step toward closing that deficit. "Kudos to both levels of government for finally getting it done."

He explained that the deal is crucial for releasing the federal money, because it provides a framework for approving projects.

The major emphasis is on rehabilitating existing infrastructure. Eisenberger pointed out that this supports "re-urbanization principles." If we want intensification and higher density development, the Mayor noted, "our infrastructure has to be able to deal with it."

Hamilton's "wish list" includes our water and wastewater system, bridges and road rehabilitation, public transit, a downtown transit terminal at MacNab, the Central Library, Gore Park pedestrianization, and more waterfront redevelopment.

LRT Through Metrolinx

One of the projects announced today is funding for Waterloo Region's Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.

I asked if some of the money could go to Hamilton's proposed LRT system as well. Eisenberger explained that federal capital for rapid transit Hamilton would more likely flow through Metrolinx, the provincial organization coordinating rapid transit investments through the GTA+Hamilton.

Waterloo falls outside the scope of the Metrolinx framework.

However, Eisenberger pointed out that the Waterloo LRT funding commitment indicates that the federal government is "listening to the need for rapid transit" and "amenable to loading out their share of funding."

This is a welcome commitment, as the federal government had previously hinted that it leaned more toward bus rapid transit than LRT.

As for Hamilton's rapid transit plan, the feds won't make a funding commitment to Metrolinx until after the Regional Transportation Plan is released around the end of 2008.

Another critical factor for a successful LRT system is a stable flow of operating funds. As Eisenberger put it, "The province can't just drop light rail on our laps without helping us to operate it."

However, the Mayor seemed confident that the federal and provincial governments understand this and may be prepared to make some arrangements for operating funds.

He said, "Some other funding mechanisms must be put in place." He listed HOV lanes, road tolls, and a special sales tax as possible sources of revenue.