[SteelTown]

Hamilton’s on the road to a transit revolution

April 10, 2008
By Nicole MacIntyre

Transit users rejoice and car junkies brace yourselves — Hamilton is preparing for a transportation revolution.

The city is working on a new rapid transit system that it hopes will pull upwards of 20 per cent of cars off the road over the next few decades.

This spring, the public will have an opportunity to comment on two options: a rapid bus system or a light rail transit line.

Regardless of which option prevails, rapid transit will transform Hamiltonians’ daily commute, said Gerry Davis, director of capital planning and implementation. “We want to get people out of their cars.”

A bus rapid system would mean dedicated transit lanes and advanced lights for buses. James Mountain Road would also be closed, except for transit. A light rail system, like those in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Scarborough and Ottawa — would also take up space currently devoted to cars.

“A lot of car drivers aren’t going to like it,” said Councillor Brian McHattie. “It will be controversial.”

But, he argues, if the city wants to change the status quo, it must embrace a transit plan that is bold.

The city is hoping to capitalize on provincial funding after the government declared rapid transit a priority. More than $30 million has already been committed to the city’s rapid transit system.

Rapid transit would be dedicated to three main corridors: King and Main streets from McMaster to Eastgate Square; James and Upper James streets; and an east-west Mountain route.

McHattie favours a light rail system from downtown to McMaster as a start.

A group of transit users has been building support for a light rail option for months, lobbying city staff and creating a website.

While light rail costs more, it has the potential to generate economic development and increase ridership, said advocate Nicholas Kevlahan. “If Hamilton holds back once again, we’ll see another community surge ahead.”


WHICH ROUTE WOULD YOU TAKE?

Imagine sitting at a red light in 10 years and watching a packed bus or train whiz by, beating you to the same destination. Would it be enough to make you toss away your car keys?

The city is planning for a new rapid transit system that officials hope will encourage thousands of Hamiltonians to leave their cars at home.

Councillors will have their first look at a rapid transit feasibility study next week before it heads out for public input this spring.

Officials say it’s important that the city consider the two rapid transit options — light rail transit or rapid buses — from a financial, environmental and social perspective.

Combining the two systems is also possible. There’s hope the province would pick up the capital cost of building either system.

LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT
Capital costs:
$15 million per km for one-way streets
$25 million per km for two-way streets
$4 million per light rail vehicle
Operating cost:
$175 per hour running per vehicle, but holds more passengers than a bus.

Highlights:
- Runs at street level, propelled by overhead electrical wires
- Carries at least twice as many passengers as rapid buses
- More permanent than bus route, known to inspire economic development along a line
- More attractive to riders
- Would require an underground tunnel to make it up the Mountain.

BUS RAPID TRANSIT
Capital costs:
$6.5 million per km for one-way streets
$9 million per km for two-way streets
$900,000 per new articulated hybrid bus
$80 per hour running per bus

Highlights:
- Greater flexibility than rail system
- Fewer operating constraints, such as overhead bridges
- Can handle escarpment grade on James Mountain Road
- Less “sexy” to new riders