LRT

Wednesday May 29, 2013

Wednesday May 29, 2013By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 29, 2013

Metrolinx report recommends Transit Revenue Tools

Hamilton’s proposed light rail transit line would be 100 per cent funded by new taxes and fees proposed by regional transit authority Metrolinx.

With that promise comes a stipulation: there is no opportunity to “opt out” of the GTHA’s Big Move transit vision or the funding tools designed to pay for it.

That message came loud and clear at a board meeting Monday during which the Metrolinx board unanimously approved a new transit funding strategy for the next 20 years.

LRT in Hamilton

The LRT Waiting Game Gallery

It’s now in Premier Kathleen Wynne’s hands to win support at Queen’s Park for the plan to pay for $34 billion in transit projects. It could be a tough battle, given the Liberals’ minority status and the fact it’s estimated the average Ontario household will have to pay $477 more per year in fees and taxes.

But Wynne has been clear that she feels transit in the GTHA is facing a crisis and that she’s willing to stake her political future on fixing it.

“To the 30 municipalities and the province of Ontario impacted by this plan, I call on them to accept the challenge and embrace our recommendations,” said Metrolinx chair Rob Prichard. “It will take a great deal of courage on their parts.”

The average commute in the GTHA is 82 minutes a day round trip, among the longest in North America.

Without action, it will grow to 109 minutes in 25 years, according to Metrolinx. Implementing the Big Move brings it back down to 77 minutes. (Source: Metro News)

Saturday, April 28 2013

Saturday, April 28 2013By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday, April 28 2013

Mayor’s comment on LRT takes wrong turn

An erroneous comment by Mayor Bob Bratina about how the premier views the future of Hamilton transit left city politicians aghast Wednesday, prompting one to question whether Bratina was being “wilfully stupid.”

Bratina told The Spectator that Premier Kathleen Wynne made clear at a private event last weekend that Hamilton will have to choose between a light-rail transit line through the lower city and extending all-day GO service to Stoney Creek.

During the interview Wednesday at a transit forum in Toronto, Bratina also said Wynne’s senior staff confirmed Hamilton will have to make that choice.

“I think we would have to look at that,” Bratina told The Spectator. “GO trains stopping on Centennial Parkway could take 5,000 cars off the road.”

But it emerged later Wednesday that Bratina did not attend the event where Wynne spoke last Sunday — a $500-per-ticket fundraiser for Hamilton cabinet minister Ted McMeekin at the Hamilton Golf & Country Club.

McMeekin said the premier spoke about transit in general, but did not convey any expectation that Hamilton would have to make such a choice.

“I’m a little confused because he (Bratina) wasn’t at the fundraiser,” McMeekin said Wednesday, noting only a member of the mayor’s staff attended.

Bratina did not respond to The Spectator’s requests for a second interview to clarify his comments.
McMeekin said Wynne did not indicate any projects were in competition. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

Wednesday October 24, 2012

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 24, 2012

Mac report illuminates issue of LRT for city

Senior Hamilton bureaucrats are carefully studying a report produced by McMaster University researchers that suggests that light rail transit has the potential to succeed in Hamilton but will be a “long, challenging and costly process.”

The study looked at successful and failing LRT systems across North America in terms of their ability to attract riders and new development.

It will be a big part of a staff report coming to councillors that will definitively recommend whether the city should forge ahead with building an LRT line for Hamilton, said city manager Chris Murray.

“It will speak to all the things we need to do to take advantage of the growth opportunity Hamilton is enjoying.”

The university report, produced by the McMaster Institute for Transportation and Logistics and commissioned by the city, is “good advice to staff and council on how to move ahead with LRT,” said Murray.

Though he stopped short of saying LRT is now a city target, he said Hamilton has “already invested heavily” in LRT.

“I don’t think the feeling is out there that LRT isn’t worth pursuing.”

But Mayor Bob Bratina has repeatedly shot arrows into the hearts of those pining for B-line LRT stretching 13 kilometres between McMaster and Eastgate. It’s projected to cost between $875 million and $1 billion to build. (Source: Hamilton Spectator) 

 

Thursday September 25, 2008

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday September 25, 2008

Metrolinx’s Big Move will change city for the better

History will record that Hamilton came of age yesterday with a transit announcement made in a non- descript Toronto hotel ballroom. 

The $50-billion “Big Move” unveiled by Metrolinx chair Rob MacIsaac will forever change the form, functioning and economic prospects of our city. 

Marvellous Maps

In MacIsaac’s words, the plan will “cement Hamilton’s place as an integral hub of the GTA transit network and spur significant economic activity throughout the region.” 

It also threatens to shift our centre of political gravity from Hamilton City Hall to Metrolinx’s headquarters in Toronto. 

The specific commitments include all-day express electrified GO service between downtown Hamilton and Union Station and a much anticipated light-rapid transit line connecting McMaster University and Eastgate Square. 

It also contemplates a future north-south rapid transit connection between downtown and Hamilton’s airport. 

Even hard-bitten Hamilton cynics will have trouble disliking all of the positive elements of these announcements. 

LRT is a modern, efficient and reliable way to move large numbers of people quickly. It will also inevitably attract investment, create jobs and increase property values throughout the city.  (Source: Hamilton Spectator)