A wide variety of people and organizations are starting to express support for light rail.
[W]hat Hamilton really needs is the next step up -- the 21st century solution. The proposed rapid-transit lines for Hamilton would essentially be dedicated routes for better or larger buses. This is the time for Hamilton to push the province, and the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority charged with implementing the plan, to consider light rail transit (LRT) lines for Hamilton that would replace some buses with quiet, environmentally friendly electric trains.
-- Rob Howard, Editor, the Hamilton Spectator
City Council has already approved and we are targeting funding for two rapid-transit corridors. Imagine, as we move into the future, the possibility of getting from one end of the city to the other by light rail: quickly, safely, smoothly and without harming the environment.
-- Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton, 2007 State of the City address
We need to look for the higher order choice that will serve our environment. With the funding that's out there - $17 billion, a significant amount of money that will be eaten up very quickly - I think we ought to get our fair share. For the lower city, I think light rail is the one.
-- Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton, in an October 10, 2007 interview with Raise the Hammer.
The first move towards reducing transport energy use in Hamilton could thus be replacement of existing bus routes by light rail or streetcars, or by trolley buses, according to levels of ridership. (A light rail route can carry more than three times as many passengers per hour as a trolley bus route, even if the latter is mostly operating in its own right of way.) The technologies could initially be introduced into the McMaster to Eastgate corridor and the Downtown to Limridge corridor, both of which are identified in Phase 2 of the Hamilton's emerging Transportation Master Plan as potential higher order transit corridors.
-- Richard Gilbert, Hamilton: The Electric City
[A]n effectively functioning and efficient public transit system, including possibly a solid LRT option, is a primary economic development tool, if not pre-requisite to retaining and attracting quality employers. ...
I could not imagine anything more effectively "Triple Bottom Line" than sustainable Public Transit infrastructure enhancements, and we have always believed in 'TBL' principles - LRT smells like a real winner to me.
-- John Dolbec, CEO, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce
The loss of parking [on Spadina Ave. in Toronto] was fought tooth and nail, the theory being that, without parking, Spadina's commercial aspect would wither away to nothing. But look at the number of people on Spadina every day, shopping. They didn't get there by driving.
-- Steve Munro, www.stevemunro.ca
Streetcars have sex appeal. It resonates with folks. ... Developers don't write checks for buses.
-- Len Brandrup, director of transportation, Kenosha, Wis.