Bus-or-train decision expected Feb. 19
By Emma Reilly
Published in the Hamilton Spectator on Jan 30, 2010
When Metrolinx decides next month whether Hamilton should receive dedicated bus lanes or light rail, it won't be doing so based on the city's controversial route proposal.
Neither will it be handing out any money to fund the proposed $650-million project.
Metrolinx, the provincial agency that oversees transit throughout the Toronto-Hamilton region, is expected to make a decision about what kind of rapid transit the city will get at its Feb. 19 board meeting. Its staff will present a business case analysis that will take a "high-level" look at how rapid transit will integrate into the city, as well as its social, economic and environmental impacts.
That decision won't be a verdict on the city's rapid transit plans, said Metrolinx spokesperson Jacquie Menezes.
"This will be information that will feed into design, construction and funding decisions in the future," Menezes said.
The report also won't include information about what kind of funding the city can expect for rapid transit. That decision will be the sole responsibility of the Ontario government and will come at a later date, Menezes said.
The city has told Metrolinx that a light rail line running east and west on King Street is its top priority for funding.
The city's plan for rapid transit has received mixed reaction from the community. The proposal includes the possibility of removing all street parking along the route from Eastgate Square to McMaster University, eliminating traffic on King between Wellington and Mary, and restricting any left turns to intersections with traffic lights.
Though council has endorsed light rail, several councillors have expressed concern about the current plans. Some details of the proposal -- particularly the pedestrian-only area -- have been unpopular among council. It is also not popular with both downtown BIAs.
Jill Stephen, the city's director of strategic planning and rapid transit, said it's too early for council members to make a call about the proposed transit details.
"It is very soon for council to be able to say whether or not they like King Street or Main Street, because they don't have the businesses case analysis. Nobody does," she said.
Menezes said council's lukewarm response to the city's plan will have "no effect" on Metrolinx's decision on the 19th.