Light Rail

Press Release: Light Rail Transit in Hamilton

By RTH Staff
Published September 18, 2007

(Download this press release as a PDF)

Citizens at City Hall (CATCH) and Raise the Hammer are co-sponsoring a public meeting to discuss the provincial offer of capital funding to develop rapid transit and the possibility of light rail and/or streetcars.

Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie will be speaking about what is happening at 71 Main St W. In addition, Jason Leach from Raise the Hammer and Thom Oommen from Green Venture will talk about related issues. A group discussion will follow.

This meeting will also re-launch the Transit Users Group (TUG), an organization dedicated to supporting transit and advocating service improvements.

Background

Earlier this year, the provincial government announced $300 million in capital funding for two rapid transit lines in Hamilton. Recent press releases indicate the province is thinking about light rail transit, but the city's Transportation Master Plan dismisses light rail as a "possible" future option and is committed to bus rapid transit.

Neither Council nor staff seem to have reconsidered the city's rapid transit policy in light of the provincial offer. Since light rail is more expensive to build but cheaper to operate per passenger, it makes sense to re-examine it in light of the provincial offer to cover the capital costs.

About CATCH

CATCH (www.hamiltoncatch.org) is a volunteer community group that encourages civic participation in Hamilton. Our members attend and report on meetings of city councillors and other City committees, and carry out related research and activities. We issue regular news updates to our email list using recordings and transcripts of meetings and/or other public documents to highlight information about Hamilton civic affairs that is not generally available in the mass media.

About Raise the Hammer

Raise the Hammer (www.raisethehammer.org) is a group of Hamilton, Ontario citizens who believe in our city's potential and are willing to get involved in making the city a more vibrant, liveable, and attractive place to live and work. We are non-partisan and our members come from diverse political backgrounds. Our common interest is revitalizing our city, a goal that benefits everyone.

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By seancb (registered) - website | Posted September 18, 2007 at 14:23:43

great. let's get this train a rollin'!

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