Raise the Hammer
By Letter to the Editor
Published July 12, 2011
Hello Councillor Farr,
A solid, well-functioning public transit system is the backbone of any good city. If you want people to see and make use of and share ideas and services and money, you need a public transit system that is reliable and efficient.
The bus system that exists in Hamilton is okay; it's better than nothing, but it's not overly efficient. I will use the public transportation system more when it makes more sense than driving. It takes me over an hour to bus to Dundas from Downtown, whereas it takes only 10 mins to drive. I think the LRT will be the solution to this problem, as it will move a large volume of people down busy corridors, quickly.
The development that will spring up around the LRT stops will be worth it on its own, but the benefits go far beyond that - increased tourism, better access to jobs, reduced traffic congestion, less air pollution, better access to downtown from other wards, and, of course, better access to Tiger-cats games.
Council whole-heartedly supported this plan in 2008. What has changed? I don't know if you personally, Mr. Farr, have cooled your position on the LRT, but during your election campaign you supported it along with all-day GO service. They don't have to be mutually exclusive, and, in fact, complement each other quite well. Think how much easier it would be for people from across the city to commute into and out of Hamilton for work, without having to sit in QEW traffic.
I hope you'll push this issue at Council as it would greatly benefit Ward 2. At least know that I, as a resident of Ward 2, feel that the LRT is important for Hamilton. I'd like my voice to be heard and my views to be represented at Council, by my Councillor.
Thanks very much,
Rochelle Rumney
By Robert D (anonymous) | Posted July 12, 2011 at 17:00:20
Might I suggest some of us go over to the Spec and show our support for former Mayor Eisenberger's commentary here:
http://www.thespec.com/opinion/article/562087--why-light-rail-transit-matters
By Mark-Alan Whittle (anonymous) | Posted July 12, 2011 at 18:43:12
Ex-mayor Fred Eisenberger still lives on Hamilton mountain, I wonder how he gets to work? Does he practice what he preaches and take public transit, or does he drive a car? For that matter, does any Hamilton councillor take public transit to and from work? Why is every reserved parking spot for councillors at city hall occupied by a car every day? Does anyone on council lead by example? Who is driving the Mayor's Limo, if he isn't using it? Does the driver still get paid?
By George (registered) | Posted July 13, 2011 at 11:04:41 in reply to Comment 66079
Wrong. Fred Eisenberger lives in the lower city, east end, ward 5, and has for quite some time now.
By Commuter (anonymous) | Posted July 13, 2011 at 00:54:32 in reply to Comment 66079
Fred Eisenberger sat on the GO bus with me to Union last week. Nice guy
By highwater (registered) | Posted July 12, 2011 at 18:53:23 in reply to Comment 66079
Fred takes the GO train. McHattie walks.
Comment edited by highwater on 2011-07-12 18:54:39
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