Raise the Hammer

"We now know that the TTC and City of Toronto are being asked by Metrolinx to contribute --precisely nothing-- towards the costs of building and equipping their four line 52km Crosstown LRT."

Hamilton needs to recognize the complexities of leveraging public investments (in a resource challenged economy) for such a large and complex regional infrastructure project that straddles many urban centres in the Golden Horseshoe.

While it is easy to look at individual transit lines (components) of this very large regional public transit plan (network) in hyper local terms - with its emotional highs & lows -- it must not be forgotten that the central thrust of this plan essentially is regional in nature.

Viewing our region as a -network- connected by an appropriate hierarchy of transportation systems which is true to local conditions (rather than as a random collection of cities vying for a 'must-have' LRT), would help us understand the broader context of Metrolinx and our region's need for pervasive connectivity.

This is what will help Hamilton refine the case for attracting investment resources to its LRT aspiration -- and not an aggressive/competitive stance which pits one city against the other for funding.

"The Big Move is a bold and visionary plan that outlines a common vision for transportation for one of the largest and fastest-growing urban regions in North America. The plan introduces a new way of moving around the region."

"On May 14, 2009, GO Transit officially merged with Metrolinx. The merger maximizes the two organizations’ strategy and planning expertise and implementation and operations know-how to build rapid transit projects faster and improve customer service. GO Transit is an operating division of Metrolinx. GO Transit is Canada’s first, and the Province of Ontario’s only, interregional public transportation service for the GTHA."

In my opinion, Hamilton's LRT design approach currently offer a weak case for regional connectivity (while barely fulfilling local connectivity), and is primarily focused on boosting local urban growth on preferred axis, driven by TOD's. There is a good possibility of regional dollars flowing more smoothly if we are able to stop over-playing this real-estate angle and refocus our LRT's rationale on regional connectivity.

Here are a few references to gain deeper insight into how dollars are being created, shared and spent on the regional Metrolinx transit network (which is currently focused on the GTA components - a focus that is not a slight to Hamilton, but based on priorities arising from much higher intensity and user demand that currently exists within the regional network):

• Achieving 5 in 10

• Metrolinx, 5 in 10 Plan

• Toronto Transit Board Report -- Appendix III - City Council Resolutions - 5. (pg 6) "City Council direct the City Manager to prepare as part of the 2013 Operating Budget, a new revenue tool in the form of a non-residential parking levy that would generate up to $100 million per year on an ongoing basis and that all revenues from this levy be used to create a Rapid transit legacy Fund dedicated to building rapid transit infrastructure."