Local News Archive

  • City, McMaster Rapid Transit Survey, by - The city and McMaster University are cooperating to build an LRT station on campus, and have launched an online survey to get feedback. (Wednesday, December 02, 2009)

  • Council eyes property tax reform, by Emma Reilly - Tomorrow, city staff will present a report to council members that outlines proposed changes to the area rating system. (Monday, November 23, 2009)

  • Modify Area Rating, Increase Transit Revenue by $7.2 million, by Ryan McGreal - If the city were to end area rating for transit, it would generate an additional $7.2 million in transit tax revenue. (Monday, November 23, 2009)

  • News Release: Mayor to Call for Citizens' Jury on Area Rating, by - Mayor Fred Eisenberger has announced his intention to put forward a motion calling on Committee of the Whole to consider a 'Citizen's Jury' process as part of the Area Rating Options Report. (Wednesday, November 18, 2009)

  • Transit fare headache, by Howard Elliott - A transit fare increase may ultimately be necessary, but not before a great deal of sincere collaboration and creative thinking rule out other alternatives. (Wednesday, October 28, 2009)

  • Higher fares and dirtier buses, by CATCH - City staff are calling for a 20 cent fare hike for the HSR and DARTS, and switching bus purchases to 40-foot diesel vehicles instead of a mix of 40 and 60 foot articulated hybrids. (Tuesday, October 27, 2009)

  • Fare hike next stop for city transit, by Emma Reilly - The HSR wants to hike bus fares for the third time in as many years to make up for lower ridership and increased costs. (Tuesday, October 27, 2009)

  • TUG Responds to City's Closed Transit Process, by Peter Hutton - It's time that City Council really, seriously engaged the public in the future of transit. (Monday, October 26, 2009)

  • Letter to Council: Flawed Transit Funding Process Needs Public Input, Accountability, by Peter Hutton - In the absence of any meaningful process of engagement, and given how information is kept secret until the last minute, we have a sure recipe to breed conflict, confrontation, and poor transit decisions. (Monday, October 26, 2009)

  • Press Release: New facility offers secure parking for bicycle commuters, by City of Hamilton - Hamilton's Public Works Department, together with Metrolinx, has opened the city's second secure bicycle parking facility as part of an ongoing commitment to promote sustainable transportation options in Hamilton. (Friday, September 25, 2009)

  • Public backing for LRT hinges on tax hit, by Nicole Macintyre - The city is still waiting to find out if its plans for rapid transit, preferably light rail (LRT), will be selected by Metrolinx this fall. It will also learn its expected share of the tab. (Tuesday, September 15, 2009)

  • Decisions, decisions... , by Nicole MacIntyre - The transformation of Hamilton's fortunes and image is on the line. (Tuesday, September 08, 2009)

  • McMaster, city to consult students and faculty over LRT station, by Nicole Macintyre - McMaster University wants rapid transit coming to its campus - but where it stops is the big question. (Thursday, September 03, 2009)

  • City unveils new buses , by Daniel Nolan - Hamilton receives 18 hybrid buses at a cost of $16 million, funded by Metrolinx. (Monday, August 31, 2009)

  • Hamilton and Metrolinx kick-off new express transit route, by City of Hamilton - Metrolinx funding allows for new north-south route and other transit enhancements. (Monday, August 31, 2009)

  • Convince Me to Be Car Free, by Alisdair Rathbone - Some simple ideas on how we can achieve the City's goal of 100 rides per person per year by 2020 (or at least in my lifetime). (Monday, August 31, 2009)

  • Online survey seeks public's ideas for transit, by - Hamilton Transit Users Group is conducting an online survey and meeting with community groups to develop a plan for improving public transit over the next decade. (Tuesday, August 25, 2009)

  • Hamilton Chamber Of Commerce Resolution: Light Rail Transit Made in Hamilton, by - Hamilton should aim to build on Hamilton's existing manufacturing capacity, steel industry base and expertise in cargo rail manufacture as a location to manufacture new light rail systems for Ontario. (Tuesday, August 25, 2009)

  • Province will own rapid transit lines, by Citizens at City Hall - The provincial transit agency has announced it will own and control the rapid transit projects it is backing, rather than municipal governments. (Tuesday, August 04, 2009)

  • Transit neglect spans 20 years: conference, by Meredith Macleod - Hamilton must seize the opportunity to ensure all development along transit corridors is made on a walkable scale, that amenities are connected and streetscapes are enhanced with lighting, signage, street facades and public art. (Thursday, June 18, 2009)

  • Public input on proposed line, by Hamiton Spectator - City staff are recommending King Street and Main Street revert back to two-way traffic for the new rapid transit line proposed to cross Hamilton between McMaster University and Eastgate Square. (Thursday, June 04, 2009)

  • Affordable Transit Pass Open to OW, ODSP Recipients, by - Starting June 1, 2009, the City's Affordable Transit Pass Program is open to Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients with earnings. (Wednesday, June 03, 2009)

  • 'Hamilton has fared quite well' in Metrolinx plan, by Rob Faulkner - MacIsaac: "We continue to be impressed by the work that Hamilton has done and Hamilton will continue to be one of the top 15 priorities in the plan" (Tuesday, November 25, 2008)

  • Bad timing for HSR fare hike, by Robert Howard - Now is not the time for yet another increase in Hamilton bus fares. (Thursday, November 13, 2008)

  • Poor 'can't afford' HSR hikes, by Nicole MacIntyre - Riding a Hamilton bus may soon cost you 10 cents more - unless you're 80 or older. (Thursday, November 13, 2008)

  • Metrolinx boss to be new Mohawk prez, by Wade Hemsworth - MacIsaac has been considered a key ally in the city's aspirations to establish provincially-funded light rail transit links across the city. (Thursday, November 06, 2008)

  • 'Can't ignore city's plea for LRT', by Daniel Nolan - The head of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce's transport committee is confident the city will get its funding for rapid transit from Metrolinx sooner rather than later. (Friday, October 31, 2008)

  • Council Approves LRT Bid, Metrolinx Meeting Draws 140, by Ryan McGreal - A day after Council voted unanimously to approve the city's light rail bid, 140 people showed up for a Metrolinx open house and workshop on their draft Regional Transportation Plan. (Friday, October 31, 2008)

  • All aboard, by Rob Faulkner - Metrolinx in Hamilton this evening to hear input on transit proposals. (Thursday, October 30, 2008)

  • Spectator Editorial: Let's get going on LRT system, by Robert Howard - Some costs should not scare council, or the public, away from this huge economic opportunity for Hamilton. If other cities' experience is any indicator, strategic investment in LRT will pay for itself many times over. (Wednesday, October 22, 2008)

  • All on board for light rail line, by Rob Faulkner - Committee wants city staff to chase funding from first Metrolinx budget. (Tuesday, October 21, 2008)

  • Public Works Committee Approves Light Rail Feasibility Study, by - The city's public works committee has unanimously approved the Rapid Transit Feasibility Study - Phase 2 report prepared by city staff. (Monday, October 20, 2008)

  • Last call for light rail, by Rob Faulkner - If the city doesn't act now to push for light rail, Metrolinx will fund other areas. (Monday, October 20, 2008)

  • Hold onto your transit expectations, by Andrew Dreschel - Inner city rail has fired the hopes and imagination of both public and politicians, with Mayor Fred Eisenberger avidly advocating it as a silver bullet economic development tool. (Monday, October 20, 2008)

  • Hey, we're not T.O., by Rob Faulkner - Hamilton's hard-luck case may be the key to transit help from Metrolinx. (Friday, October 17, 2008)

  • Light rail transit plan presents easier commute, by Selma Al-Samarrai - The many benefits that LRT will produce for the residents of Hamilton include providing an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, large and fast transportation method. (Friday, October 17, 2008)

  • Rapid transit funding hits gridlock, by Rachel De Lazzer - City staff are scrambling to find out how much the municipality would be on the hook for to cover hoped-for rapid transit plans. (Thursday, October 16, 2008)

  • LRT: City not 'ready to go', by Rachel De Lazzer - Metrolinx chairman Rob MacIsaac says Hamilton has made a great pitch for funding for rapid transit but "that's different than being ready to go." (Thursday, October 16, 2008)

  • Local rapid transit not on track till at least 2012, by Rob Faulkner - Hamilton rapid transit will likely appear in Year 4 or 5 of the Metrolinx 2009-2013 budget. (Wednesday, October 15, 2008)

  • Breaking: City Publishes Rapid Transit Feasibility Study Phase 2, by - Staff report concludes: build light rail, integrate with community and economic development policies, start with the east-west line, and move quickly and decisively to get priority fundingn from the Province. (Thursday, October 02, 2008)

  • Councillors offer early support for light rail, by Rob Faulkner - City council appears to be lining up behind Mayor Fred Eisenberger to support the bid for light rail transit. (Thursday, October 02, 2008)

  • Mayor: we must move fast on LRT, by Rob Faulkner - LRT is cheaper to operate than a bus fleet, it could change the entire city's image, and may bring Hamilton the kind of construction boom Charlotte saw. (Wednesday, October 01, 2008)

  • Metrolinx plan will 'transform' Hamilton, by Kevin Werner - During a recent four-day tour of Charlotte, Portland and Calgary, Mayor Eisenberger saw economic development along the cities' light rail transit corridors, blossoming downtown economies, and environmental savings. (Tuesday, September 30, 2008)

  • Hamilton will get on board with frequent train service, by - In an interview with the Spectator, Metrolinx chair Rob McIsaac talks about what The Big Move means for Hamilton. (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)

  • Why Hamilton craves light rail, by Andrew Dreschel - Bus rapid transit is cheaper and more flexible, but what it lacks is sex and snob appeal. (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)

  • Let's GO for it, by Terry Cooke - History will record that Hamilton came of age yesterday with a transit announcement made in a non-descript Toronto hotel ballroom. (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)

  • Time to make the Big Move, by Mark McNeil - Shovels should be in the ground to build the east-west rapid transit route by 2010, although we don't know what form this rapid transit will take. (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)

  • $50b transit plan targets Hamilton, by Rob Faulkner - The Big Move could be transformational, but it leaves unanswered whether Hamilton will have light rail transit or merely rapid buses. (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)

  • City: Regional Transportation Plan Open to Light Rail in Hamilton, by - Public Works staff "will continue to meet with Metrolinx officials to demonstrate that Hamilton is ready to implement light rail transit now." (Tuesday, September 23, 2008)

  • Breaking: Metrolinx Releases Regional Transportation Plan, by - Here's a quick, high level summary of what the Regional Transportation Plan means for Hamilton. (Tuesday, September 23, 2008)

  • Transit plan good news for city: Mayor, by Rob Faulkner - City staff want to start building a light-rail transit system in just three years. (Tuesday, September 23, 2008)

  • A Little Farther Down the Line, by Ryan McGreal - After a busy summer, light rail is getting closer to reality for Hamilton. (Friday, September 12, 2008)

  • Public Consultation: Overwhelming Public Support for LRT, by Ryan McGreal - Over 1,600 people have responded to the rapid transit feasibility study's public consultation program, with overwhelming support for rapid transit and particularly for light rail transit. (Thursday, September 11, 2008)

  • Transit demand rises with gas prices, survey finds, by Nick Kyonka - Transit use is setting records, but governments need to commit to new funding so transit systems can grow to meet new demand. (Tuesday, September 02, 2008)

  • Route tweak boots B-Line off campus, by Rebecca Penty - B-Line express bus will no longer have any stops on McMaster campus. (Monday, August 25, 2008)

  • City transit to fill 'nodes' - Council to vote on airport link, by Rob Faulkner - A-Line express bus between downtown and airport expected to help create a more consistent transit network. (Monday, August 25, 2008)

  • Light Rail Should Live On, by Sarah Veale - A peek inside Hamilton's biggest transit choice and its ripple effect. (Thursday, August 21, 2008)

  • Enthusiasm for proposed transit system gaining momentum, by Rob Faulkner - City staff are urgently working on a bid to secure provincial approval and cash for a light-rail system. (Tuesday, July 29, 2008)

  • Hamilton pressing forward on light rail transit, by Dana Brown - Hamilton's goal is to submit a proposal to Metrolinx for inclusion in its capital budget in the fall (Monday, July 28, 2008)

  • Council Approves Rapid Transit Phase 2, by - City Council voted to approve the staff recommendation to move the rapid transit initiative to phase 2 with an emphasis on light rail and a sense of urgency. (Friday, July 11, 2008)

  • Merulla to Feds, Province: Fund Free Transit, by Ryan McGreal - Councillor Merulla calls on federal and provincial governments to fund a pilot project for free transit in Hamilton. (Wednesday, July 09, 2008)

  • No free ride for taxpayers?, by Dana Brown - City mulls HSR fare options amid calls for free transit. (Wednesday, July 09, 2008)

  • Help shape the future of Rapid Transit in Hamilton, by - Hamilton's Public Works Department is seeking your thoughts on the rapid transit initiative to shape a more sustainable future for Hamilton. (Monday, July 07, 2008)

  • Spectator Editorial: All Aboard LRT Opportunity, by Robert Howard - In Hamilton, light rail has the potential to transform neighbourhoods and revitalize commercial areas. (Tuesday, June 24, 2008)

  • City Rapid Transit Report: Focus on Light Rail for Phase 2, by Ryan McGreal - City staff recommend proceeding to phase 2 of the rapid transit initiative with a focus on light rail and the goal of committing to a plan in time for the first round of Metrolinx funding. (Thursday, June 12, 2008)

  • Realtors Association Endorses Light Rail, by Ryan McGreal - The Realtors' Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) has formally endorsed light rail transit. (Monday, May 26, 2008)

  • A Rapid Transit System for Hamilton, by Larry Di Ianni - The public is ready for LRT. I heartily endorse this choice. (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)

  • Is a light rail transit system in Hamilton's future?, by Kevin Werner - An overwhelming number of Hamiltonians want the city to start constructing a light rail transit system as soon as possible. (Friday, May 16, 2008)

  • We blew it in '81 on light rail transit -- let's not do it again, by Terry Cooke - Hamilton has a rare opportunity to go "back to the future" with light rail transit. (Monday, May 12, 2008)

  • City: Strong Public Support for Light Rail, by Ryan McGreal - In a summary of this week's rapid transit public information centres, the city's public works department cited overwhelming public support for rapid transit with a strong preference for light rail. (Friday, May 09, 2008)

  • Mountain residents ride light transit system idea, by Kevin Werner - An overwhelming majority of attendees to the May 6 city's rapid transit meeting applauded the city's efforts to improve Hamilton's transit system. By far they favoured light rail. (Friday, May 09, 2008)

  • Dundas added to LRT plan, by Daniel Nolan - Dundas has been added to a proposal for rapid transit lines in the Hamilton area. (Wednesday, May 07, 2008)

  • Rapid transit information sessions this week, by Eric McGuinness - Valuable ideas came out of Saturday's rapid transit brainstorming session sponsored by Metrolinx. (Monday, May 05, 2008)

  • People have to want to take transit, by Margaret Shkimba - HSR buses are bumpy and cramped. How about a modern rail system along King Street? (Monday, May 05, 2008)

  • Rapid Transit Public Meetings, by - The City of Hamilton's public works department is hosting two public information centres on the rapid transit feasibility study. (Thursday, May 01, 2008)

  • Clean, green and good for the city's future, by Paul Wilson - The Hamilton Spectator's Paul Wilson interviews Nicholas Kevlahan of Hamilton Light Rail. (Wednesday, April 30, 2008)

  • Analysis: Feasibility Study Biased Against Light Rail, by Nicholas Kevlahan - The rapid transit feasibility study is a one-sided analysis that overstates the cost of providing light rail and fails to identify or measure its advantages. (Thursday, April 10, 2008)

  • Quick Highlights: Rapid Transit Feasibility Study, by - Preliminary summary of the city's rapid transit feasibility study comparing opportunities and constraints for light rail or bus rapid transit. (Thursday, April 10, 2008)

  • Breaking - Rapid Transit Feasibility Study, by - The city's rapid transit feasibility study comparing the costs and opportunities of bus rapid transit and light rail transit is now available. (Thursday, April 10, 2008)

  • Metronauts: Brainstorming Solutions for Transportation , by Mark Kuznicki, Remarkk! Consulting - Metronauts Transit Camp initiative looks to public for new perspectives on regional transportation plan. (Tuesday, March 25, 2008)

  • Parents - Free HSR is a No Brainer, by Thom Oommen - Free transit is actually financially advantageous to one large group of Hamiltonians: parents. (Tuesday, March 25, 2008)

  • Bus pass benefits all, by Lee Prokaska - The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) launched its new affordable bus pass program this week. Hamilton joins Waterloo and Calgary as Canadian cities with such programs. (Monday, March 17, 2008)

  • City launches Affordable Transit Pass Program, by - The City has launched its Affordable Transit Pass Program for employed residents living with a low income. (Tuesday, March 04, 2008)

  • Poor transit plan to set Ottawa back 10 years: experts, by Mohammed Adam - Cities that embrace new light rail projects are improving their competitiveness and future prosperity. (Tuesday, February 05, 2008)

  • Keith area will get a bus route at last, by Nicole MacIntyre - After hearing several passionate speeches about the desperate need for public transit, councillors agreed to add buses on Victoria Avenue and Wentworth Street North. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • Hamiltonians like their cars, by Rob Faulkner - Hamilton's rate of car use is much higher than other medium sized cities. (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)

  • Brampton gets $95M for rapid bus service, by Tess Kalinowski - The Federal government has promised to invest $95 million in a new bus rapid transit system for Brampton. (Tuesday, January 08, 2008)

  • Free transit not so crazy, by Howard Elliott - We all know the value that efficient, environmentally appropriate transit can bring to any city, never mind one facing the kind of environmental and revitalization challenges facing our city. (Thursday, December 20, 2007)

  • Encourage use of public transit, by Lee Prokaska - The fact that transit fare increases don't generate much concern over voter backlash speaks volumes about the relative value of community members. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • We Need Better than Seat-of-the-Pants Transit Planning, by Roy Adams - Do city staff have the technology to make accurate assessments of ridership change or is it just guesstimating shaded on the positive side to quell the voices of protest? (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • HSR workers OK 3% yearly raise in new contract, by Rachel De Lazzer - Hamilton transit workers overwhelmingly accepted a tentative contract with the city yesterday. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • Fare hike hits hard, by Carmela Fragomeni - Disabled, seniors and working poor are vulnerable to a transit fare increase. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • HSR fare hike would hurt the working poor, by Tom Cooper - Less than a week after edging precariously close to a public transit strike, the City of Hamilton's public works department is celebrating a settlement with the Amalgamated Transit Union by urging fare hikes for everybody else. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • HSR staff vote on latest contract offer, by Emma Reilly - Hamilton Street Railway drivers, mechanics and support staff voted on their latest contract offer from city hall. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • 'It'll be cheaper to take a taxi' -- riders blast HSR fare hike, by Dana Brown - Transit riders are not happy about the prospect of having to pay more. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • Fare Increase Vote: Transit Ridership Loses Out, by Ryan McGreal - At last night's Committee of the Whole (COW) on the 2008 HSR budget, councillors voted to implement the staff proposal to increase transit fares. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • Hamilton council OKs second bus fare hike of the year, by - Transit users will be doling out an extra 15 cents to ride the bus in January. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • Proposed Transit Service Improvements, by Ryan McGreal - As a counterpoint to its recommendation to increase transit fares, the Public Works Department is also presenting a Transit Service Enhancements Implementation Plan. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • More bus fare hikes, by CATCH - Councillors will decide on Monday whether to add another 15 cents to HSR fares. Staff are also proposing two new suburban bus routes and a pilot program to subsidize monthly passes for up to 809 low-income residents. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • Staff Recommendation: Transit Fare Increase, by Ryan McGreal - Public Works is recommending the following fare price changes to achieve an average fare increase of $0.10. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • Give HSR the extra wheels it deserves, by Don McLean - Let's stop starving the HSR and start using public transit to improve our local economy, reduce air pollution, fight global climate change and help Hamiltonians cope with rapidly rising fuel prices. (Wednesday, November 28, 2007)

  • Talks with transit workers to resume Nov. 1 (Hamilton Spectator), by - Contract talks between the city and the union representing HSR workers will resume on Thursday, November 1, 2007. (Tuesday, October 30, 2007)

  • Bus drivers, support staff vote 94.5 per cent to reject latest offer (Hamilton Spectator), by John Burman - Hamilton bus drivers, mechanics and support staff have strongly rejected the Hamilton Street Railways' latest contract offer. (Tuesday, October 23, 2007)

  • Transit workers vote on city's offer (Hamilton Spectator), by John Burman - Hamilton Street Railway drivers, mechanics and support staff want a pay raise above inflation and a washroom downtown. (Tuesday, October 23, 2007)

  • HSR fits 43 buses with bike racks (Hamilton Spectator), by Hamilton Spectator - The Hamilton Street Railway now has 43 buses fitted with bike racks and two routes that cross between the Mountain and the lower city that carry them. (Tuesday, October 23, 2007)

  • Some buses getting bike racks (Hamilton Spectator), by Hamilton Spectator - HSR will outfit eight buses with bike racks on the front bumper, which can hold up to two bikes. (Tuesday, October 23, 2007)

  • A five-year experiment in free transit, by Ian Taylor - Op-Ed: Prime Minister Stephen Harper could set the wheels in motion to support free public transit in cities. (Monday, January 21, 2008)