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One of the biggest questions facing the city of Hamilton is how to fix broken neighbourhoods.

One possible answer appeared in the ‘Keith’ neighbourhood of north-end Hamilton on Sunday afternoon.

It’s a neighbourhood facing clear challenges.

43% of its residents are living in poverty, 37% have never finished high school and the drop-out rate of 17% is nearly three times higher than anywhere else in the city.

But this newly established and unusual fixture is designed to help put the neighbourhood on a different track, toward a destination with a brighter future.

The new facility was officially opened by lieutenant governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

It will take a lot more than pomp and circumstance to keep the literacy express rolling, but the early signs are hopeful.

A strong volunteer base is the engine powering this initiative.

The Larry Paikin Literacy Express currently takes on passengers Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 PM.

That schedule will be expanded as qualified educational volunteers are added to the crew.