Bidding starts to build Hamilton’s LRT

Liberal MPP Ted McMeekin along side Metrolinx officials announced it has short listed three companies who want to build and run Hamilton’s $1 billion light rail transit system. The winning bidder will be picked next year.

The mayor says they’ve spent about $100 million of the province’s money on the project and has bought, or is in the process of buying, 40 properties along the line.

They want to start construction in 2019, with trains running on the 14 kilometre line from McMaster to Eastgate square by 2024.

But the project agreement won’t be signed before the provincial election in June and new PC leader, Doug Ford recently suggesting Hamilton could keep the billion dollars for infrastructure whether it builds the LRT or not.

Today’s announcement also included $6 million from the province to build affordable housing along the line. Money the city will only see if the LRT is built.