Getting a sneak peek at Hamilton’s LRT

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Whether you drive or walk by Hamilton city hall, you won’t be able to miss what’s parked out front.

It’s a Light Rail Transit train car, put on display for the public at the request of mayor Fred Eisenberger. Metrolinx has provided the vehicle for the public to get up close and personal with the train.

The LRT system is still in the planning stages and is expected to cost about $1 billion. The province has announced it will help with the cost. It would travel east to west in Hamilton and up James Street.

It isn’t expected to be built for at least another 8 years.

Councillor Matthew Green says LRT will not only be environmentally friendly, but good for Hamilton’s residents. “I think it’ll mean a few things. We have an aging population, the baby boomer population is coming on 80 years old, so we know that senior transportation is a big issue in this city; we know that density is a big issue in the city so we’re hopeful that by bringing LRT in to the downtown corridor, we’ll be able to have our other public transit systems go out throughout the remainder of the city.”

Green also expects LRT to reduce congestion.

The public is welcome to come by city hall to take a look at the train; staff will be on hand to answer questions.