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Metrolinx Update
Metrolinx releases Hamilton’s Benefits Case Analysis Report
In spring 2009, Metrolinx (Province) began a process referred to as a Benefits Case Analysis - a process to consider and evaluate the costs and benefits of all reasonable alternatives for rapid transit in Hamilton so that the most viable and financially responsible transit project is built.
At their Board meeting on February 19th, 2010, Metrolinx presented their Benefits Case Analysis (BCA) report for Hamilton’s rapid transit project. The following summarizes the findings of the BCA and provides relevant background information. You can also view the full report at www.metrolinx.com/en/boardMeetingDocs.aspx by clicking on the February 19, 2010 agenda and items.
Summary of Metrolinx Report: Benefits Case Analysis for Hamilton’s B-Line Corridor
The Metrolinx BCA measures the transportation user and financial impacts of each option, as well as long-term economic, environmental and social impacts.
Working with the City of Hamilton, Metrolinx developed a BCA workplan for the King-Main corridor. The BCA identified three project options for evaluation:
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) from McMaster University to Eastgate Square: estimated capital cost: $220 million
- Light Rail Transit (LRT) from McMaster University to Eastgate Square: estimated cost: $830 million
- *A variation of Option 2, including an initial phase of LRT from McMaster University to Ottawa Street, and BRT improvements for the balance of the corridor from Ottawa Street to Eastgate Square: $600 million.
*Full LRT would be expected as the second phase of Option 3.
The BCA demonstrated that all three options will generate net benefits for Hamilton and are capable of accommodating long-term travel demand growth in the corridor.
Although full LRT is the highest-cost option, it also generates the highest benefits in terms of travel time savings, ridership attraction and overall “qualitative” travel experience. LRT will also generate more significant economic development impacts such as employment, income and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. The BCA also identifies LRT as having greater potential to shape land uses and uplift land values along the King-Main corridor.
BRT generates a strong benefits-cost ratio because it costs considerably less expensive to build. However, the benefits of BRT are also less extensive.
Project Status
Planning, Design and Engineering Study to begin in March
Our Rapid Transit Team has been working hard to complete the necessary studies and plans. Hamilton recently received $3 million from the Province which is being used to undertake an extensive design process that will map out exactly what a proposed rapid transit system will look like and how it will impact traffic flow along the B-line corridor. This next phase of study will include extensive public consultation with stakeholders, corridor property owners and the general public. This design process is expected to begin in March 2010. The Metrolinx BCA recommends that the City continue to work collaboratively with Metrolinx on the planning, design and engineering workplan for the Main-King corridor in 2010 and report back to the Board in late 2010 with a status update.
Project Background
Hamilton’s Public Works Department initiated a Rapid Transit Feasibility Study in November 2007, which investigated major considerations in rapid transit planning, including such things as land use, existing transit service, rights of way, timing, signal priority, dedicated lanes, and a summary of Class Environmental Assessment requirements, as well as an analysis of the feasibility and requirements for implementation of rapid transit on routes identified in the Hamilton Transportation Master Plan, with a focus on the two routes identified in MoveOntario 2020.
In November 2008, Metrolinx released its final transportation strategy, which identified four rapid transit routes in Hamilton to be implemented consecutively over the next 25 years and beyond. The Big Move: Transforming Transportation in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area maps out $50 billion in new transportation projects over 25 years with additional routes identified for beyond the 25 year plan.
Listed among the Top 15 “early implementation” priority projects was rapid transit expansion from McMaster University to Centennial Parkway – the current HSR ‘B-Line’. The ‘A-Line’ was also included in the first 15 years of the plan. An additional Mohawk Road route from Ancaster to Main Street was included in the 25-year plan (‘T-Line’). A Centennial Parkway/Rymal Road (‘S-Line’) route, and a Downtown to Waterdown/Dundas St (L-line) was identified for beyond 25 years.
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Resources & Related Links
Project Web address
www.hamilton.ca/rapid-transit
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