Statement by Paul Tela

I am an avid supporter of inproving public transportation & the concept of the LRT. However, I do not support the current LRT plan as IMO it will not meet the plan's stated objectives and is therefore not the best public transportation system that 1 billion dollars can buy.

LRT systems are successful when they move large amounts of people to key destination points such as public transportation links I.e airpofts, Go Stations. The Queenstown traffic circle does not seem to be a key destination point.

For 1b $$ the current plan simply replaces buses for trains which studies and experience demonstrate does not increase ridership leels. We already have a strong East-West downtown public transportation system. Why not strengthen public transportation in areas of the City that really would provide benefit.

The current plan will not alleviate hwy traffic pressures on the the 403 and Lincoln Alexander as it does not connect to people residing on the mountain nor provide a convenient and direct link to the new Hamilton Go Station for other Hamiltonians.

Perhaps a better LRT route that could be explored would go from the airport down Upper James to the new Go Station at James North. Imagine how many peoole from the mountain & outlying towns from Binbrook to Ancaster would use the LRT to go downtown or access the GO?

There is ample room on Upper James to build parking lots. The current plan does not include parking. It is very difficult to increase public transportation ridership and cost effectiveness on capital intensive transportation systems such as the LRT without access to parking lots.

The current LRT plan does not align with the already approved 10 year Hamilton transportation plan.

I would like to see more public consultation, additional Hamilton based public transportation options and further discussion to ensure that Hamiltonians get the best possible public transportation system that 1b dollars can buy.

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