Biggest bus buy in history

Metrolinx is set to announce the biggest multicity bus purchase in Ontario history. And with it comes yet another well-needed tangible spark that the core is being revitalized. With improved bus service East-West and shortly thereafter, North-South, resale and rental properties will experience a surge. The improved service is ideal for connecting students and new MacMaster core workers to suburbs that need the growth and divert some of the housing attention away from West Hamilton.

Hamilton is one of many municipalities across Ontario that signed a deal with the provincial agency, Metrolinx, for the joint purchase of buses in 2009, with an option to buy more the following year.

Hamilton will get 17 diesel New Flyer buses in each of the next two years. Because they replace existing buses, one-third of their estimated $17 million cost will be covered by a provincial subsidy, according to Don Hull, director of Hamilton transit.

He also stated that Metrolinx will anounce full funding of $16.5 million for 18 diesel-electric hybrid 60-foot buses, as Hamilton's express east-west B line and coming north-south A line on James Street use these articulated buses.

Because of the joint-city purchase, Hamilton saved apx. $15,000 per bus. The articulated buses are part of a $32 milion grant for plant upgrades and more that Metrolinx has given Hamilton, to upgrade the B line and add a A line express route.

"It's huge for us," Hull told the Hamilton Spectator. It will allow the B line to be entirely serviced by these long, articulated buses (accordion centres).

In September 2009, Stage 1 of the A line on James will introduce five of the articulated buses. In addition, the city recently approved an expansion to the Rymal 44 route so that it will go from Eastgate Square to Centennial Parkway and all the way to Ancaster Businss Park.

Robert J. Morrow is editor of www.HamiltonHomeReview.com, an online real estate magazine serving Greater Hamilton, Ontario. Click here for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION sent to your email monthly. Click here to receive new Hamilton area listings in your email daily.