Niagara takes another major step toward a single transit system serving the whole region
CBC
Niagara regional council has taken a major step forward in its bid to combine all existing services into one single, integrated transit commission serving the entire region.
In November the council voted in favour of the Moving Transit Forward, which it said would lead to an improvement and modernization of public transit in Niagara Region.
Niagara's 12 local municipalities commenced voting on the proposal on Dec. 6, and on Dec. 21, Thorold council became the seventh to vote yes, reaching the majority needed to move forward.
Regional chair Jim Bradley said he's "extremely pleased" to see so many communities choosing to join the region in making the historic decision to support better transit across Niagara.
"The strong demonstration of support we have seen thus far speaks to the value and importance of this initiative, as well as the overall viability of the plan," Bradley wrote in an email to CBC Hamilton.
"This is an historic moment for Niagara, and one that I believe will be noted as a milestone in the progression of Niagara as a community."
The remaining municipalities will vote on the proposal in January.
"While it is true that we have achieved the votes necessary to move forward, I am eager to see the discussion at the remaining council meetings in January," Bradley said.
According to the regional chair, at the end of the day, a single, integrated transit system will mean better service for the people of Niagara.
"For over a decade, we have been taking steps to demonstrate just how successful, and impactful, a single transit system would be," he said.
"Better transit will help to supercharge the economy, protect the environment, support our growing population and ensure daily GO service will have the most benefit across the region."
Mary Lou Tanner, principal planner at NPG Planning Solutions in Niagara, said achieving this majority is "a great accomplishment for Niagara."
"This has been many, many years in the making and it is transformative for Niagara's future," Tanner told CBC Hamilton.
"People will have the ability to work and live in communities across Niagara. It supports how Niagara is planning to grow and it supports Niagara's economic future. It's absolutely transformative."
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