$372 million in federal, provincial money will support Hamilton transit expansion

Hamilton’s mayor says its a major boost for the city’s transit strategy.

Fred Eisenberger says the city will be able to proceed with its planned expansion of the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) after the federal and provincial governments signed a new infrastructure agreement on Thursday.

Over the next decade, Hamilton will receive $204 million from the federal government and $168 million from the province.

The municipality will be required to contribute 30 per cent funding, or $137 million. Eisenberger acknowledges that finding those dollars will be “our challenge.”

The city’s 10-year transit system plan calls for more buses to support expanded service and construction of a maintenance and storage facility.

Eisenberger adds that he’s been assured that the funding will flow based on the city’s priorities, as long as they are transit-oriented, a recognition that “we know what’s best for our municipality.”