The A-Line is a proposed rapid transit line running along James Street in downtown and Upper James Street on the escarpment in Hamilton, Ontario. It is one of six rapid transit lines which form Hamilton's planned HSR Next network. It was previously identified by Metrolinx in its regional transportation plan The Big Move as a project to be completed by 2023. The route is currently served by Hamilton Street Railway's Route 20 A-Line Express bus.
History During planning, both bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) were considered for the corridor. On May 26, 2015, the Government of Ontario announced the B-Line LRT would be constructed between McMaster University and Queenston Circle, as well as a short LRT segment of the A-Line to provide a direct connection to West Harbour GO Station from King Street.Hamilton to get a new LRT and GO Train station
On February 2, 2017, the province removed the A-Line LRT spur from the B-Line construction scope. In its stead, the province proposed advancing the planning and environmental assessment of a BRT along the entire A-Line corridor, from Hamilton's waterfront to Hamilton Airport.Ontario Moving Forward with More Transit Options for Hamilton
On March 8, 2018, Metrolinx released the 2041 Regional Transportation Plan (2041 RTP) for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), superseding the previous RTP completed ten years earlier (The Big Move). The 2041 RTP recommends removing the waterfront portion of the corridor and constructing a BRT from West Harbour GO to Rymal Road and a priority bus from Rymal Road to Hamilton Airport.2041 Regional Transportation Plan for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area
On July 19, 2021, the federal, provincial, and municipal governments announced funding for upgrades to the A-Line corridor. The proposed works include construction of five queue jump lines and of sidewalks, implementation of transit signal priority measures at select intersections, and improvements to approximately 19 transit stops along the corridor.Canada and Ontario invest in improved public transit for residents of Hamilton
References
External links Hamilton Rapid Transit BCA Consultation boards