After years of debate and study, the starting blocks for a Regional public transit system may be one step closer to reality.  At its meeting on January 28, Regional Council passed a motion authorizing its staff to move forward with Phase 2 of the Inter-Municipal Transit Work Plan. 

Essentially, this plan calls for transit consultants to be hired to devise a conceptual model initially connecting the cities of Niagara Falls, Welland and St. Catharines.   The ultimate goal is to further develop this triangular service hub and provide affordable and reliable transit services to all Niagara residents – within the surrounding municipalities, as well as to outside regions, including the Greater Toronto Area.

However, before any actual plan moves forward, there are a number of matters that must be sorted out.  Under the Municipal Act, the authority for transit rests with the lower-tier municipalities.  If the Region is to serve as a coordinating body, it must have approval from member municipalities to become a transit operator.

In theory, many people will embrace the benefits of an affordable and accessible transit system here in Niagara – particularly one that connects the three larger urban municipalities. 

My concern is with the overall cost for this system, how it will be divided across the Region, and most importantly, how any new system will impact Niagara-on-the-Lake’s taxpayer.  Town staff will soon be conducting a survey to determine our own local transit needs.  We will look into the travel habits of potential transit users travelling both within and outside our boundaries.

For now, there are more questions than answers.  I hope to report back on this issue in the Spring once the Region outlines the costs for the Phase 2 model.  In the meantime, I encourage residents to stay involved with this important issue.  Over the next few months, the Town will post details on its local transit needs survey to our web site.  For more information on the inter-municipal transit project, go to the Region’s web site at www.niagararegion.ca.