Brampton Set to Receive Massive Transit Investment from Federal Government

Published February 10, 2017 at 5:12 pm

After setbacks with the Hurontario Main LRT, it looks like the federal government is coming to Brampton’s rescue on the transit front…by making it rain. 

After setbacks with the Hurontario Main LRT, it looks like the federal government is coming to Brampton’s rescue on the transit front…by making it rain. 

Navdeep Bains, a local MP and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, announced on February 10 at Brampton Transit’s Sandalwood Facility that the Government of Canada is investing $32.4 million for six public transit infrastructure projects in Brampton which will, in his words, “strengthen the community and grow the middle-class.”

Here is a video of the full announcement:

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ8OVyrKATo]

As Minister Bains outlined, the six specific projects for Brampton are:

  • Acquisition of 3 articulated buses to meet ridership demands for $2.1 million.
  • Acquisition of an Automated Vehicle Monitoring System (AVM) for most of Brampton’s transit fleet for $1.26 million.
  • Acquiring a replacement of 20 buses for $6.1 million.
  • An expansion of maintenance at the Sandalwood Facility for $12.4 million.
  • Implementation of the Zum Airport Road rapid transit corridor for $9.55 million.
  • Expansion and replacement of transit shelters to improve accessbility and safety for transit users for $1 million.

With Brampton City Council bickering over what the alternative route for the LRT into the Brampton GO station, it’s no question that some immediate transit relief is needed in Brampton. By providing upgrades to the Sandalwood Facility and adding more buses, it leverages money towards an existing form of transit that can respond immediately to the needs of Brampton riders. It’s a good first step to help alleviate congestion within and beyond the city, and providing some transit options for those who actually don’t have a car in Brampton.

We’ll keep an eye on new emerging information as things develop.

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