Hamilton opens first transit-only lane

Those commuting in Downtown Hamilton will notice a significant change when driving along King Street throughout the week. The one-year public-transit-only lane pilot project was finally launched early in the morning on Oct. 23 following numerous delays throughout September.

The lane will operate as transit-only 24/7 for a trail period of one year and is exclusive to buses operated by the HSR, GO Transit, Greyhound viagra online and Coach Canada, as well as emergency vehicles.

The project is set to gauge the effectiveness of a lane exclusive to transit and emergency vehicles on the flow of traffic in the congested streets.

With the north lane exclusive to buses, running along King St. East from Mary to New Street, one block east of Dundurn, drivers and cyclists will be limited to two lanes for the same portion length of the street. Any private vehicle driver taking advantage of the new lanes will be subject to a fine of $65.

"The bus priority project is a very progressive step allowing us to test the use of a dedicated lane in preparation for future rapid transit in our city,” said Ward One Councillor Brian McHattie. “Hamilton can join with the very best middle-sized cities in Canada in putting transit first."

Preparation had been made weeks in advance for the $300,000 project with signage being posted, but weather delays on Oct. 21 postponed the use of the lane until street markings could be painted. The prominent change to street parking also led to the installation of new display parking machinery.

Disabled & Aged Regional Transportation (DART) vehicles and taxis are allowed limited access to the lane when dropping off passengers, while all other vehicles will face fines, except in the case of turns at an intersection or driveway.

This time next year, city staff will evaluate the need for the lane. The general issues committee will make decisions based off of feedback from the community.