Hamilton better or worse: Transit ridership

A lot has been said about Hamiltons transit system as the debate over a local LRT line rages on.

Proponents point to the HSR bus system as inadequate to serve the publics needs but detractors say that bus ridership needs to be bolstered before we could add another transit system.

Hamiltons bus ridership hasnt grown near to the rate of other municipalities in recent years. From 2006 to 2012, ridership in Hamilton grew by just 2.98 per cent. In that same time frame, Ottawas transit system grew by 9.96 per cent and St. Catharines grew by 15.30 per cent.

Brampton blew everyone out of the water in that time at 81.1 per cent.

Hamilton also doesnt spend as much on transit as some other cities. Winnipeg spends $138 million for gross expenses, and Victoria spends $92 million.

Hamilton spends $72 million.