Transit Solutions that Move Brampton Forward

As the second fastest growing City in Canada, Brampton’s transit needs are growing rapidly. Last year, we saw an 18% increase in public transit ridership. We need a council that understands the need to develop robust transit projects that truly help students, entrepreneurs, families and even tourists get around our City.

The better our public transit is, the less cars we will have on the streets and the cleaner our environment. I will continue to work to improve transit for all in Brampton and fight gridlock by advocating for effective transit policies.

Under my leadership we have:

Worked with the Mayors of Mississauga, Barrie, Kitchener and Waterloo and the provincial and federal governments to get Brampton on the Kitchener-Waterloo corridor. Alongside other mayors, I championed the deal for ALL DAY-TWO WAY GO TRAIN SERVICE. Now, I will work with the new Ontario Government to see this deal through.

Doubled Gas Tax Funding for our transit services – this is going to allow us to aggressively tackle transit improvements as well as manage growth in ridership.

Lobbied and secured 100% fully costed capital funding for the Hurontario-Main Street Light Rail Transit line (HMLRT) – unfortunately the majority of our Brampton City Council voted against it even though 60% of Bramptonians were in favour of it and we lost that funding from the Ontario Government. However, we will still see an LRT line on Hurontario Street ending at the Brampton Gateway transit terminal at Steeles Avenue. Further, we attracted investment from Alstom, which is making the trains to run on the LRT, to open its new facility in Brampton, bringing over 100 good paying jobs to Brampton.

Expanded ZUM service and more transit routes for our rapidly increasing ridership. Expansions include added ZUM services on Airport Road to the Malton GO Station.

This past term Council moved the Goreway bridge project forward because we understand that people in Brampton East are stuck in traffic waiting for trains to pass. This project, when completed, will help ease gridlock in Brampton East.

Advocated for better transit options for Sheridan students after listening to connectivity concerns by Sheridan Students Union. This resulted in the proposed Sheridan U-Pass, which will be voted on by Sheridan students in late November. This is a coordinated transit program between Brampton, Oakville and Mississauga.

Advocated for Brampton to be part of the Affordable Transit Program for low-income residents – a discount of 50% for eligible transit riders. Upheld the City’s commitment for $1 Seniors fare for Brampton Transit.

Increased safety of our transit operators with the installation of transit shields on Brampton Transit Buses.

Launched the first ever Customer Charter for Brampton Transit – engaging residents in how to improve transit service and respecting our riders.

Next term focus:

I have personally spoken with our federal government to highlight our upcoming transit needs that we would like them to include in this spring’s budget. These include:

ZUM/BRT Transit expansion
Smartbus Technology and Fare Collection Equipment
More public transit buses to meet the increase in ridership
A new transit facility
A Downtown Mobility Hub
Pearson Airport Transit Hub

· Brampton needs rapid transit now. For this reason, I will lead the charge to cancel the unnecessary expensive $4.4 million study for the already failed alternate LRT Routes that are not supported by staff, engineers or transit experts.

· I fully support the Queen Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project and will listen to public input on the three options being proposed by staff.

· Continue to expand transit to create more vibrant, healthy and equitable transit options:

More frequent service
Service is on time
Easily accessible stops

Direct staff to investigate and report on a 24-hour bus system with connections to the TTC’s 24-hour bus system (we are a “24-hour Transit City”).

Continue working with regional partners and provincial government to coordinate better transit between regions and neighbouring cities like Mississauga, Toronto and Vaughan.

Improve safety for riders:
Ensure safe pedestrian crossings
Aim for safe cycle routes with supportive secure bicycle parking within 3 km of ZUM Transit, Recreation Centres and schools
Effective and affordable transit options are a critical tool in fighting gridlock and poverty. More and more Bramptonians are choosing public transit and are asking for more service. I hear you and I will continue to deliver on my promise of expanding transit in our great City.