Two major options for public transit: GO service expansion, and Inter-municipal transit, have been put on the table this week.

BUSU has long been supportive of a high-quality, responsive, and adequately funded transit strategy, and has helped lay the foundations for many transit models in this region through the U-Pass program.

The GO service concept was outlined on Wednesday at a Public Information Centre, and information can be found online at http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/docs/ea/niagara/FINAL_GO%20Transit_NiagaraRailExpansionPICONEboards_Jan262010.pdf. This proposal calls for increased rail service through the Hamilton-Niagara corridor, to bring full-scale GO service into the region within 10 years. Of specific note to Brock students is a proposed station just 6km from the Hamilton Campus, upgrades to the St. Catharines VIA station, and a proposed hub on Glendale Avenue.

The Niagara Region has received a staff proposal for the adoption of a "Triangle Service" for regional transit involving the purchase of buses, and frequent routes between St. Catharines, Niagara Falls and Welland. On Thursday night, council passed a motion to move forward with a Phase 2 study of this project, and to ask staff if it were possible to fund a $3 million pilot project as soon as possible. The staff recommendation and more information can be found at http://www.niagararegion.ca/government/council/inter-municipal-transit-meeting.aspx. As this study moves into phase 2, it is important that Brock students have their thoughts and preferred routes identified.

The GO study contains a link for public comment, while the Regional study can be acted on by contacting your local mayors and regional councillors. Please take the time to participate in the most exciting and important year for transit change that Niagara has seen in a long time. Transit will only get here the way we want it, if students are loud and clear in their asks.

For more information about BUSU's transit initiatives, or public comments and thoughts surrounding these and other transit initiatives and options, please contact VP University Affairs, Rob Lanteigne, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 905-688-5550 x.4198.