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Dundas BRT

Dundas Bus Rapid Transit

Metrolinx is continuing to advance planning for the Dundas Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor, based on key findings in the Dundas Connects Master Plan and the Metrolinx Initial Business Case. The purpose of the Dundas BRT project is to evaluate the proposed transit corridor along a 48 kilometre (km) stretch of Dundas Street from Highway 6 in the City of Hamilton through to the Kipling Transit Hub in the City of Toronto, linking Etobicoke and Mississauga City Centres. More than 20 km, of the 48 km BRT, will operate in bus lanes or in a dedicated right-of-way, separate from other traffic, allowing faster and more reliable transit connections.

Project Overview

The purpose of the Dundas BRT project is to evaluate the proposed transit corridor along a 48 kilometre stretch of Dundas Street from Highway 6 in the City of Hamilton through to the Kipling Transit Hub in the City of Toronto, linking Etobicoke and Mississauga City Centres. More than 20 kilometres, of the 48 kilometre BRT, will operate in bus lanes or in a dedicated right-of-way, separate from other traffic, allowing faster and more reliable transit connections.

 

 

Previous municipal planning studies and the Metrolinx Initial Business Case (IBC) confirmed the need for improved bus transit infrastructure along Dundas Street. Metrolinx is now advancing plans for the Dundas Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor.

 

 

Why is Dundas BRT needed?

Typically, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area welcomes about 110,00 new residents every year and is anticipated to hit a population of over 10 million people by 2041. Growth in our communities means that a reliable transportation system is needed to support the convenient and reliable movement of people as they travel from their homes for work and recreation.

Project timeline

This graphic shows the project process and demonstrates where public engagement will take place. The project timeline has been updated since the last round of engagement to:

  • Allow for more time to complete the Preliminary Design Business Case (PDBC) outside of Mississauga East;
  • Advance work for Mississauga East to meet requirements of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) funding; and
  • Leverage Dundas Connects study results to advance preliminary design and environmental studies in Mississauga East.

An infographic of the project process demonstrating the steps that will be undertaken in the project, including 5 rounds of public engagement, before advancing to the Preliminary Design Business Case.

What we heard at Virtual Public Engagement #1

Virtual Public Engagement #1 was held in April 2021. Interested individuals were provided with the opportunity to give feedback by filling out a feedback form, submitting questions via the project webpage or emailing the project team directly. Feedback gathered demonstrated general public support for the project, along with strong interest in learning more about potential impacts as the project progresses. The public identified:

Opportunities to:

  • Use Existing Traffic Spaces
  • Improve Cycling Infrastructure

Concerns about:

  • Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  • Cycling Safety

Feedback provided during Virtual Public Engagement #1 has been and will continue to be considered to inform key project decision-making. The impact of public feedback during the first round of engagement can be directly observed in the development of the revised Pinch Point Evaluation Criteria. Criteria was revised to include areas of importance raised by the public, including road safety, pedestrian and cyclist accessibility and connectivity, transit service reliability and capital cost. You can read the Virtual Public Engagement #1 Summary Report for further information.

Technical Advisory Committee and Stakeholder Advisory Groups

In addition to virtual public engagements, the project team is engaging with the public, stakeholders and subject matter experts through a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Stakeholder Advisory Groups (SAGs). Metrolinx will continue to work with the TAC and SAGs throughout the course of the project to help ensure community members along the Dundas BRT corridor remain engaged and informed.

TAC Meetings:

  • Provide stakeholders and technical experts with the opportunity to learn about and provide input into the project to inform key decision-making.
  • Allow members to address issues and provide advice on the development of the project.
  • Offer the project team a fresh perspective.

SAG Meetings:

  • Provide community leaders, advocates and experts within each section of the corridor the opportunity to learn about and provide input into the study.
  • Allow members to learn about the project, ask questions of subject matter experts within the project team and discuss the project and potential impacts with other community leaders.

Engagement opportunities

How is the community involved?

Metrolinx believes that, when you have your say, our transportation system gets stronger. We are committed to keeping you informed, building understanding and collecting your feedback. Engagement presents an opportunity for you to provide your input on:

Round 1 engagement
(Completed April 2021)

  • Dundas BRT in your community
  • What is important to you about this project
  • Factors you consider important for assessing the pinch points (constrained areas)

Round 2 engagement
(We are here)

  • The organization of the project
  • What we heard during the first round of engagement
  • Existing environmental conditions for Toronto and Mississauga
  • BRT corridor design for Mississauga
  • Alternative designs being considered for the pinch point in Erindale Valley
  • Best performing design and other assessed designs for the pinch point in Cooksville
  • Proposed stop locations and potential amenities in Mississauga East

Round 3 engagement
(Fall 2021)

  • Mississauga East environmental summary reports, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures
  • Shortlisted infrastructure design alternatives for Toronto and evaluation of alternatives for the pinch point in Erindale Valley
  • (Mississauga West)

Round 4 engagement
(Winter 2021-2022)

  • Preliminary design for Halton and Hamilton
  • Stop locations and amenities for Halton and Hamilton
  • Evaluation of integrated BRT routing and service level throughout the entire corridor

Round 5 engagement
(Spring 2022)

  • Toronto and Mississauga West environmental summary reports, including potential impacts and proposed mitigation measures
  • Preliminary corridor design for Mississauga West
  • PBDC outcomes with preferred service and infrastructure options throughout the corridor, including pinch points in Mississauga West and Toronto
  • Mississauga East Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) Completion update

TPAP: next steps

The project team will continue to complete any necessary studies and proceed with the design of the BRT corridor. Feedback received from this round of engagement will be used by the team to influence refinements to the pinch point and corridor designs. Work will continue to advance the four segments of the project as demonstrated below:

Toronto

  • Assess the pinch point alternatives to determine technically preferred design to be tested through the Preliminary Design Business Case (PDBC)
  • Continuing environmental studies in preparation for TPAP Commencement and Environmental Project Report (EPR)

Mississauga East

  • TPAP:
    • Prepare and distribute Notice of Commencement
    • Commence TPAP consultation and documentation period
  • TPrepare draft EPR and 10% Preliminary Design
    • Refinements to Preferred Design
  • PDBC
    • Ongoing work completed for the TPAP and Preliminary Design will inform the eventual development of the PDBC

Mississauga West

  • Assess the pinch point alternatives to determine technically preferred design to be tested through the PDBC
  • Continuing environmental studies in preparation for TPAP Commencement and EPR

Halton and Hamilton

  • Prepare preferred design and develop proposed stop locations

If you need assistance accessing the project information and/or have questions about this consultation, please leave us a voicemail at (416) 202-7500 and we will get back to you with more information.

Open Engagement Opportunities

Dundas BRT - Live Meeting

Please join us on Wednesday September 22 at 6:30 for a live update and a Q&A session for the Dundas BRT project. Submit your questions now.

Dundas BRT - Feedback Form

Complete the feedback form to provide your input by September 23, 2021 on a variety of topics, including the preliminary design and environmental studies.

Dundas BRT - Interactive Map

Use the interactive map to learn more about the corridor and provide your input by September 23, 2021 on the pinch points and proposed stop locations in Mississauga East.