BACCC asked all municipal candidates for their views on environmentally-friendly transportation options, presenting them with these three questions. Views expressed are solely those of the candidates and do not reflect the views of BACCC or its members. All responses have been reviewed to ensure appropriateness and relevance to the questions posed. We encourage you to make an informed decision by researching your local candidates.
Hamilton Ward 11 Candidate Mark Tadeson
From the recommendations in BACCC’s Options for Travel report, which would be your top priority to enact to ensure safe, reliable, convenient and equitable transportation options?
We need to improve the transportation options within our city. My top priority would be to increase ridership on our Public Transit System by developing an efficient, economical and environmentally friendly public transit system within our city that gives consumers a safe, reliable and convenient option to driving. Efficient in the sense that it moves people to their destinations in Hamilton in a timely and reliable manner (especially between the lower city and the mountain) and also, effectively coordinates with GO Transit for travel to neighbouring cities. Economical in that fares are differentiated and affordable for all and present a viable alternative to car use or ownership. Environmentally friendly, in that buses and trains used in public transit reduce the use and dependence on fossil fuels and also provide a safe, accessible and comfortable mode of travel for all.
If environmentally friendly transportation options are not convenient, residents will be less likely to choose those options over driving.
What steps would you take to ensure environmentally friendly transportation options are convenient?
Environmentally friendly transportation options need to be convenient. I would recommend an integrated approach combining public transit, cycling and walking choices that complement one another. First, we need to improve the frequency of high use public transit routes, with more consistently timed service and better alignment with GO Train/Bus services. Secondly, we need to broaden our Bike Share Program and build a city-wide cycling infrastructure that improves connectivity to public transit, academic institutions, and places of high employment. Finally, we need to adapt ‘Complete Street’ Principles that cater to the safety needs of pedestrians with well-designed and managed spaces and places for people that will reduce risks and encourage a culture of walking.
Environmentally friendly transportation needs to be perceived as safe in order to be viewed as a viable option.
What steps would you take to ensure all users feel safe when using all transportation methods?
All citizens need to feel safe when they are travelling in our city. For those for those using transit, I would encourage our city to improve reliability and reduce waiting times, enhance comfort and security measures at stops with improved lighting, security cameras, wind and rain shelter, and seating for those with mobility challenges. For cyclists, I would support the building of off-road paths that connect with widened roads that have protected intersections and bike lanes. For pedestrians in general, I would consider enhanced street lighting, timely sidewalk repairs, protected intersections and user-initiated cross walk signals as well as timely enforcement of snow removal. For the safety of children, I would expand support for our crossing guard program in high traffic areas around school zones.
