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All Municipal Candidates Hamilton Hamilton Ward 2

Hamilton Ward 2 Candidate Raquel Rakovac

Headshot of Raquel Rakovac

Ward 2 Candidate Raquel Rakovac presents their position on transportation in Hamilton Ontario.

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.

Headshot of Mayoral  candidate Raquel Rakovac

Hamilton Ward 2 Candidate Raquel Rakovac

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?

Improve frequency and accessibility of transit routes within Ward 2. For example, during off-peak periods, you may wait up to 30 minutes for a bus along the Main-King corridor. This applies most of the day for bus routes serving Durand and the North End. As a result, people will continue to use their cars until transit becomes the quicker, more accessible option.

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?

Ensuring that buses are redeployed once the LRT is completed increases frequency along other routes. It is imperative the City of Hamilton continues to follow with its ten-year transit plan. Ensuring that the BLAST network is completed. Furthermore, continuing to advocate against further service cuts to GO Transit. (Hamilton GO Centre and West Harbour are in Ward 2, the express bus to Toronto is becoming non-existent, and recently three trains to West Harbour are short turning at Aldershot. This highly impacts a negative commuter experience that may ultimately choose to drive as a reliable alternative.

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?

Ensuring bus stops have adequate shelter and benches for seating areas and that buses are in good working order so individuals can safely ride (entering, exiting, climate control). Working to ensure safe cycling routes in Hamilton promotes health, community, and encourages community to leave the car at home. Continuing to advocate for safer sidewalks and streets, speed bumps, pedestrianized zoning and other appropriate traffic calming measures to ensure safe streets for all.