Question 1:
What role can transit play in reducing traffic congestion and mitigating increasing expenditures on road maintenance?
It is well known that having more public transportation will reduce pollution, reduce the impact on climate change and reduce wear and tear on the roads. Specifically for reducing expense of road maintenance, we need to look at other options than just more buses. We would need to partner with other levels of government to look at expanding GO train routes or developing our own rail transit across the city to reduce the reliance on cars, buses and taxis.
Question 2:
In your opinion, what can be done to improve specialized transit for disabled riders and would you be in favour of raising the budget for this increasingly important service?
As one of my main priorities is looking at supporting seniors, improving accessible transportation is key. Also, the population of seniors is rising, more accessible vehicles, including vans or buses is needed. Yes, the budget for this must be increased.
Question 3:
Burlington’s and Halton’s Official Plans call for transit’s share of all trips to rise to 20% (from the current figure of about 4%) by 2031. Do you support this objective?
I don’t have enough information on this proposal to make a comment at this time.
Question 4:
With record ridership and increasing demand, are you in favour of supporting continued expansion of Burlington’s transit system?
Yes, Burlington’s transit system should expand. However, we should look at various types of transportation, rather than just buses. We should also look at the conversion to electric vehicles as part of the expansion.
Question 5:
Have you ever used Burlington Transit? Would you be willing to give it a try?
Yes, I have used Burlington Transit.
Question 6:
The Ontario Legislature recently passed Bill 98, the Building Homes and Improving Transportation Infrastructure Act, 2026, which gives the provincial Minister of Transportation the power to override municipal transit authorities and set routes and fares for municipal transit systems. We at BFAST have the following concerns about this legislation:
1) It could disrupt current arrangements between transit systems in Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton that provide connections between these cities.
2) The Minister could divert Burlington Transit resources — for example, to provide service along the planned bus rapid transit corridor on Highway 5 (Dundas St.), which was supposed to have been undertaken by GO Transit. This would, in effect, download more fiscal responsibility from the province to local governments.
3) Certain initiatives by Burlington Transit, such as free fares for seniors and students, could be eliminated.
Please comment on this legislation and what measures you would undertake or support to ensure transit service levels in Burlington would not be degraded.
Any advantages that currently exist for Burlington residents should not be removed. I would strongly object to any reduction in services within our region or city or any change in fares for our seniors and students. I would ensure there will be adequate consultation and negotiation to advocate for Burlington and its residents with the provincial authorities.
Question 7:
Over the past months, a plan has been promoted wherein a private company would provide on-demand transit service to potentially replace certain routes operated by Burlington Transit. Among BFAST’s concerns with this plan are:
1) Over-reliance on one private company to provide a service that could not be easily replaced if the provider were to fail.
2) Cost escalation and more traffic on our roads as mini-buses replaced current vehicles and more drivers were needed to move the same number of passengers.
3) Diversion of already-constrained Burlington Transit budget to a private, for-profit company, resulting in lower levels of service.
We would appreciate your comments on on-demand transit in general and the idea of diverting public budgets to private corporations.
We need to examine the pros and cons in depth. Current transit routes are not meeting the needs of all residents. Seniors and other residents prefer door-to-door service, as seen with the popularity of Uber rather than waiting in the cold and having to walk long distances from bus stops to their destinations. This is a real concern. The need for more accessible transportation is also on the rise and either Burlington Transit or other companies are required in the future.Your concerns are valid and need to be studied more before making any decisions.