Metrolinx recently released the Request for Qualification (RFQ) for the civil and utilities contract on the Hamilton Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.  

This is a major step forward in transforming transit in the City of Hamilton. With the addition of an LRT, the future Confederation GO Station, and ongoing upgrades at West Harbour GO, residents and visitors will have more ways than ever to travel to and around this vibrant region. 

Looking back at Hamilton’s transit history 

Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), the first transit service in the city, opened in 1874. It served residents with horse-drawn trams until 1892, when service transitioned to electric streetcars. Buses were introduced in 1926 and trolley buses in 1950.  

With the establishment of GO Transit in the 1960s, Hamilton became one of the first cities outside Toronto to have GO train service. Since then, the transit network has been steadily expanding to meet the region’s growing transportation needs. 

Building Confederation GO 

As part of GO Expansion, Confederation GO will be the newest station on the Lakeshore West line. Located near the intersection of the QEW and Centennial Parkway, the site has already been serving customers using GO Bus Route 12 since 2019. When complete, the new station will introduce GO train service, which will better connect the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.   

Over the past few months, construction crews have made significant progress. They’ve erected structural steel for the mini platform canopy, installed sheet metal on the canopy roof deck, and added brackets along the elevator shaft in preparation for the elevator installation. Additionally, they’ve began asphalt paving on the north and east walkways of the access building, as well as the north parking lot. 

Upgrading West Harbour GO  

Located in downtown Hamilton, West Harbour GO Station is an essential link for residents traveling to Toronto and Niagara.

The rail corridor at West Harbour GO has recently undergone major upgrades including the installation of a new track connection linking the existing pocket track to the main rail line. We have also conducted a major track lift where construction crews lifted the existing track by five inches and inserted new stabilizers within the track bed.  

The next step at the station will be the testing and commissioning phase, which involves safety, functionality, and reliability checks for the new rail and upgraded signaling infrastructure. Once this work is complete, passengers will have a faster commute through the station between Toronto and the Niagara Region.  

Hamilton LRT progress 

The future Hamilton LRT will run along a 14-kilometre corridor from Eastgate Square to McMaster University, connecting key destinations within the city. The LRT will create direct connections to GO Transit and HSR bus services, reduce traffic congestion and ease parking strain along the route. 

As Hamilton’s population grows, these transit developments will continue to play a critical role in connecting neighborhoods, creating more efficient commutes, and encouraging sustainable transportation choices.