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How the proposed Dundas Bus Rapid Transit corridor will better connect the region

Soon you could get from Hamilton to Toronto and back on a single bus.

Jun 20, 2024

Metrolinx is in the advanced planning stages of a new transit route that could get riders across Halton, Hamilton, Mississauga and into Toronto – all on a single bus. 

It’s called the Dundas BRT – Bus Rapid Transit – and it’s another way we’re working to connect communities safely, efficiently and reliably. 

What is the Dundas BRT?

Dundas BRT

The proposed path of the Dundas BRT, divided by municipality. Subject to change based on further study. (Metrolinx image)

Dundas Street is a familiar name to those living within the region. That’s because it’s one of the longest streets in Ontario, connecting the multiple cities it runs through. Our BRT project takes advantage of that.  

The proposal would see a route built along a 48-kilometre stretch, from the City of Hamilton to the Kipling Transit Hub, where riders can easily access GO Transit, MiWay, TTC services, vehicle parking and more. Thanks to Ontario’s One Fare program, those connections will be more affordable than ever.  

Where feasible, express bus lanes or dedicated right-of-way passages ,that are separate from other road traffic, would be featured along 20 kilometres of that 48-kilometre route. That means a shorter, greener commute with less congestion on the road.   

BRT has “rapid” in its name – and that isn’t just a reference to how quick the commute will be. Planned service calls for a bus arriving as often as every three minutes! 

The benefits of Bus Rapid Transit

Aukland Road and Dundas St

The Dundas BRT will make use of existing roadways, lowering initial cost and improving flexibility. (Metrolinx photo)

Since the BRT will largely use existing roadways, the cost is less – when  compared to light rail and subway systems. This also allows for more flexibility in routing. With dedicated bus lanes, traffic light priority at intersections, and right-of-way passages, buses on the Dundas BRT can move more efficiently and quickly along Dundas Street than other vehicles.  

As well, bus operators from any of the municipalities along the corridor will be able to use the route, allowing for more seamless connection and flexibility across the region.

Environmental Advantage

di-2021-08-24-dundas brt-typical birds eye context rendering-...

Faster, more frequent service along Dundas Street makes transit a viable, convenient and sustainable way to get from Hamilton to Toronto and back on a single bus. (Metrolinx photo)

On top of rapid, reliable service, Dundas BRT would also reduce dependency on cars. More commuters choosing transit means less vehicles on the road and less congestion – resulting in an estimated reduction of 100,000 to 600,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year. Offering reliable, convenient and affordable options like Dundas BRT helps make that choice easier. 

Have Your Say

Connecting communities is our core value at Metrolinx, and we aim to involve community members as much as possible. Visit the Dundas BRT page to find out more about the project, and be sure to register for our upcoming public information session and open house. You can submit questions and comments through our online portal and access materials including the latest project plans. 


by Shane Kalicharan Metrolinx editorial content advisor

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