Hurontario Light Rail Transit, Canada

The Hurontario Light Rail Transit (HULRT) project is a key element in promoting and increasing sustainable mobility in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. The rail line is part of 'The Big Move' regional transit plan, adopted by Metrolinx in 2008, which aims to solve serious traffic congestion problems through less polluting transportation solutions.

The line will be 18 km long, including a main station and 19 surface stops, providing a direct link to Mississauga's rapidly growing downtown. Light rail will run along Hurontario Street from Port Credit in Mississauga to the Brampton Gateway Terminal, operating on a dedicated guideway with traffic priority along much of the corridor. Numerous infrastructure works will be carried out, including road resurfacing and widening; bridge construction, modification and rehabilitation; traffic management and diversion; traffic signals and lighting; and the provision of parking and a building for LRT vehicle operations and maintenance.

The aim of the HURT is to provide fast and efficient transit while reducing the environmental impact of road transport. The estimated figures speak for themselves: 14 million passengers per year, 8,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved per year and 30,000 car journeys avoided per day.

Other sustainable projects in Metrolinx's plan include the Mississauga Bus Rapid Transit, York Region vivaNext Bus, Finch West LRT, Union Station redevelopment, Eglinton Crosstown LRT and Hamilton LRT. By integrating these projects, public transport can be less polluting and have a positive impact on the environment and society.