Hamilton hires new head of transit and she likes LRT

Hamilton has hired a new head of transit, and it's someone who knows aboutand is a fan of light rail transit (LRT).

Debbie Dalle Vedove starts as the new director of transit on Sept. 28.The last director, David Dixon, finished in June when he took a new position.

Having worked at TTC, she certainly has lots of that experience.- City manager Chris Murray, ofDebbie Dalle Vedove and LRT

City manager Chris Murray saidDalle Vedoveis a fan of LRT, and familiar with such systems.

"She's for it," he said. And"having worked at TTC, she certainly has lots of that experience."

Dalle Vedove worked for the TTC for 20 years, starting as an operator. She gained "experience in bus, light rail and subway operations," the city said in a media release Tuesday. For nine years, she's been director of operations with Oakville Transit.

Dalle Vedove takes over from a director who occasionally found himself in the middle of heated LRT debates.

The cityDixon hired Dixon in October 2014. In February 2015, he told city council thatHSR wasn't working for drivers or riders, and needed significant investment.

Dixonrecommended spending $301 million over 10 years, including $200 million for a new bus maintenance storage facility.

That came just as the city was pressing the province for capital dollars forLRT. Mayor Fred Eisenberger worried then that asking for morewould muddy the waters. The province ultimatelyannounced $1 billion to build the LRT line but nothing for the transit plan.

The LRT system is now due in 2024, with city council expected to vote to accept the Metrolinx projectlater this year.

Dixon said in May that he left the city for a new opportunity, not because ofLRT politics.

Eric Tuck, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 107, said thenthat if anything made departure attractive for Dixon, it was city hall bureaucracy.

"Whoever comes in, they're going to have to let him or her run the show the way it needs to be run," he said.

Gerry Davis, former general manager of public works, has been acting director of transit since June.Dalle Vedove was chosen from nearly 100 candidates from across Canada, Murray said.

"I am pleased to welcomeDebbieto our team," said Dan McKinnon, new general manager of public works, in the media release.

"I have no doubt thatDebbie's experience, energy, optimism and appreciation for the front line experience from both sides of the fare box will bring tremendous value to our transit division."