Looking at downtown Brampton (see
link) having an LRT run through it in mixed traffic would actually slow down the traffic flow and actually allow the drivers to see the storefronts. Better than whizzing by at top speed, and seeing nothing because they can't be distracted. Better for the businesses if both LRT passengers and single-occupant automobile drivers see the businesses.
Compare it with say downtown Toronto and its mixed traffic streetcars. See
link.
I propose one LRT lane:
- One LRT lane on Main Street (for northward movement)
- One LRT lane on George Street (for southward movement)
- For two blocks only.
This has the advantage for Brampton downtown:
- Traffic separated LRT lane with easy traffic priority
- Two dedicated car traffic lanes
- One curbside parking (could be traffic lane in morning)
I suggest northwards direction for Main street
- Incoming LRT people (northwards) will see downtown, so good opportunity to bring people to Brampton business.
- Outgoing LRT people (southwards) aren't likely to get off downtown.
This separates LRT interference from cars. LRTs would go north on Main street, turn left on Nelson street (Brampton GO station stop), turn south on George street, go 2 blocks, turn left on Wellington Street, then right back onto Main street. This keeps the LRT moving fast without traffic contention. During morning peak, traffic often occurs on Brampton on one side of the road keeping the curbside lane with fewer cars than the leftmost lane, so the side with the least traffic during morning peak can be given over to the LRT.
Brampton wishing to go south can still catch the northwards LRT, knowing it will loop around in less than two blocks, so they don't have to walk to Wellington Street to catch the LRT. And the bonus is downtown residents get a seat on the LRT before the GO station crunch.
It's an idea worth considering and might potentially end up being less frustrating than mixed traffic (see Toronto streetcar traffic). This needs to be evaluated on its merits compared to other options, perhaps via a computer simulation too, to find congestion differences.