"This is one of the most important decisions for Hamilton in a generation," said Paul Bedford, retired chief planner for Toronto.

Staff from Metrolinx, the transportation authority for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, had just presented a benefits case analysis of light rail and bus rapid transit for a 14-kilometre stretch of King and Main streets from Eastgate Square to McMaster University.

The study found light rail, bus rapid transit and a phased-in light rail option all generated benefits for Hamilton, but it made no recommendation for a preferred choice.

Bedford, now a university professor and planning consultant, said he was disappointed Metrolinx is not giving the city a clear indication that it will get light rail.

"There is no case to continue studying BRT, in my view," he said.

"If we want to build a city and kickstart a revival, I think the case is overwhelming to bite the bullet on LRT. I'm concerned we're not going to make that decision until maybe December this year."

But Metrolinx president and CEO Rob Prichard said there is no point in the agency making a commitment to Hamilton yet.

"Absent of the ability to write a cheque, it would be an empty decision," he said. "When we can convert a decision into reality, that's the time to be there."

Funding decisions will be up to the province but there has been no indication of a timeline.

"Part of the challenge is that we've got more excellent projects than money that's available," he said.

Bedford rented a car a few weeks ago to visit Hamilton and drive the proposed rapid transit corridor.

"The thing I love about Hamilton is it's a real urban place ... All the elements of successful urban transit are there, more than anywhere else outside Toronto, in my view."

"Your words will be music to the ears of everyone in Hamilton, but we're not there yet," board chair and Mohawk president Rob MacIsaac said to Bedford.

Prichard said Metrolinx fully supports Hamilton staff in proceeding with planning and engineering studies for light rail only.

Hamilton received $3 million from the province for its comprehensive light rail study. A consultant will be chosen soon, said Jill Stephen, Hamilton's director of strategic planning and rapid transit.

The study will only focus on LRT. There will be no time or money put into looking at buses, she said.