news

Canada’s Prime Minister announces investment in light rail network

Posted: 16 June 2017 | Intelligent Transport | No comments yet

Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau has announced a investment of $1.28 billion to support the Réseau électrique métropolitain light rail network.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a federal investment of $1.28 billion to support the Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) light rail network in Montréal, connecting the airport with the city centre.

Canada’s Prime Minister announces investment in light rail network

Réseau électrique métropolitain-map

This investment comes from the long-term Investing in Canada infrastructure plan and it will now be possible to finalise the financing of the project and meet the construction schedule of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ).

“The announcement today represents a big step toward improving the quality of life of Canadians”

“The REM is one of the most ambitious public transportation projects in our history. In addition to making it quicker and easier for millions of Quebec residents to get around, the REM will reduce the number of cars on the roads, help ease traffic and make the air cleaner,” said Rt. Hon Justin Trudeau. “The announcement today represents a big step toward improving the quality of life of Canadians and their families, creating good, well-paying jobs for the middle class and growing the economy.”

The Prime Minister also announced that, once the Canada Infrastructure Bank is established, it will be possible for the Province of Quebec and the CDPQ to identify the project as an opportunity for independent analysis and consideration by the Bank.

Furthermore, if the Bank decides to move forward with an investment in the REM project, it will be possible for an investment to come from the Bank rather than Quebec’s transit allocation.

“This commitment is further proof of what can be accomplished through dialogue and collaboration”

“We are pleased to have the Government of Canada confirm the quality of the REM project by investing in this ambitious project,” said Michael Sabia, President and Chief Executive Officer of la Caisse. “This commitment is further proof of what can be accomplished through dialogue and collaboration. That is how the REM project will be carried out as well as how we will be able to improve the quality of life of thousands of citizens and make our metropolis more sustainable.”

Once completed, this new, automated light rail network will include 27 stations, span 67 kilometres, and operate 20 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will link Montréal’s downtown to the West Island, South Shore, North Shore, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.