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The new proposal calls for an in-ground light rail line east of Montreal

The concept ranks third for an area with little public transport

The latest proposal for a light rail system east of Montreal calls for a 22-kilometre, 21-station ground-level line. Transport area of ​​the metropolitan area

MONTREAL – The latest concept for light rail east of Montreal will initially include a ground-level system serving 22 stations along a 21-kilometre (13-mile) track, the CBC reports.

The proposal by the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, or ARTM transit agency, is valued at C$10.4 billion. It follows earlier proposals for a much taller system, the REM de l'Est, which original proponent CDPQ Infra abandoned due to negative public reaction (see “Major changes planned for Montreal light rail project”). Trains News Wire, May 3, 2022). The next proposal for a complete underground system was considered cost-prohibitive, with an estimated price tag of at least C$36 billion. Continuous efforts to develop the system reflect the lack of public transportation in the district.

The proposal calls for stations to be spaced an average of 1,130 meters (about seven-tenths of a mile) apart, allowing trains to reach speeds of 27 to 31 kilometers per hour, along with two subsequent expansions that would add six additional stations. This route provides connections to two lines of the Montreal Metro and one line of the Exo commuter rail line.

ARTM prepared a report on the proposal to submit to Quebec Transport Minister Genevieve Guilbeau; A spokesperson for CBC told Guilbault that it would wait to see and analyze the report before commenting.

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