Five new metro stations would be slated for Laval, Que., if the mayor’s sustainability plan comes to fruition.
On Thursday, Mayor Gilles Vaillancourt held a news conference at Laval’s city hall to unveil a plan for new subway stations.
The estimated cost is about $150 million per kilometer.
The five stations would span 8 km, extending the orange line.
“I don’t think metro stations are going to cost more for taxpayers than urban sprawl,” Vaillancourt said.
The project would take up to 30 months to complete – but funding would first have to come from the province.
Premier Jean Charest, however, hasn’t made any commitments.
Instead, he noted he and Vaillancourt would have to have a discussion.
Boost to business
The subway expansion would be part of a new urban plan by the City of Laval, Vaillancourt said – one that would fight pollution.
He said the additional metros would also benefit businesses in the area and attract new ones.
Plus, an extended subway line, he argued, would help the city manage the travel needs of its growing population.
Laval’s current 400,000 residents are expected to grow to 500,000 by 2030.
Roughly 60,000 riders use Laval’s metro stations – but Vaillancourt says to increase usage, more stations are required.
Laval’s three metro stations opened for business in 2007 – to much criticism.
The projected $179-million cost ended up totaling $745 million.
Vaillancourt says, however, financial projections for this year’s plan are more accurate.
No chance, says city
Meanwhile, Marvin Rotrand, chairperson of the Montreal Transit Corporation, said Vaillancourt’s plan is well-intentioned but highly unlikely.
“I’m glad the mayor of Laval is talking about public transit but what he announced today is pure fantasy,” he said.
“If you want more bang for your buck [in terms of] cost-benefit, the best thing to do it extend the blue line eastward,” he continued.
The MTC is already planning to extend the blue line – which will give metro access to 350,000 commuters living northeast of the island.
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