The proposal to have electric commuter trains run from Ste. Anne to downtown Montreal is still full steam ahead despite an estimated $1 billion price tag.
A $22 million study being conducted by AMT is expected this fall and if approved, construction will begin by 2013.
“All summer, we’ve heard of road closures, traffic jams and the like,” said Clifford Lincoln, who heads the coalition of mayors and organizations who have been pushing for the trains. “We are more determined than ever to see that improved commuter trains service becomes reality – if ever there was a justification for an off-road alternative to commuting, the mess on our roads says it all.”
The new level of service would see 86 weekday trains between 5:30 a.m. and midnight, up from the current mostly rush hour 26 trains.
Lincoln acknowledged the $1 billion price tag is a lot of money, but noted the province was able to come up with money for an NHL caliber hockey arena in Quebec City.
“Somehow, the province can find … money when it has to,” Lincoln said “All the money doesn’t have to come from governments. We are confident there are lots parties that would be interested in investments over 30 or 40 years.”
With files from Postmedia News
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