Local, provincial and federal elected officials in Gatineau, Quebec, unveiled plans for a CAD 2.1 billion (EUR 1.36 billion), 25 kilometers light-rail system, which, eventually, would be connected with Ottawa’s transit-rail network. The project would include 30 stations and connect Chemin Eardley in the east to the future Rideau station along Ottawa’s Confederation Line light-rail route. The business community welcomed the light rail project in the west of the City of Gatineau.
A local study concludes that the light rail option must continue to be considered, with a view to integrating public transit services in Gatineau and Ottawa. Further analysis is needed to identify transit needs in the next 30 years and how best to respond.
The study concludes that the west end of the City requires two rapid transit service corridors and not one. The first is on the north, Boulevard des Allumettières, the second is south, along the Boulevard Alexandre-Taché and Aylmer Road.
Thus, the city will analyse the idea with plans to present a final design by March 2020. Gatineau leaders hope to launch service on the new system by 2028. The city will ask the federal and provincial governments to cover most of the project’s cost. Furthermore, Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has expressed his support for a Gatineau light-rail line to connect to Ottawa.
In a note sent to city councilors, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said the Gatineau light rail project and the Ottawa tie-up proposals to “support the long-term goals of the two transit companies, aiming for a fully integrated network, reducing the number of buses on our roads, eliminating traffic jams and air pollution, and promoting the use of public transit and active transport”.
It is an ambitious project to tackle in a sustainable way the transport and development challenges of this sector.
Photo: an impression of a tram on Aylmer Road/ © actiongatineau.org
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