The idea of a tramway directly linking Lachine to downtown Montreal has been rejected, we have learned The Presswhile the team responsible for the “Grand Sud-Ouest” project is working on more local scenarios.
The possibility of extending the green metro line to the west has also been eliminated, according to our information.
Scenarios still under consideration
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IMAGE PROVIDED BY ARTM
The idea of a tramway or SRB line between Angrignon station and Dorval is still being considered.
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IMAGE PROVIDED BY ARTM
The idea of a local tramway or SRB line between Angrignon station and Lachine is still being considered.
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IMAGE PROVIDED BY ARTM
The idea of a local tram or SRB line with two branches is still being considered.
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“We are not aiming to duplicate systems that are already in place, such as the green line,” said Patrick Charpentier, head of the project office, in an interview, while refusing to directly confirm the precise information from The Press.
The scenarios that remain current are scenarios that involve a reduction in [la station de métro] Angrignon.
Patrick Charpentier, head of the project office
“The current financial context” is important to take into account, he added, “and there are certain systems – both underground and on the surface with a tramway – which come with a significant bill and which could be considered less interesting.”
Scenarios discarded
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IMAGE PROVIDED BY ARTM
The idea of a tramway or SRB line reaching the Lionel-Groulx station has been ruled out.
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IMAGE PROVIDED BY ARTM
The idea of extending the green metro line has been dismissed.
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IMAGE PROVIDED BY ARTM
The idea of a tram or SRB line reaching Victoria Square has been ruled out.
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Less well-known than the blue line extension project or the structural project in the East, the possible new public transport line in the “Grand Sud-Ouest” has been simmering in the plans of the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) for over five years.
When the project was unveiled in 2019, the City spoke of a “structuring tramway link between downtown and Lachine.” Valérie Plante had also described this project as the western end of its famous pink line, its flagship promise from the 2017 elections. Since then, the ARTM has emphasized that it could instead take the form of a rapid bus service (SRB) and recently abandoned scenarios that reach the downtown area.
Repeated reports
Since its launch, the project has been subject to significant delays. The ARTM has just indicated that the file that must be submitted to the Council of Ministers to launch the design is now expected in spring 2025, whereas it was planned for 2024.
Last year, The Press had revealed that Quebec had blocked the start of public consultations on the project, much to the dismay of Montreal City Hall. Ultimately, these took place in early 2024. They concluded that citizens preferred a local network or an extension of the metro’s green line beyond Angrignon station.
“The exercise was very positive, both in terms of participation and the observations that were sent to us,” said Mr. Charpentier. “Since January, our analyses have continued.”
The mayor of the LaSalle borough, Nancy Blanchet, is following the issue closely. She hopes that the new transport link in the greater South-West will adequately serve her corner of Montreal with heavy transport – such as a tramway – and not just buses.
The Liberal MNA for Marguerite-Bourgeoys, Frédéric Beauchemin, agrees. “It is crucial that LaSalle be well served, LaSalle cannot be forgotten,” he said, indicating that the growth of this Montreal borough had been very significant in recent years, despite a lack of public transportation. “There is some catching up that needs to be done.”
Valérie Plante’s office has not commented on the matter.