Quebec's transport minister promised several West Island mayors Tuesday that work on the Vaudreuil-Hudson commuter line would go ahead, as well as other major improvements.
Transport Minister Pierre Moreau promised the West Island train lines would see significant improvement, and confirmed that the government has also put aside $874 million in a three-year plan for the Train de L'ouest.
The mayors visited Quebec City and received confirmation from Moreau on the three following goals:
- The Train de L'ouest project would go through
- The project had more priority over the proposed shuttle project between downtown and Trudeau Airport
- They would be consulted on the studies currently taking place on West Island service and how it can be improved.
The proposal could see triple the number of trains added to the line and more tracks exclusive to commuter trains to and from the suburban area.
The West Island mayors were pleased with the news.
"The first time we've heard a minister say not only it is a go… I asked him, ‘Can I say this in public?' And he said, ‘Yes, by all means go ahead!'" said former MNA Clifford Lincoln of the Train de l'ouest coalition.
Engineering studies on the commuter line improvements are currently underway and are expected to be completed and made public by December.
The West Island communities will then be consulted before improvements begin.
