TGV: Montreal has a role to play in the project, according to Alstom
The TGV project proposed by Alstom would significantly reduce travel time while reducing environmental impacts.
Because of its demographic, economic and environmental importance, Montreal is described as a hub in the potential realization of the high-speed train (TGV) project linking Quebec City and Toronto proposed by Alstom. Mayor Valérie Plante has also affirmed that this project deserves to be studied.
“We are happy to see that Montreal and the ARTM are considering the project, because we must start planning for the future in transportation now, and Montreal will be important at this level,” says Olivier Marcil, Vice-President Public Affairs for Alstom. in Canada. With our expertise, we will bet on speed to allow people to move better and we believe that the TGV is a better alternative than that of the high frequency train (TGF).
Although this is not the first time that a TGV project has been mentioned, it could really be put on track this time thanks to the openness of the various levels of government, in addition to the new climatic realities requiring reflection. wider on public transport.
A Gare du Nord in Montreal?
Although the French giant has still not decided on which rails the TGV will access the metropolis, it recalls that the location of stations is one of the first elements to be considered in the development of a rail project. For this, the construction of a second train station north of Mount Royal will be necessary to complement Central Station by reducing costs while accelerating the transportation of individuals.
“Currently, the Mont-Royal tunnel is no longer accessible because of the REM, so you have to go around the mountain to reach Central Station. We thought about this obstacle by imagining the construction of a Gare du Nord as in Paris north of Mount Royal, which would avoid wasting time and costs. Remember, if you lose time entering cities and stations, you have to save time on the journey between cities, otherwise we eliminate the benefits and the purpose of taking a TGV.”
In addition, an efficient TGV project would make Montreal’s public transportation network more structuring, improving trips within the city in addition to those between regions, limiting the use of cars and planes.
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“You have to think of the TGV as an airport. People go there to leave the cities. If the train offers a sufficient time and efficiency incentive for an individual from Laval or Lanaudière, for example, he will take the train to Montreal instead of the car. In addition, there are now between eight and ten domestic flights between Toronto and Montreal. A TGV between the two metropolises would reduce the number of cars on the roads, in addition to limiting the environmental impact. This would allow Montreal to reach its targets more effectively.”
Planning Montreal in 25 years
The rail project suggested by Alstom is also a project for the future. Due to the expected population growth for Montreal and Toronto, the rail alternative will become vital both for the transport of individuals and for the movement of goods.
“We saw last summer a glimpse of what is to come in terms of transport when everyone invested in airports at the same time, causing significant delays. We must keep in mind a 25-year plan, and if the province of Quebec and Montreal want to achieve their commitment to net zero CO2 emissions by 2030, an efficient TGV will have to be added to the airport and road infrastructures to meet demographic and economic growth.”
Olivier Marcil specifies that for the moment, the TGV project suggested by Alstom involves twelve stations between Quebec and Toronto and would have a speed of 300 km/h, while being called upon to evolve according to calls for tenders. The heart of the TGV, however, always remained the speed of travel, its main attraction. “Saving time saves costs. Speed will make all the difference for mobility, and Montreal can play an important role in the realization of this project,” he concludes.
