Rail Fans Canada: Recent Episodes
Shane Seguin
Gatineau is the 4th largest city by population in the Province of Quebec and borders Canada's capital, Ottawa in Ontario. A significant portion of the population, over 60,000 crosses the interprovincial bridges every day to travel between their place of work and their home. With the population and development quickly growing in both Aylmer and the Plateau, a more sustainable and higher capacity transit option is needed to continue to properly serve the West of Gatineau. A tramway was determined to be the best option for its increased capacity over buses and bus rapid transit, as well as the lower environmental impact it would bring in our battle against climate change. The tramway would cross into Ottawa and arrive in proximity to the existing Ottawa O-Train Line 1, thereby facilitating transfers and allowing easy access for passengers whom have a destination outside of the downtown core.In this video with Patrick Robert-Meunier of MOBI-O (Centre de gestion des déplacements de Gatineau), we discuss the Tramway project, where it will go, how it will enter Ottawa, the changes it will bring to the region and the current status of the project.Learn more about the Gatineau Tramway project by visiting the STO website: http://www.sto.ca/index.php?L=en&id=776Express your support by joining La Coalition S'allier pour le tramway: https://www.sallierpourletramway.com/Video by Shane Seguin
On February 17, 2023, the Request for Qualifications for HFR was launched to pre-qualify up to 3 bidders for the Request for Proposals. As such, it is a great time to reflect on what is HFR and what it will mean for Canada.High Frequency Rail (HFR) is the current plan to improve passenger rail in the Corridor. By using dedicated tracks between Quebec City and Toronto, the travel experience is bound to improve considerably. With more frequent, reliable and faster trains, it is expected that an increasing number of people will choose to ride the rails instead of flying or driving, an important element in addressing the climate crisis. HFR will be the most transformative change to passenger rail in Canada since the incorporation of VIA Rail in 1977.Video by David Bellerive (@dbellerive15)
While the procurement for High Frequency Rail (HFR) continues, there is a lot that remains unknown about what the future of passenger rail will be like in the Corridor. Alstom decided to go public with their vision of this future. Instead of opting for the current design goal of 200km/h tracks and service, Alstom believe that High Speed Rail (HSR) with maximum speeds of 300km/h might be the better solution to increase ridership and the modal share of passenger rail.Join us as we go over their plan and what the future could look like.Huge thanks to High Speed Rail Canada for releasing the presentation deck and maps used throughout the video.https://www.highspeedrailcanada.com/2023/01/Alstom-TGV-Ontario-Quebec.htmlBruno Marchand en faveur du TGV (La Presse)https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/2023-01-24/bruno-marchand-en-faveur-du-tgv.phpAlstom propose à nouveau un TGV entre Québec et Toronto (Journal de Montréal)https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2023/01/24/alstom-propose-a-nouveau-un-tgv-entre-quebec-et-torontoLe projet de TGV mérite d’être étudié, estime Plantehttps://journalmetro.com/actualites/2991135/tgv-montreal-favorable-a-letude-du-projet/Video by David Bellerive (@dbellerive15).
As Toronto Pearson became an increasingly important airport in the 1980s, the necessity for a proper connection to downtown Toronto became obvious to planners. Various studies and failed projects would ultimately lead to the opening of the Union Pearson Express, also referred to as UPX and UP Express, in June 2015.The 22.5km line runs between Toronto Pearson Terminal 1 and Union Station, with intermediate stops at Weston and Bloor. It is operated by Metrolinx and runs using Nippon Sharryo DMU train sets, a unique type in Canada. The line operates every 15 minutes and offers the quickest link between Downtown Toronto and Toronto Pearson.While at first it was far from successful, the line has become increasingly popular leading to questions about it's future and potential upgrades needed.Let's explore how UP Express came to be, after decades of planning and failed projects.To learn more about Union Pearson Express and other rail projects and systems throughout Canada, make sure to visit our website: https://www.railfans.caVideo by David Bellerive (@DBellerive15)
Line 5 is an east-to-west line that runs north of the downtown core, between Snowdon and Saint-Michel Stations, and provides a connection to the Université-de-Montréal campus. The line is comprised of 12 stations and is 9.7km in length. The line initially opened on June 16, 1986, with the Saint-Michel to De Castelnau section. This was followed by the opening of De Castelnau to Parc on June 15, 1987, and finally Parc to Snowdon on January 5, 1988. Since that time, no further expansions of the line have been completed, however, in 2018, both the federal and provincial governments committed to funding an extension from Saint-Michel to Anjou. Major works are expected to begin in 2023 with a projected opening in 2029. Special thanks to Derek Ellis, creator of the Rail Fans Canada Map (map.railfans.ca)© Mapbox © OpenStreetMapStation information was written by Shane Seguin and Mathieu Fortin
As progress continues on the Réseau Express Métropolitain, the Airport Branch of the REM faces significant delays that have led to its opening to be pushed back to 2027. Let’s explore some of the reasons causing the delays and where the branch will go.The Airport Branch of the REM will branch off from the mainline at Bois-Franc and serve two brand-new stations: Marie-Curie and YUL-Aéroport-Montréal-Trudeau. Both stations will be underground along a 2.5km single bore tunnel that was completed in July 2022. Work will continue on the stations and guideway over the coming years, with testing to start in 2026 and for the segment to open in 2027.To learn more about the Réseau Express Métropolitain, visit our website: https://rem.railfans.ca/Explore the alignment of the REM and various other networks throughout Canada: https://map.railfans.ca/Video by David Bellerive (@dbellerive15)
View our latest snapshot updates of O-Train Stage 2 and learn how you can share your pictures with us by visiting https://otrain.railfans.ca/snapshotO-Train Line 2 first opened on October 15, 2001, and featured 5 stations from Bayview in the north to Greenboro in the south. The O-Train is quickly being expanded to add additional service coverage in the East, West and South of Ottawa, in a project called Stage 2 LRT. In this video, we will be providing an overview of the Southern Extension of O-Train Line 2, which will extend service south to Limebank in Riverside South, as well as the Airport Link (or Line 4) that will service the Ottawa International Airport.This project will increase the length of Line 2 from 8km to 20km and feature a total of 11 new and existing stations. An interesting particularity of this segment is that it will feature several elevated segments along the line. A separate spur line, Line 4 or the Airport Link, will run between the South Keys Station and the Airport, providing an O-Train connection between the Airport terminal and the rest of the O-Train network. It will feature a length of 4km and have 3 stations (including South Keys).Video by Shane SeguinDrone photos by Patrick McKay (@PatrickTMcKay)Additional photos by David Bellerive (@dbellerive15) and Derek Ellis (@deellisd)
O-Train Line 1 (Stage 1) opened on September 14, 2019, and featured 13 stations from Blair in the east to Tunney’s Pasture in the west. The O-Train is quickly being expanded to add additional service coverage in the East, West and South of Ottawa, in a project called Stage 2 LRT. This video will provide an overview of the Western Extension of O-Train Line 1, which will extend service West of Tunney’s Pasture station to Moodie (near Kanata) and Algonquin (in Nepean).Stage 2 will see O-Train Line 1 split into two lines, Line 1 and Line 3. The main difference will be west of Lincoln Fields station where the line splits into two: Line 1, which continues to Algonquin Station to the Southwest, and Line 3, which continues to Moodie Station to the west. This line extension will be 15km in length and add 11 stations to Line 1 and Line 3. An interesting particularity of this segment is that it will feature several tunnel segments in the alignment. Once completed, local bus routes will be realigned to directly serve the nearest O-Train station, thereby providing a quick and convenient connection to the O-Train and the rest of the city.View our latest snapshot updates of O-Train Stage 2 and learn how you can share your pictures with us by visiting https://otrain.railfans.ca/snapshotVideo by Shane SeguinDrone photos by Patrick McKay (Twitter @PatrickTMcKay)
O-Train Line 1 (Stage 1) opened on September 14, 2019, and featured 13 stations from Blair in the east to Tunney’s Pasture in the west. The O-Train is quickly being expanded to add additional service coverage in the East, West and South of Ottawa, in a project called Stage 2 LRT. This video provides an overview of the Eastern Extension of O-Train Line 1, which will extend service East of Blair station to Trim Road in Orleans.This line extension will be over 12km in length and add 5 stations to Line 1. An interesting particularity of this segment is that it will be located almost entirely in the highway median of regional road 174. As a result, access to and from the stations for passengers will be via highway overpasses or underpasses and pedestrian bridges. All 5 stations will be centre platform stations. Once completed, local bus routes will be realigned to directly serve the nearest O-Train station, providing a quick and convenient connection to the O-Train and the rest of the city.View our latest snapshot updates of O-Train Stage 2 and learn how you can share your pictures with us by visiting https://otrain.railfans.ca/snapshotVideo by Shane Seguin
Following decades of studies and varied plans, Quebec City is moving forward with their first new tramway line. Join us as we explore the various aspects of the project in this brief overview. The line will measure 19.3 km and go from Le Gendre to Estimauville, passing through the most important hubs of the city. It will be the first tramway line in the city since the closure of its historic streetcar network in 1948 due to declining ridership. The inspiration for the new line can be found in France, with its tramway renaissance and similar focus on design, ease of access and mobility.We are very excited to follow on the progress of the project over the coming years and look forward to be onboard the very first trains in 2028.Video by David Bellerive (@dbellerive15).
For Rail Fans throughout Canada, 2022 has been a year loaded with milestones as more projects are getting started and others are on the final stretch leading to their opening in the coming years.Join us as we go from Coast to Coast and check-in on the progress of the various active passenger rail and transit projects currently active throughout Canada.Video by David Bellerive (@dbellerive15)
O-Train Line 2 first opened on October 15, 2001, and runs North to South in Ottawa, and was initially named the O-Train. This line was a pilot project to see the public's reception and to evaluate alternative modes of public transit in Ottawa. The line had a length of 8km and consisted of only 5 stations, which included new stations at Bayview, Carling, Carleton, Confederation (later renamed Mooney's Bay) as well as the existing station of Greenboro (expanded and modified to accommodate the O-Train platform).Stage 2 LRT began construction in 2019 and will bring with it an expansion of 8 new stations to O-Train Line 2 by 2023. The new service will feature 7 new trainsets, the Stadler FLIRT, which will have a diesel-electric propulsion system, but retain the capability for full electric operations at a future date. The new trains will run alongside the existing Alstom Coradia LINT 41 trains. Two new stations will be built at Gladstone and Walkley. The service will also extend from Greenboro as far as Limebank Road in Ottawa South, with a separate spur line from South Keys Station to the Ottawa International Airport.* At the the time of this video, O-Train Line 2 is closed for expansion, and is only anticipated to reopen in 2023. The expansion brings with it alterations to the existing stations, as well as new additional stations and destinations along the line. As a result, this video is looking back at the line, as it was, prior to its temporary closure in 2020. ***
For the first time in over 20 years, VIA Rail Canada welcomes the first train of a brand-new fleet to serve passengers in the Corridor.On November 8, 2022, Train 33 and 26 saw the very first revenue runs of the new Siemens Venture trainsets between Ottawa and Montreal. Those new trains are fully accessible and a major upgrade compared to the existing fleet used by VIA Rail.Join us on one of the very first revenue runs on the new VIA trains. We are really excited for the future of passenger rail in Canada and look forward to more opportunities to ride them in the future.Learn more about VIA Rail Canada:-A First Look at VIA's New Fleet: https://www.railfans.ca/via-rail/a-first-look-at-via-rail-canada-s-new-fleet-Specifications: https://www.railfans.ca/via-rail-canada/engines/siemens-sc-44-chargerVideo by David Bellerive (https://twitter.com/dbellerive15)
In this RailChat, hosted by Shane Seguin and David Bellerive, we will be joined by Patrick McKay, creator of obike.ca (an interactive map for Ottawa that shows current and planned cycling infrastructure).
We will be discussing the junction and interconnection of transit and cycling infrastructure.
RailChat #5. In this episode, hosted by Shane Seguin and David Bellerive, we discussed the recent media visit/tour of the Réseau Express Métropolitain in Montreal.
We will be joined by Harout Chitilian, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Development and Strategy at CDPQ Infra.
In this episode, we will be discussing Line 1 (or the Confederation Line) of Ottawa’s O-Train.
Line 1 is the main backbone of the entire public transit system in Ottawa. It currently operates from Blair Station in the east end suburb of Gloucester to Tunney’s Pasture Station in the west next to the large Tunney’s Pasture government complex. The line is comprised of 13 stations and is 12.5km in length.
The line opened to the public on September 14, 2019 to great excitement and anticipation. Since the opening of the line, further expansions are presently under construction, that will extend the line further East to Trim Road in Orleans, and west to Moodie and Algonquin (formerly known as Baseline Station). Collectively, these extensions will add an additional 16 stations and bring the total to 29 stations. It is important to note that once the extension opens, it will be operated as two separate lines as the line splits into two branches at Lincoln Fields, one reaching Algonquin (known as Line 1) and the other reaching Moodie (known as Line 3).
In this episode, we will be discussing the Yellow Line (or Line 4) of Montreal's Metro.
Line 4 is a shuttle service between downtown Montreal and the South Shore in the city of Longueuil with an intermediate stop on Île Sainte-Hélène. The line is comprised of 3 stations and is 4.25km in length. The line opened to the public on April 28, 1967 along with the opening of the World's Fair of the same year (EXPO 67) Man and His World.
Since the opening of the line, there has not been any expansions or changes, even though there have been several ideas proposed such as extending further into Longueuil or looping around from Berri-UQAM to McGill. What has changed over the years is the name of all three stations. Berri-de-Montigny to Berri-UQAM, Longueuil to Longueuil-Universite de Sherbrooke, and finally Île Sainte-Hélène to Jean Drapeau (in honour of the long time Montreal mayor who was instrumental in making the Metro, Expo 67 and the 76 Summer Olympics a reality.
RailChat #4. In this live stream hosted by Shane Seguin and David Bellerive, we will be joined by guest panelist Terry Johnson of Transport Action Canada, to discuss the currently proposed VIA Rail Canada HFR (High Frequency Rail).
We will turn to the LiveChat and take your questions after the main discussion.
The City of Toronto operates an extensive Streetcar system, consisting of 9 streetcar lines, 685 stops across 83km in length. All this makes it the 3rd largest light rail system in North America.
The TTC Streetcars are very iconic and emblematic of the City of Toronto. They are also an essential and integral part of the public transit network.
In this conversation with Helen Lee, Creator / Executive Producer / Co-Host of The Next Stop Podcast, we talk about the Streetcars and touch on the following points of interest:
-What is the Toronto Streetcar System. -The history of the Streetcar system. -The rolling stock, recent past and present. -The Mystique of the Streetcar system and what makes it unique to Toronto. -How the Streetcars in Toronto endure, while most other cities systems have been discontinued.
You can learn more about The Next Stop Podcast and listen to their insightful episodes by visiting their website: www.thenextstop.ca. The podcast is also available on all major podcast platforms: https://www.thenextstop.ca/subscribe-to-podcast.
The Rail Fans Map features Ottawa's O-Train, Toronto's Subway and Kitchener-Waterloo's ION systems in high detail. Illustrating all track positions, switches, crossovers and yards. We speak to Derek Ellis, creator of the map, on this impressive project.
How does the transit operator calculate reliability? How does a paying rider see and experience reliability? Reliability has many facets. This episode aims to highlight some points on this important topic.
Share your comments on www.railfans.ca/ep21
Quebec City is actively working towards building a state-of-the-art Tramway system through the city. It will operate from Le Gendre to D'Estimauville (West to East). The proposed line will have 28 stations, be 19.3km in length and feature a downtown underground tunnel of 2.1km, that will be home to two stations.
In this conversation with David Bellerive, we discuss this exciting and important infrastructure and transit project, poised to transform commuting in Quebec City. Touching on the history of the first Tramway in the city that ran till the mid-1900s, the new system being designed, the choice of technology, the routing and location of stations and finally the stunning rolling stock that may ride the rails. This is your introduction and overview of the Quebec City Tramway.
On Monday, January 17, 2022, the City of Ottawa received a significant snowfall, and is being described as the 5th highest recorded snowfall in one day. O-Train Line 1 operated without issue throughout this winter snowstorm and blizzard, from the start to the end of service.
In this discussion with Troy Charter, Director of Transit Operations at OC Transpo, we discuss this snowstorm, how the O-Train performed, how winter operations are planned and executed, and more.
We also discuss the importance and use of the emergency call stations and emergency features located in stations and trains and why it is important to signal for help should you observe or witness an emergency situation.
VIA Rail Canada is the operator of passenger rail in Canada. Many changes and improvements are in store for VIA Rail over the coming years. These include a new fleet for the busy Corridor service (servicing from Windsor to Quebec City), as well as High-Frequency Rail (HFR), which together are poised to create new opportunities and options for travellers and passengers.
In this discussion with Terry Johnson, President of Transport Action Canada, we discuss the new fleet, high-frequency rail, the struggles and challenges that passenger rail in Canada faces, why passenger rail in Europe is so successful and popular, and the possibilities and hopes for the future for the rest of Canada.
VIA Rail Canada is acquiring 32 new Siemens SC-42 & Venture trainsets to completely replace and modernize its busy corridor service (operating between Windsor and Quebec City). This segment of the passenger rail network is the busiest in Canada, accounting for around 70-80% of all ridership.
These new trainsets are stunning, complete with an eye-catching and classy new look, many new passenger features and amenities, and other enhancements that will enhance operations and efficiency for VIA Rail.
In this conversation with rail enthusiast David Bellerive, we discuss these exciting new trainsets, what they offer, all the great improvements they bring, and why we can't wait to ride them for real in the coming years!
O-Train Line 1 opened in September 2019. In the following 2 years of service, it has encountered numerous technical challenges. The most recent set of issues involved two derailments, 6 weeks apart in August and September 2021.
In this discussion with Jeff (J.OT13), we talk about the recent incidents, the information that has been shared, the work that has been done, what the ridership really wants, and the promise of Stage 2 and the future.
Toronto's Ontario Line is a much-anticipated transit project that will feature 15 stations along a 15.6-kilometre route, operating underground, at grade and on elevated guideways, running from Exhibition Place, through downtown and reaching the Ontario Science Centre. This line will provide much-needed relief to the existing transportation options while connecting new communities to the rapid transit network.
In this discussion with Malcolm MacKay, Program Sponsor of the Ontario Line with Metrolinx, we discuss the project, what need it addresses, the future stations and path of the line, the rolling stock, the future and how to get involved, making this video the perfect introduction and overview of this massive and significant Toronto transit project.
Our second RailChat. In this second installment, we will have as panelists Shane, David and Seth. The main discussion will focus on the many rail transit projects in the Greater Toronto Area, such as Finch West, Eglinton Crosstown, Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension, among others. In the second half of the stream, we discuss the current O-Train situation. We open the floor to questions via the YouTube Livestream Chat at the end.
The Réseau Express Métropolitain in Montreal will transform commuting and transit in the city over the next 10 years. With 26 stations and 67 km of track, and even more announced in the near future, this project has really gathered much excitement and generated lots of anticipation.
In this discussion with transit and rail enthusiast David Bellerive, we talk about the REM and several of the more interesting and exciting points about the project.
Toronto is building a new Light Rail Transit line in the northwestern region of the city. This new line will feature 18 new stops (including one underground station and one below-grade), along an 11km rail alignment, stretching from the TTC's Finch West (University Line) subway station to Humber College. The line will make use of the Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles, each carrying up to 300 passengers.
In this conversation with Wade O'Leary, Vice President of the Finch West LRT project, we discuss this important transit infrastructure project, that will connect people quicker than ever before in this heavy transit corridor, the line, the trains, and some of the unique design features of the line.
On Sunday, August 8th in the afternoon, one LRV that was not in service, experienced a minor derailment shortly after departing Tunney's Pasture terminus station.
In this short discussion with Troy Charter, Director of Transit Operations at OC Transpo, we touch on this service incident, and the facts and investigations that continue to take place into the root cause.
Transit is a rapidly growing and evolving app designed to make using transit easier for commuters. From learning about the next departure times, to trip planning, and even knowing crowding levels and purchasing fares, this made in Montreal app has revolutionized the transit experience.
In this conversation with Stephen Miller, Communications Lead at Transit, we discuss this incredible app, how it works, the newest features recently added, and where things are headed for the future.
Line 3 Scarborough (originally known as the Scarborough RT or SRT) is a light rapid transit line and part of the Toronto TTC's Subway system. Featuring 6 stations, along a length of 6.4km of mostly elevated track, it connects with Line 2 Bloor-Danforth at Kennedy Station. The northeast terminus is McCowan.
The line operates the Intermediate Capacity Transit System (ICTS) Mark I trains, built by the Urban Transportation Development Corporation (UTDC), which are also known in Toronto as the S Series. These trains are some of the earliest examples of Linear Induction Motor technology in a transit system and have since been built and used in other cities around the world, notably Vancouver's SkyTrain.
In this discussion with Seth McDermott, a transit enthusiast and historian, we discuss the history and development of this very interesting and unique transit line, as well as the linear induction motor (LIM) technology that it helped pioneer. Be sure to also watch Part 2 of this video series (found below), in which the conversation continues, and touches on the many expansion and upgrade options that have been debated over the years, and its eventual and soon approaching permanent closure in 2023.
Our first RailChat. In this inaugural installment, we will have as panellists Shane, David and Jeff. In the second half of the stream, we will open the floor to questions via the YouTube Livestream Chat.
Three main discussions, the first on Montreal's REM, then moving on to the High Frequency Rail proposed for VIA Rail's corridor service, and finally a critique on several of Canada's biggest transit systems.
The currently under construction Réseau express métropolitain, will be Montreal's newest transit system. Featuring 26 stations and a length of 67 kilometres, and stretching from the south shore to Deux-Montagnes in the north and Anse-à-l'Orme in the west, it is poised to transform rapid-transit in the Greater Montreal Region in the coming years.
Featuring exciting new underground stations in downtown Montreal, and passing underneath the imposing Mount Royal, it is sure an exciting time for the city.
In this discussion with Jean-Vincent Lacroix, spokesperson for the REM, we discuss the system currently being built, the next steps and the organization behind this massive infrastructure project (CPDQ Infra).
The Gatineau Tramway, proposed for the west-end of the city, will transform public transit, most notably in the Plateau and Aylmer sectors, which currently do not have any rapid transit offered.
In this discussion with Maude Marquis-Bissonnette (Mayoral Candidate, Leader of Action Gatineau, and councillor for Plateau), we discuss the tramway project, the eventual rapibus conversion, the tramway insertion into Ottawa, and the 6th crossing between Gatineau-Ottawa.
O-Train Line 1 features 13 stations, spread over a length of 12.5km and opened in September 2019.
In this with Jeff (J.OT13 on the Rail Fans community), we discuss and provide commentary on all 13 stations, including the highlights and the areas that they could have been done differently or have room to be improved upon.
OC Transpo in Ottawa has recently announced their intention and plan to transition to a Zero-Emission Bus Fleet by 2035.
In this discussion with Pat Scrimgeour, Director of Transit Customer Systems and Planning, we talk about this important endeavor towards battling Climate Change
The O-Train is approaching 2 years of Revenue Service in September 2021.
In this June 2021 discussion, David Bellerive (Rail Fans Enthusiast and the Host of the Official O-Train Livestream) and I, reflect on the start of service, how things went, where things are now and what is to come in the near future with Stage 2.
The O-Train Confederation Line (also known as O-Train Line 1), is a 12.5km long, fully grade-separated, 13 station rapid transit system, operated in the City of Ottawa by OC Transpo.
In this June 2021 conversation with Troy Charter, Director of Transit Operations at OC Transpo, we discuss the intricacies of the line's operation.
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a form of urban development, which maximizes the number of residential, business, commercial, and leisure spaces within walking distance of public transportation.
In this April 2021 discussion with Alain Miguelez, Manager of Policy Planning at the City of Ottawa, we discuss Transit-Oriented Development in Ottawa.
Ottawa's O-Train system continues to move forward with improvements and enhancements to better serve and support customers and passengers.
In this March 2021 discussion with Pat Scrimgeour, Director of Transit Customer Systems and Planning, we discuss some of the improvements and enhancements that are being undertaken on the O-Train.
Areas discussed include work to allow fare gates at stations and Presto readers on buses directly accepting credit cards and mobile payments, OC Transpo Presto and STO Multi Card usage on each-others networks, Real-Time Information Improvements, Station Retail, Advertising in Stations and Trains, Improvements to customer service involving the social media channels of OC Transpo.
The City of Gatineau is moving forward with opportunity studies to determine the need, technology, route options to better serve the West-End of Gatineau (specifically Aylmer and the Plateau). It has been determined that a service offered by rail is needed to provide adequate service in the future for these growing communities as well as providing service in and out of the downtown core of Ottawa.
In this March 2021 discussion with Myriam Nadeau, City Councillor for Pointe Gatineau and President of the STO, we discuss the West-End tram for Gatineau and answer the following questions:
-How a decision was made to pursue building a Tram/LRT in Gatineau. -The advantages that the Tram/LRT will bring to commuters and citizens of Gatineau and in particular to those residing in the Plateau and Aylmer. -The currently proposed routing options. -The options for entry into Ottawa via the Portage Bridge: Surface on Wellington / Underground beneath Sparks. -The timelines: work that has been completed, the next steps, and when might we see the first passengers ride this new transit service. -How citizens can get involved during consultations, as well as providing feedback and support.