REM can’t come soon enough: advocate
With the traffic mess West Islander commuters are now facing on a daily basis, Clifford Lincoln says the proposed Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) light-rail train system can’t arrive soon enough. “It’s needed now more than ever,” said Lincoln, a former MNA and MP who has advocated for better public transit to the West Island for decades. The REM is a 67-kilometre electric train network of 27 stations that will connect the West Island, Deux-Montagnes, downtown Montreal and the South Shore. The proposed $6-billion project is spearheaded by the Caisse de dépôt, Quebec’s pension-plan manager. Both the Quebec and federal governments are backing it financially. The REM trains were supposed to start rolling by 2020, but a court challenge was launched last month by an environmental group, alleging the provincial government was ramming the project through while avoiding sustainable development laws. Lincoln, who served as a spokesman for Train de l’Ouest coalition, is confident the REM will be built despite the court challenge. But he adds there is no way of knowing what the court will decide. “Once something goes to court, you never know what will happen,” he said. “A judge may see it a different way and ask for a delay or something.” “I certainly hope not,” he added. “My hope is that the REM will eventually be built.” Although Lincoln understands the need to observe environmental standards and biodiversity in areas where the train line is to be built, he remains a staunch defender of the REM. “I’m an environmentalist, too,” said Lincoln, who argued the REM is going to help the environment by removing cars from congested arteries in Montreal. With the massive Turcot Interchange construction project leading to the closure of many roads to and from the city, Lincoln said West Islanders are living through a hellish daily commute to and from downtown. “When you travel from the West island into town, you don’t have to say anymore. The gridlock, the mess, the pollution, the stress. We are an orphan in the West Island, a total orphan. “I think car transportation is far worse for climate change than the existence of (electric) rails,” he said. “So I really believe the judge (in the case) is going to throw the challenge out and say, ‘proceed.’ ” “And from what I sense, I am sure the Caisse is determined to carry on with REM. I sure hope it doesn’t get stuck because if it does, it will be a tragedy.”