The real costs of adding trains

Re: “Pros, cons of PQ plan to scrap REM, extend transit network” (Montreal Gazette, March 23)

I would like to highlight an important point that does not seem to be part of François Lisée’s plan for public transport should the Parti Québécois be elected.

What I have not seen anywhere in the cursory financial analysis of “Le Grand Déblocage” is the cost to separate the tracks from the road surface at the level crossing at Westminster Ave. and Sherbrooke St. in Montreal West.

This already qualifies as the most dangerous level crossing in Canada. When one looks at the transit maps across the country, nowhere is there a confluence of three train lines crossing the main street of any town — regardless of the size.

Given that this station is used daily by students of two high schools and Concordia University, and that Westminster is already congested with people looking for alternative routes to the highways, the traffic caused by pedestrians, cars and trains is a tragedy waiting to happen.

The PQ is calling for more daily departures on the existing RTM lines, accounting for a minimum 12 extra passages through the Montreal West station — likely 14 to 15 trains, counting those that pass on the way to the garage in Lachine. Added to the 90-plus crossings we now have, we would surpass 105 crossings per day.

I am sure no one would add another 15 trains to this crossing in its current configuration. Therefore I assume someone has included the $400 million — minimum — required to install a grade separation and bury the tracks in a trench. And that does not take into account the massive expropriation required.

Any other solution that has the road going over or under the tracks would effectively kill the commercial centre of our town.

Public transit is finally taking its proper place at the forefront of most political discussions, and many of the other ideas put forth in Le Grand Déblocage merit study. But let’s ensure we look at all the ramifications and associated financial requirements before charging headlong into an abyss.

Beny Masella, mayor, Montreal West