I like both projects, and I'd love to see Montreal have the best mass transit system in all of Canada, Toronto included, however, with the recent news of the train cancellations, I believe that the Montreal Metro is the best transit system for Montreal for the following reasons:
PROS:
- fully underground, meaning no above-ground or at-grade lines or stations in the Metro system.
- rubber tire wheels.
- artistic stations.
- utilizes boring technology that doesn't affect existing buildings.
- decent coverage throughout most parts of the city.
- lots of potential for future expansion.
CONS:
- very expensive to maintain, expand and build.
- political corruption and tension within the city, provincial, and even federal ranks.
- Montreal's economy not as robust as Toronto's economy.
- lack of expansion to Dorval, Montreal-Est, Montreal-Nord, Lasalle, and Lachine and other lines such as the Yellow Line needs to be expanded to Parc via St Laurent St and to Longueuil-St Hubert.
The REM is a nice, supplementary line for Montreal's mass transit system. I like the project, and like the fact that the REM L'est is going to expand to Montreal-Nord & Montreal-Est, but I'm no fan of the elevated structure and the only reason why is because there's already an existing ROW that can be utilized for the REM L'est that can go to Pointe-Aux-Trembles. The Green Line can be extended from Honore-Beaureguard to Montreal-Est and can connect at the corner of Broadway & Victoria/Prince Albert (
https://www.google.com/maps/@45.4882...4!8i8192?hl=en) and connect with the REM on that intersection as opposed to building an expensive and superfluous elevated structure along Sherbrooke St. The Pie-IX subway I also support into Montreal-Nord, but the Park Ave segment, I'd rather see the Montreal Metro use that segment all the way from Quartier Dix10 in Brossard to Sainte Rose in Laval via Bonaventure Expwy, Bluery St, Park Ave, and Boulevard de l'Acadie.
Here's my pros and cons for the REM:
PROS:
- cheaper to construct in comparison to the Montreal Metro.
- gives commuters an elevated view of the city of Montreal from certain parts.
- more modern trains and clean energy.
- future connection to Dorval.
CONS:
- at-grade & elevated segments exposed to elements, and serviced could be delayed and even cancelled.
- imposing the Sherbrooke St elevated structure could mar the aesthetics of eastern Montreal.
- not sure if the REM will have free transfers to the Montreal Metro.
- gentrification may be an issue for affected areas near transit lines.
Personally, I'm an old fashioned guy growing up in Brooklyn and living in Philadelphia, but the boring technology is very similar to the same technology used in the London Underground. I believe that the Canadian gov't should subsidize mass transit since 55% of Canada lives in fairly dense urban areas. In the end, I support the REM, but I also support the Metro as well, and while I generally support the REM's expansion, I also support any effort to greatly expand Montreal's Metro as well. I'd love for Montreal to succeed again and hopefully Trudeau can see the full potential of his city from a mass transit perspective.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
