Quote:
Originally Posted by SkahHigh
(1) The Mascouche Line might be converted to REM in a later phase, but we don't know the transfer details yet.
(2) There is a $4.2B new Champlain bridge currently under construction. The tracks will be in the middle of the bridge:
http://www.on-sitemag.com/wp-content...1003690652.jpg
Don't underestimate the impact or planning of this project. Most details have been studied by the Caisse, they're just not out to the public yet. They have experience in infrastructure investment and a good crew of transportation specialists from the city (notably, Richard Bergeron). |
I am aware of the Caisse's experience in transportation investment. Canada having as prolific a mass-transit investor as them is one of the reasons Canadian mass transit is often well ahead of its American counterparts.
However, that said ...
I don't think the Docklands is the project Caisse should be looking at. Rather, the layout of the Mt. Royal Tunnel makes it far more useful to develop an RER-like system in the city and suburbs. Recall Deux-Montagnes is a longstanding and successful commuter line, serving 31,000 riders a day. The system will need to be compatible with the existing network; replacing electrification systems is so expensive I don't think anybody's ever done it at scale.
Given that Mascouche already has dual-mode locomotives that can run under the existing electrification network, I am dubious about kicking it out of the Mt. Royal Tunnel as well. The main issue seems to be one of compatibility for their new-build routes (i.e. the ones to the airport and Brossard), which they don't want to invest as much into. Given that Deux-Montagnes already has decently-performing EMUs, I think the network would optimally just use designs derived from them; is tunnel capacity really such an issue you'd rather kick Mascouche trains out?