Québec Solidaire does not want CDPQ Infra to be the project manager for Quebec's transportation structuring project

Considering that “REM [montréalais] “It is a real disaster from the point of view of urban integration” CDPQ Infra should not be appointed project manager for Quebec's future structural transportation network, believes Québec Solidaire.

• Read also: Bruno Marchand calls for the urgent need to restructure the transport network

• Read also: Transport structuring: “We started a little from scratch,” notes Claude Villeneuve after his meeting with CDPQ Infra.

This is the opinion expressed by the Solidarity MP for Tachiro, Etienne Grandmont. Last week, together with his colleague Saul Zanetti, he participated in the consultations led by the Deposit and Deposit Fund of Quebec (CDPQ) Infra with the aim of providing Quebec with the best structuring network.

According to Mr. Grandmont, “If you look at the REM project, which is in a suspension position on a bridge, it's really not great for urban integration. It's not pretty and it's not for the benefit of the environments you go through. “If we could install poles like this on a funicular in Quebec, not far from the UNESCO heritage site, it would be a good protest.”

MP Grandmont said he “does not believe in the expertise of the Fund,” and added that “at the moment, the demonstrations they have done do not show that they have what it takes to be able to create something that fits well with Quebec.”

Evidence and concerns

During his meeting with CDPQ Infra leaders, Mr Grandmont said he had to repeat “the obvious”. For example, he reiterated that the “backbone” of the structural network should pass through the “central axis” where traffic potential is greatest (i.e. roughly a tram track laid out on ice).

The supportive MP did not hide his concern about the CDPQ Infra letter, which claims that it wants to start from a “blank page” to determine the right situation and the right path.

“There's a lot of work done over the last 20 to 30 years. The scientific consensus, which comes from all the studies, is proven in Quebec. We know the right way and the right place. I don't want us to lose more years and years.”

Etienne Grandmont also confirms that “many red lights” are coming when it comes to the future transport agency that the CAQ government plans to create soon. According to him, it is absolutely essential that elected officials continue to take responsibility for decisions.

Subcontracting

On the Parti Quebecois side, Jean-Talon MP Pascal Paradis also met with CDPQ Infra officials. “We still regret that the development of the comprehensive vision for sustainable mobility in Quebec was subcontracted by the government to CDPQ Infra,” he lamented.

Wanting to “give the runner a chance”, Mr Paradis said he was “quite satisfied to have confirmation that there is no standard of return or profitability currently in operation”. [dans le cadre du mandat de réflexion]. “It's important because it's an element that came out of Montreal.”

According to his understanding, “It is not certain that CDPQ Infra will participate in the later stages of the project. “It will depend on the government’s decision on solutions and path.”

What did they say

“We clearly understood that in terms of the business model, we were starting from a blank slate. They are not required to copy the REM model. For us, the basic principle is that public transport should be a public service so that users have an alternative to driving alone.

– Angel Pino Lemieux, spokesperson for Access to Viable Transportation

“During the meeting [avec la CDPQ Infra]We were able to explain our vision for the integration of public transportation and active transportation. Combining cycling with structured transportation is perhaps the best way to be faster than by car.

– Jean-François Rault, CEO of Vélo Québec

“A meeting was held between the Société des Ferry du Québec [STQ] And CDPQ Infra last Monday. STQ was able to present its service offerings as well as its operational reality for the Quebec-Lévis crossing.

– Bruno Ferro, STQ spokesperson