Laval commissions new study to advance western Orange Line extension
As the Laval veut sa juste part campaign continues, the City of Laval is taking another step toward advancing the proposed western extension of Montreal’s Orange Line.
The city has awarded Systra Canada a mandate to conduct a detailed ridership study for the project. The decision was approved by Laval City Council on October 6 and announced by the city on October 23.
The study is intended to provide additional data on potential ridership and the broader impact of new metro stations in Laval.
Study to examine development over 30 years
According to the City, the analysis will look beyond projected transit use and examine how new stations could affect residential, commercial and institutional development.
The study will use a 30-year horizon and assess potential benefits for transit users, urban and economic development in the metropolitan region and possible municipal tax revenues.
It is intended to complement a separate study conducted by the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, whose results are expected to be released separately.
“In a context of tight public finances, it is important to choose transportation projects that will move the most people and have the greatest economic potential,” said Vimont councillor Pierre Brabant, who is responsible for public transit files and chairs the Société de transport de Laval.
Brabant said the proposed extension could help reduce congestion in the Montreal region, particularly around Highways 15 and 40.
Landowners involved in proposed corridor
Laval has also reached agreements with six major landowners in the area considered for the future extension.
According to the City, their participation could allow the project to proceed without land expropriation in those areas, potentially reducing costs by approximately $1 billion.
The city says the Systra study, combined with its own urban development projections, will help strengthen the project’s business case ahead of future government decisions.
The proposed Orange Line extension has been among the transportation projects promoted by Laval as part of its Laval veut sa juste part campaign, which calls for greater provincial investment in the city’s infrastructure and services.
(A.G.M)
