LA POCATIÈRE, QC, Nov. 12, 2018 /CNW/ - The government of Canada recognizes that investing in public transit infrastructure is crucial to economic growth, reducing air pollution, and creating inclusive communities where everyone has access to public services and job opportunities.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, today announced an investment of over $215 million to support the purchase of 153 new Azur subway cars by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). The government of Quebec and the STM are also contributing into the project, bringing the total investment to over $580 million.
Besides ensuring that Bombardier Transportation's factory in La Pocatière and the Alstom plant in Sorel-Tracy can retain numerous jobs, these news cars will replace part of the fleet of MR‑73 cars to improve the quality and capacity of Montréal's public transit network. The project also includes the purchase of additional communications equipment for the new trains, as well as the disposal and recycling of the 153 MR‑73 cars that are being replaced.
Once completed, this work will improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of Montréal's transit system, make it more accessible and allow the STM to meet the community's immediate needs while preparing for anticipated future increases in ridership.
Quote
"Modern efficient public transit infrastructure plays an important role in developing sustainable communities and supporting good, middle-class jobs. Our government's historic investment in subway cars for the STM will improve the reliability and comfort of services for the people of Montreal. By investing in projects like this, our government is helping make our air cleaner and create well-paying jobs for Quebeckers and Canadians."
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
Quick Facts
- This significant public transit investment of over $215 million is the first project to be approved under the joint Canada-Quebec long-term infrastructure agreement.
- Through the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, the Government of Canada will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.
- $28.7 billion of this funding will support public transit projects, including $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
Associated links
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map
Federal investments in infrastructure projects in Quebec:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/index-eng.html
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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
Contacts: Kate Monfette, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, 613-301-0894, [email protected], For information: Media Relations, Infrastructure Canada, 613-960-9251, Toll free: 1-877-250-7154, Email: [email protected]
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