Québec to invest $263m in new underground train garage

The Government of Québec in Canada is set to invest C$330m ($263m) for the construction of an underground garage for trains at Côte-Vertu station in Montreal.

The new garage will involve a total investment of roughly C$440m ($351m) and is intended to facilitate the replacement of station's first-generation métro cars.

It is also expected to fulfil the growing transit ridership and extend the network's Blue line, as well as help with other planned developments.

The remaining amount of the required funding will be contributed by Société de transport de Montréal (STM).

Québec Minister of Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transportation Electrification Laurent Lessard said: “By providing C$330m in funding for the Côte-Vertu garage, the government is showing its interest in public transportation and its long-term vision for the future.

“Indeed, the investment announced today ensures adequate space for the maintenance needs of a sufficient number of metro cars to meet today’s needs and those in future, by factoring in the higher frequency and regularity of service, as well as the Blue line’s eventual extension.”

STM is expected to accommodate and maintain the rolling stock following the new garage's completion and also increase the frequency of metro system operations, especially along the Orange line during peak hours.

The new Côte-Vertu garage will be capable of accommodating ten additional trains.

STM Board of Directors chairman Philippe Schnobb said: “This significant investment by the Government of Québec will also enable us to raise our offer of service by 25% on the Orange line, support the expected growth in ridership in coming years, and ensure that the offer of service keeps pace with the Blue line extension.”

Côte-Vertu station will be temporarily closed in mid-2018 for a period of 11 weeks to allow for the construction works to be completed.