The tramway project for Quebec City has nothing, absolutely nothing of a “car war”, as the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada Pierre Poilievre claims.
It’s quite the opposite!
Saying that he would invest “not a penny of federal money” if he became prime minister shows to what extent he understands nothing about trafficking.
Make smart choices
Every person who takes public transit takes a car off the road. Congestion is thus reduced, as are pollution and costs.
The next time you see a bus, imagine 50 cars in its place. That will give you an idea!
Many studies have shown that when we improve the supply, efficiency and speed of public transportation, the entire population benefits.
Particularly motorists, because it reduces congestion. But it also benefits the elderly, teenagers and all those who do not have a vehicle at their disposal.
It is also access to work and studies for people without a car.
And for employers, it’s access to a workforce that has no other way to travel.
Investing massively in public transport is therefore fundamental to preventing the impoverishment of our cities and households while improving the quality of life.
So let’s listen to the experts
The implementation of the structuring public transportation project proposed by the CDPQ in the report submitted this week to the government would benefit the entire population of Quebec and the surrounding area. Provided if it is implemented rigorously.
It is therefore excellent news that the Legault government has FINALLY announced the implementation of the first phase of the tramway. Even if it’s only 19 kilometers. It’s a beginning.
We can also be pleased that he is FINALLY studying the establishment of a Rapid Bus Service (SRB) between Quebec and Lévis as well as for the suburbs. Experts have long recommended such a measure.
Third motorway link
What is less glorious, even shameful, is the CAQ’s determination for a third highway link. And this, despite the opinion of the CDPQ which maintains that this is not a solution.
All experts agree that such infrastructure will increase congestion in the medium and long term. This goes against what has been shown to be the best way to tackle congestion: reducing road capacity.
The CAQ prefers to do the opposite, at great cost to all Quebec taxpayers and without supporting studies!
As for the argument of safety for the transport of goods, it would be much more logical to follow the proposal of federal Minister Jean-Yves Duclos: lower the deck of the Quebec bridge to allow the passage of trucks. Especially since it now belongs to the federal government.
I hope CAQ ministers rise above their egos in order to work with other levels of government in the interest of the population.
The immobility has lasted long enough.
