The Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) is proud to announce that it has acquired the right-of-way on the Deux-Montagnes rail corridor.
In the framework of this transaction with CN, the AMT has purchased the right-of-way, infrastructures, tracks and other railway equipment, land, subsurface rights in the Mont-Royal tunnel as well as air rights; this acquisition represents a $97M investment, $5M for the construction of the Eastern Access already disbursed by the AMT, for a total of $92M paid entirely by the AMT.
“This is excellent news for public transportation in the region because the purchase of the Deux-Montagnes rail corridor will reduce operating costs by eliminating annual leasing fees. The AMT will finally have full autonomy to develop its future projects as it sees fit. The AMT has therefore taken an important step for its Deux-Montagnes line customers, who represent nearly half the total ridership of the commuter rail network the AMT manages,” underlines Nicolas Girard, AMT president and CEO. “In fact, this acquisition will help us generate savings of approximately $5.2M per year, increase our flexibility on this train line and ensure better service for our customers. We will finally be masters of our own domain.”
The purchase of the completely electrified corridor is in line with the Quebec government’s electrification strategy, which aims to carve out a greater space for electric modes of transport. This acquisition contributes to achieving the government’s objective for 95 percent of trips on the public transit network to be electric-powered by 2030. It is also in keeping with the goal set out in the AMT’s Strategic Plan – Vision 2020 to consolidate the commuter rail network and electrify public transportation services.
The Deux-Montagnes Line in a Nutshell
Over 7.5 million customers travel on the Deux-Montagnes line per year, representing nearly half the ridership of the commuter rail network. The Quebec government upgraded the electrified Deux-Montagnes rail corridor from 1992 to 1995 at a cost of $140M without however purchasing the land owned by CN. As the new owner, the AMT will have full autonomy to develop its future projects.
