Ridership study confirms preliminary data

In an article published today, La Presse columnist Francis Vailles suggests that a ridership study for the future Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) project indicates limited interest in the REM on the part of drivers and existing public transit users, resulting in lower-than-expected ridership. This is inaccurate.

The survey on which Mr. Vailles focuses his column represents a small, subjective part of a much broader study of the REM’s anticipated ridership, one based on international comparisons of similar projects. The study conducted by SDG incorporates the results of this survey in its analysis, and concludes that after an initial phase of gradual adoption, the REM will see close to 167,000 trips per day, approximately doubling current public transit ridership. These figures confirm and refine the preliminary ridership data, and form a rigorous basis to support the financing of the REM. The complete SDG ridership study thus confirms CDPQ Infra’s projections and the value of a long-awaited project that meets clearly-identified needs and that will provide major benefits for the Greater Montréal area.