The return of the debate on March 3rde The link should not make policymakers forget that “the tram is the most progressive transport project in Quebec” and that the city of Quebec urgently needs it for its development, argue around fifteen environmental and economic organizations.
• Also read: Mayor Marchand’s visit to Lyon: Without trams or structured transport it is “the end”
• Also read: Despite the uncertainty about the third connection, Marchand “continues” with the tram.
In a press release obtained by Le Journal and to be distributed on Wednesday morning, these organizations once again unite their voices in support of the tram.
Signatories include the J’ai ma passe group, the Quebec Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Quebec Employers’ Council, the Desjardins Movement and the University of Laval.
“To question the tram project when it has already been running on rails for several years would send a very bad sign for Quebec’s ability to carry out important infrastructure and public transport projects,” we can say.
We add: “The tram project is the right solution for Quebec.” It addresses real needs and is based on numerous studies […] If there is no question of accepting a price for the construction of the tram, one must remember that postponing the decision will only increase the cost of the project.
Fantasy and flexibility in financing
In an interview with Le Journal, Yvon Charest, CEO of J’ai ma passe, called for being “imaginative” and “flexible” when knowing the cost of the tram [les consortiums chargés du volet infrastructures doivent déposer leurs propositions financières d’ici le 2 novembre].
“If there is a significant increase in costs, it is not because of the construction costs, but because of the financing costs. “We need to look at these two files separately,” he suggested.
Specifically, will it be necessary to change the current financial arrangement of the project by seeking to involve the Société québécoise des Infrastructures or the Caisse de dépôt etplacement du Québec?
“The cost of financing is always higher for a private institution than for a government. “The best cost of capital is for the governments that have it,” replied Mr. Charest, avoiding getting too far ahead and hoping we can find “a way out.”
Let’s forget the polls, suggests Charest
On the other hand, Yvon Charest said he was not too upset about the polls that showed a decline in public support for the tram over the months.
“I’ll be the first to say you shouldn’t look at the polls. It has to be done [le tramway] Very simple,” he emphasized.
According to him, “there are not many people in the world who have applauded in the first section of a tram.” It bothered them and they saw no benefit […] Until people see the benefits, they won’t like it.”
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