Fifty years ago this month, tramways rolled down Montreal streets for the last time, ending a 98-year era that began with horse-drawn trams in 1861 and accelerated with electrification in 1892. By August 1959, trams were considered passé, quaint relics of a bygone era that lumbered down streets, hampering the new kings of the road: automobiles.

Fast forward to August 2009: Tramways have come full loop. In the Nov. 1 municipal election, the issue likely won’t be whether Montreal should revive its tramway but where and when to do so.

The city of Montreal’s 2008 Transport Plan calls for a new downtown/Old Montreal tramway in place by 2013, with two more lines to follow.

In the coming weeks, Mayor Gérald Tremblay is scheduled to announce the results of a study of the tramway proposals, unveiling the final proposed routes, projected ridership numbers, and details about infrastructure, technology and the cost of the project, said Darren Becker, a spokesman for the city’s exceutive committee.

Vision Montreal hasn’t detailed its position yet but one of its high-profile candidates says the party is pro-tramway. And Projet Montréal advocates an extensive, 250-kilometre network.

But are tramways right for Montreal? And if they are, where should the first line go?

+ Read more on montrealgazette.com

Commentaires (0)