Fewer riders than anticipated for the Laval Metro

The AMT explains the discrepancy between the 2000 and 2007 figures by noting that in the past seven years the Société de Transport de Laval (STL) has experienced the return of many riders to the system, enjoying an increased ridership of 4.2%, far above that of many other transportation agencies of the Metroplitan region.

Thus 17,000 passengers are expected to ride the metro trains on opening day, compared with the 16,846 projected in 2000. These figures include Laval riders who are already using the metro through the Henri-Bourassa and Cote-Vertu Stations. All AMT projections are for morning rush-hour periods.

“Let’s keep in mind that this will not only be the Laval Metro, it will also be the metro of the North Shore ring. Within a year, we’ll have developed a passion for the use of the metro,” Mr. Beldie, says with confidence. “Look at the Blainville commuter train. The AMT started off with a very favourable situation which has grown to impressive levels!”

The STL chairman cautions that nowhere in the world is public transit a profitable proposition. Jean Leveillé, chairman of Transport 2000 which promotes public transit, shares the same opinion. He’s not surprised about the meager ridership predicted for the Laval Metro. “When you look at the price rag of more than $800 million, the cost compared with the benefits is rather high.”