Denis Martin embarked on a pre-dawn journey to drop off a friend at the airport, experiencing heavy traffic both ways. As the re-elected mayor of Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, Martin views the congestion as a symptom of the region’s unsustainable traffic levels.
The upcoming launch of the REM light-rail line in Deux-Montagnes next month is expected to alleviate some traffic by offering an alternative mode of transportation. However, Martin emphasizes the need for enhanced public transit and road infrastructure within and between neighboring towns like Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac and Mirabel.
Martin is actively involved in a coalition advocating for improved public transportation in the northern areas of Montreal to support the region’s economic growth. Recent data from the regional transit authority indicates a six percent population growth on Montreal’s North Shore, mirroring similar growth on the South Shore, which has intensified road strain and traffic congestion across the metropolitan area.
In the lead-up to the municipal elections on Nov. 2, addressing traffic issues has become a key focus for suburban mayoral candidates in and around Montreal. Proposed solutions include better coordination of construction projects, enhancing bus services, and streamlining traffic flow by reducing the number of roadwork cones in the city.
Mayoral candidates like Frédéric Mayer in Laval echo Martin’s sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of adapting public transit services to cater to the increasing number of commuters within Laval. Incumbent mayor Stéphane Boyer proposes immediate traffic management solutions utilizing artificial intelligence and advocates for extending the Metro network into Laval in the long term.
As commuting patterns evolve and the suburbs expand, the demand for enhanced public transit in the greater Montreal area grows. Research indicates a shift towards public transit usage for downtown commuters, but a significant majority still rely on cars for their daily commutes, contributing to traffic congestion.
Despite efforts to expand road infrastructure, traffic congestion is likely to persist due to the growing number of vehicles. Urban planning expert Ahmed El-Geneidy from McGill University asserts that investing in more public transit and implementing congestion pricing policies, similar to those in European cities, will be crucial in managing traffic congestion effectively.
Despite some progress, access to public transit remains unequal across the region, with only a quarter of households having good access to public transportation. Efforts to improve public transit accessibility are crucial, particularly in underserved areas like Montréal-Nord, the city’s east end, and regions beyond the central metropolitan area.
Denis Martin, reflecting on his personal commuting experiences, underscores the urgency of expanding public transit options in Deux-Montagnes to address the escalating traffic challenges faced by residents.