LJI Reporter
Tashi Farmilo
The city of Gatineau is gearing up for a transformative public transport project that will
revolutionize mobility in the western part of the city and enhance connectivity with downtown
Gatineau and Ottawa. The proposed tramway system, detailed in the “Rapport d’Étape 6” of the
complementary study for the implementation of a structured public transport system in the west
of Gatineau, is the culmination of over a decade of studies and planning aimed at addressing
the transportation needs of residents for the next 30 to 50 years.
The tramway project is designed to cater to the growing population and employment in the area.
With road networks already at capacity since 2014, the tramway is seen as a critical solution to
ensure mobility and reduce dependence on single-occupancy vehicles. The system will consist
of two distinct routes with a common trunk, offering services from the Plateau and Aylmer areas
to downtown Gatineau and Ottawa. The tramway will operate at varying frequencies throughout
the day, ensuring accessibility and convenience for users.
One of the key objectives of the project is to capture the entirety of the projected growth in travel
demand while supporting sustainable mobility. The tramway is expected to provide a competitive
alternative to cars for off-peak and internal trips within the study area, with a service that is
robust, reliable, and frequent throughout the day.
The optimal scenario, Scenario T1, involves a tramway network with two branches in West
Gatineau and a common segment east of Saint-Raymond Boulevard, heading toward the
downtown areas of Gatineau and Ottawa. The total length of the network is approximately 24
km, with around 36 stations planned, although the number and location of stations may change.
The tramway vehicles will be low-floor urban trams, similar to models used in Ottawa, Waterloo,
or Toronto, with a current design based on 45-meter-long trains carrying about 300 passengers
each.
The implementation of the tramway system requires a significant reconfiguration of the STO bus
network, particularly in the west. A review of bus lines serving Ottawa has also been
undertaken, including changes to routes from the Hull sector. Bicycle parking will be offered at
most stations, and the project also includes dedicated infrastructure for active modes of
transportation.
The tramway project is not only about addressing peak-hour transport challenges but also about
offering a sustainable and efficient solution for the future. It aims to improve the competitiveness
of public transport in the medium and long term, aligning with the objectives defined by all
partners. As the project progresses, it will continue to evolve and adjust, with recommendations
guiding the next steps of detailed engineering development and project realization.
This ambitious project, highlighted in “Rapport d’Étape 6,” is set to transform public transport in
Gatineau, providing a sustainable and efficient solution to meet the growing needs of the city’s
residents and contribute to the region’s economic and social development .
Photo: In “Rapport d’Étape 6,” the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO) presents a
detailed mock-up of intersection insertion, showcasing the planned design for the new public
transport system in Gatineau’s west end. (TF) Screenshot from the “Rapport d’Étape 6,”
courtesy of the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais (STO)