EAs were streamlined for transit projects in Ontario and not in Québec, meaning that "Why didn't you study paddle boats" type of questions are still asked at the BAPE.
https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/plantes-change-of-mind-torpedoed-caisses-rem-de-lest-involvement-emond-says CEO of the CDPQ seems to be really pissed at the mayor, and it's understandable.
Pre-pandemic, it was exceeding capacity between McGill and Berri-UQÀM. The STM didn't want any further extensions without adding a relief line downtown. Add the underconstruction REM and blue line extension, you were already looking at a disaster. Add this truncated project and you'll have a...
Instead of improving the project, they are planning to remove the downtown section entirely. STM and ARTM will manage the project. The STM already has the most stuffed vehicles in North America, this will make it worse...
Announcement by the Premier at 1130, the province will take charge of the project from now one. Meaning terrible politics at all stages of the project.
https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/grand-montreal/2022-05-02/quebec-reprend-le-controle-du-rem-de-l-est.php
At 4G$ for glorified buses, it will probably have the worst ROI of any transport project in Canada. The objective is not even to transport people efficiently, it's to have a streetcar cause the European cities do. That's an even worse objective than density.
Not just a minister, the minister of transportation... I still don't support the project though. At least in other cities LRT is for adding density, it won't be the case for Quebec cities.