Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM): ridership study confirms preliminary data

MONTRÉAL, Nov. 17, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - In an article published today, La Presse columnist Francis Vailles suggests that a ridership study for the future Réseau électrique métropolitain (REM) project indicates a low level of commuter interest for the REM, resulting in ridership estimates falling below expectations. This is inaccurate.

The user survey Mr. Vailles focuses on represents a small, subjective part of a much broader study of the REM's anticipated ridership, based on international comparisons of similar projects. The complete study, conducted by SDG, incorporates the results of this survey into its analysis, and concludes that after an initial phase of gradual adoption, the REM will have 167 000 passages a day, approximately doubling current public transit ridership.

These figures confirm and refine results obtained in preliminary ridership studies, and form a rigorous basis to support the financing of the REM. The complete SDG ridership study thus confirms CDPQ Infra's expectations and the value of a long-awaited project that meets clearly-identified needs and that will have major benefits for the Greater Montreal area.

About CDPQ Infra
CDPQ Infra aims to effectively and efficiently carry out major public infrastructure projects. Established in 2015, CDPQ Infra invests for the long term in tangible assets that generate stable, predictable returns for the depositors of Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec. It is a subsidiary of Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec (cdpq.com), one of Canada's leading institutional fund managers. For more information on CDPQ Infra, visit cdpqinfra.com, follow us on Twitter @CDPQInfra or consult our Facebook pages.

SOURCE CDPQ Infra Inc.

For further information: Jean-Vincent Lacroix, Director, Media Relations, [phone], [e-mail]