The tram is losing feathers

The Quebec City tram project has lost a lot of feathers in recent months, stripped of several major elements including its trambus portion, but above all stuck in a spiral of incompetence and power games.

The structuring transport network project, of which the centerpiece is the tram, looked very badly all summer, and particularly during the BAPE hearings. Incompetence and lack of leadership has been revealed on all sides all around.

In recent months, the City has had to cut the project significantly after misjudging the costs. Mayor Régis Labeaume, supposed to be the project’s first ambassador, failed in the task by being sometimes too evasive, sometimes upset, even angry at having to answer questions from both the BAPE and journalists.

As for the government of Quebec, supposed to support the project, it has shown no creativity or openness to ensure its progress. No one lifted a finger to reiterate the desire to move forward, quite the contrary.

Criticisms

The opposition parties in the National Assembly were quick to denounce this lack of support. Last week, Liberal leader Dominique Anglade rightly pointed out the Legault government’s lack of leadership on the issue. She criticized the elected CAQ members of the Quebec City region for being too discreet.

Then the two elected representatives of Quebec solidaire gave some, yesterday in a letter sent to the media, accusing the Legault government of doing everything to sink the tram. No one wants a cheap streetcar, they argue. Well seen.

Lack of communication

There is obviously sleet on the line between Quebec City and the Legault government. How then can we believe that we will be able to adequately link the structuring transport network and third link projects?

It is not necessary to merge the two project offices. However, decision-makers have a duty to show creativity and openness to prevent a series of delays from overwhelming the tram.

The pandemic should not make us forget that we are planning, with this project, for the next fifty years. If we manage public funds responsibly, we avoid focusing our orientations and choices on a horizon of a few years.

Offer other options

Teleworking is popular now, but it is only temporary and it does not suit most jobs. We must offer other valid options than the automobile, if we do not want to end up with major congestion problems in Quebec City, with the increase in the population.

We deserve better in Quebec than short-sighted politicians. To see the file evolve, one can wonder if the tram will not become the next victim of this unfortunate trend.

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