Partnerships to promote multimodal access to stations

CDPQ Infra announced today a series of partnership that will allow future REM users to access stations through diverse and complementary means of transportation, thereby offering concrete and viable alternatives to single-passenger car use. Inspired by the MaaS (Mobility as a Service) movement, the integrated mobility options to be implemented around REM stations will include active transportation (BIXI, bicycle), car-sharing and carpooling services (car2go and Netlift), and electric taxis (Téo Taxi). Tailored to the needs of users and the context of each station, these new services will be added to the public transit networks currently being optimized and will result in easier and more enjoyable commutes in the Greater Montréal area.

With roots in Scandinavia, the MaaS movement seeks to change travel habits by reducing the number of personal vehicles on the road and increasing the use of public transit and shared vehicles. This modern, sustainable vision of transportation is in line with the spirit of innovation that has driven the REM project since it was first announced.

Partnerships that multiply complementary service options

The agreements announced today will offer REM users a wide variety of efficient transportation options to travel to and from stations.

BIXI

CDPQ Infra has entered into an agreement with BIXI to conduct an exhaustive analysis of the potential deployment of BIXI stations over the entire REM network (number of BIXI stations across the 67-km network, number of bikes, etc.). Currently, 50% of BIXI trips on the Island of Montréal connect with another transit system. REM users could similarly benefit from a self-service bike option to access stations or their final destination. Through the REM, the BIXI network could significantly increase its presence across the Greater Montréal area.

Netlift

CDPQ Infra has also announced an agreement with Netlift to share data and promote carpooling solutions to and from REM stations. The Québec company, of which la Caisse has been a partner since the spring of 2016, already offers an application for daily carpooling combining the car and public transit. Netlift allows for much greater accessibility to train stations at peak times by targeting the free space in cars headed for the REM. Its mobile application will also allow CDPQ Infra to use highly relevant data to plan the network, schedules and parking.

Téo Taxi

CDPQ Infra also entered into an agreement with Téo Taxi to expand the electric taxi company’s area of operation in the metropolitan region, including by reserving parking spots with electric charging stations for Téo Taxi cars in the vicinity of certain REM stations.

car2go

CDPQ Infra has entered into an agreement with car2go to allow certain REM stations to feature the car-sharing service. As with BIXI, most trips taken with car2go on the Island of Montréal also involve public transit as the starting point or destination. CDPQ Infra is evaluating the possibility of reserving parking spots for car2go cars in the vicinity of REM stations. Because car2go vehicles are so small, two can fit into one regular spot, thereby optimizing space. For car2go, this collaboration would allow for a significant expansion of service in the metropolitan area.

Vélo Québec

CDPQ Infra has also commissioned Vélo Québec to carry out an in-depth study of bicycle parking needs at each REM station. CDPQ Infra is therefore following through with its commitment to promote active transportation to the REM by planning for a sufficient number of appropriate, quality bicycle infrastructure. The analysis will also identify safe, efficient routes for cyclists within REM corridors.