On June 9th 2023, Alstom and Quebec City unveiled the final designs for the rolling stock to be used on the Quebec City tramway. The 34 trainsets each composed of 4 cars will  be able to carry 272 passengers comfortably, all year around. Alike Ottawa and some of the Metrolinx projects in Toronto, the network will operate using Citadis Spirit trainsets that will be customized for the needs of the city.

The design takes a lot of inspiration from the vision presented in 2020 to help guide the rolling stock suppliers in developing their vehicles. The exterior livery features a two-tone design of grey and black with LED accents running on either side of the vehicle. Alstom has proposed three different exterior concepts to the City. From left to right: Citadelle, Boréal and Harfang. The city will create an online consultation for the population to vote on their preferred design in 2024.

Inside, the Citadis Spirit allows for a fully accessible layout, with a 100% low-floor design. Passenger information displays will be installed in the rolling stock, which will indicate the upcoming stops. Onboard fare validation equipment will be installed at all doors to allow for quick boarding.

Wood accents can be found throughout the cars, as well as the dark grey accent on the ceiling. Silver colored handle-bars are installed throughout to facilitate standing and siting access. The floor is also heated to reduce snow and sleet accumulation at stations, with a bi-tone design.

For accessibility, each car will have a mutimodal space with foldable seats to adapt to the need of various users. A total of 88 seats can be found throughout.

As with other Citadis Spirit models, the Quebec City Tramway will be 100% electric and be able to reach a maximum service speed of 70km/h. The vehicle will be optimized to perform in the difficult winters and general track geometry.

The contract for the rolling stock between the City and Alstom was signed on April 24, 2023. Construction and assembly of the 34 trainsets is expected to start in Q2 2025 in La Pocatière, with first deliveries in 2027. They will then undergo a strict certification and testing regimen to ensure their performance is satisfactory and identify any issues before their service launch in 2029.

Au cours des derniers jours, la Ville a été informée par le dernier soumissionnaire en lice, Mobilité de la Capitale, que ce dernier ne déposerait pas de proposition financière. Dans les circonstances, la Ville a choisi de mettre fin à l'appel de propositions amorcé au printemps 2022.

Depuis le désistement du consortium ModerniCité à l'automne 2022, Mobilité de la Capitale était le seul joueur à poursuivre le processus. Ce dernier a d'ailleurs déposé une proposition technique de qualité en août 2023. Pour des raisons légales, la Ville n'était pas autorisée à divulguer le nombre de soumissionnaires avant la fin de l'appel de propositions.

Cet appel de propositions visait à sélectionner un partenaire qui aurait eu la responsabilité d'activités de conception, de construction, de financement et d'entretien sur 30 ans. Celles-ci visaient les infrastructures de transport comme la plateforme du tramway, les stations, les pôles d'échanges, le tunnel, le centre d'exploitation et d'entretien, des systèmes modaux, d'exploitation et de mobilité, ainsi que certaines infrastructures municipales, dont des réseaux souterrains, la voirie et les aménagements urbains.

Un plan B en discussion
Au cours des derniers mois, le Bureau de projet du tramway a développé une façon alternative de réaliser le projet dans l'éventualité où les consortiums se désisteraient. Des échanges sont en cours avec le gouvernement du Québec, auquel nous avons présenté ce plan alternatif. Les échanges se poursuivent avec le gouvernement.

« Le premier ministre, M. François Legault, a réitéré la semaine dernière l'importance pour une ville de la taille de Québec d'avoir un transport lourd, plus que juste des autobus. Ce projet c'est le tramway, pour lequel 500 M$ ont été engagés. Est-ce qu'il y a des ajustements à apporter? Absolument. C'est le plan B que nous proposons. Je réitère que les coûts pour la réalisation des grands projets ont augmenté partout. La Ville de Québec ne peut pas se permettre encore une fois de perdre un projet structurant. Québec ne peut pas se développer uniquement avec des intentions. Ça prend des gestes concrets. Le tramway en est un. »

(An English version of the press release can be found below the French version.)

Tel que le prévoit l'entente-cadre visant des projets majeurs d'infrastructure publique, CDPQ Infra a accepté aujourd'hui un mandat du gouvernement du Québec pour faire l'analyse de la mobilité actuelle et projetée de l'ensemble de la Communauté métropolitaine de Québec (CMQ), pour tous modes de transport confondus.

Après une analyse approfondie, CDPQ Infra recommandera la ou les solutions permettant d'identifier un projet de transport structurant pour la Ville de Québec et d'améliorer la mobilité et la fluidité dans l'ensemble de la CMQ. Le travail d'analyse débutera dès la réception des études réalisées à ce jour.

« Pour réaliser ce mandat, CDPQ Infra mettra à contribution l'expérience et l'expertise de ses équipes dans l'analyse et la planification de grands projets de transport acquises au Québec et ailleurs dans le monde, tout en s'appuyant sur la collaboration essentielle du ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable et de la Ville de Québec. »

- Jean-Marc Arbaud, président et chef de la direction, CDPQ Infra

Dans sa volonté de proposer des solutions de transport qui répondent aux besoins des communautés desservies et qui soient attrayantes pour les citoyens, CDPQ Infra s'appuiera sur une méthodologie rigoureuse qui intègre:

1. Une analyse de la mobilité qui prend en compte les études existantes. Cette étape vise à effectuer un diagnostic exhaustif du territoire en termes de desserte de transport afin d'identifier les options de corridors et les modes de déplacements adaptés aux besoins des usagers actuels et futurs.
2. Une évaluation multicritère qui permet de prendre en compte les pôles générateurs de déplacements, les objectifs d'aménagement et les politiques de développement des villes concernées.

Ces analyses seront bonifiées par les informations qui seront colligées auprès des nombreux acteurs concernés par ce projet. 

Tout mandat subséquent qui pourrait découler des recommandations fournies par CDPQ Infra, et qui viserait la réalisation, la gestion ou le financement de projets sera soumis au processus et aux critères de décision prévus à l'entente-cadre entre la CDPQ et le gouvernement du Québec.

SOURCE: Communiqué de presse émis par CDPQ Infra le 20 novembre, 2023

As set out in the framework agreement for major public infrastructure projects, today CDPQ Infra accepted a mandate from the Government of Québec to study current and projected mobility for all modes of transportation combined for the entire Communauté métropolitaine de Québec (CMQ).

Following an extensive study, CDPQ Infra will recommend the solution or solutions for a structuring transportation project for Québec City and improve mobility and ease of travel in the overall CMQ. The analysis will begin as soon as CDPQ Infra receives the studies that have been conducted so far.

"To execute this mandate, CDPQ Infra will leverage the experience and expertise in analyzing and planning major transportation projects that its teams have acquired in Québec and around the world, along with the essential collaboration of the ministère du Transport et de la Mobilité durable and Ville de Québec."

- Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ Infra

Through its commitment to proposing transportation solutions that meet the needs of communities and that appeal to citizens, CDPQ Infra will use a rigorous methodology that includes:

1. A mobility analysis that will consider existing studies. This step involves conducting an exhaustive diagnostic of the area in terms of transportation coverage to identify corridor options and modes of travel adapted to current and future user needs.
2. A multi-criteria assessment to take into account the travel generating centres, design objectives and development policies of the cities involved.

These analyses will be refined with information that will be collected from numerous parties involved in this project.

Any subsequent mandate that may arise from CDPQ Infra's recommendations, including building, managing or financing the projects, will be subject to the process and decision-making criteria set out in the framework agreement between CDPQ and the Government of Québec. 

SOURCE: Press release by CDPQ Infra on November 20, 2023

Following decades of studies and varied plans, Quebec City is moving forward with their first new tramway line. Join us as we explore the various aspects of the project in this brief overview. The line will measure 19.3 km and go from Le Gendre to Estimauville, passing through the most important hubs of the city. It will be the first tramway line in the city since the closure of its historic streetcar network in 1948 due to declining ridership. The inspiration for the new line can be found in France, with its tramway renaissance and similar focus on design, ease of access and mobility.

After the completion of the procurement process for its rolling stock, the City of Quebec and Alstom presented the final vision of the rolling stock on June 9th 2023. This is the conclusion of a process that started in late 2020 with the city unveiling their own vision for the rolling stock and stations.

The rolling stock to be used on the future Quebec Tramway will be the Citadis Spirit, a four-module light rail vehicle (LRV) built by Alstom for the North American market. The Quebec City vehicles will be assembled at Alstom's Factory in La Pocatière with parts provided through Alstom's global supply chain. 34 trainsets have been ordered, with an option for 5 additional trainsets. Alike the Citadis Spirit in Ottawa and in the GTA, the trainset is modular. This includes two cab modules with two doors per side, a center module with one door per side and an intermediate module with 2 doors per side, resulting in a capacity of 272 passengers (88 seated and 184 standing) and a train length of 46.7m.

The trains will operate with electricity provided by an overhead contact line supplying 750 volts DC . This enables the LRVs be 100% zero emissions, and also contributes to  low noise levels during operations. The rolling stock can also utilize regenerative breaking to reduce the electrical needs of the system: the electric motors turn into generators and convert the kinetic energy into electricity to be used by other LRVs on the line, further optimizing efficiency and energy consumption.

The Citadis Spirit feature a 100% low floor design for enhanced accessibility and comfort. The floors will be heated, to help remove snow and water build-up during the winter season. The modules will also be heated and air conditioned individually to offer improved comfort throughout the seasons. While the internal layout of the trains is not entirely known, it is likely to be very similar to the one used in Ottawa. From the existing renders, the layout will include wide areas for mobility devices, bikes or other users with accessibility needs. Fare validation will be performed onboard, with equipment at each door. Automated voice messages and electronic displays mounted along the ceiling announce the next station and other important information.

Design presented by Alstom on June 9th 2023

Design guidelines presented in November 2020 

Quebec City is actively working towards building a state-of-the-art Tramway system through the city. It will operate from Le Gendre to D'Estimauville (West to East). The proposed line will have 28 stations, be 19.3km in length and feature a downtown underground tunnel of 2.1km, that will be home to two stations.

In this conversation with David Bellerive, we discuss this exciting and important infrastructure and transit project, poised to transform commuting in Quebec City. Touching on the history of the first Tramway in the city that ran till the mid-1900s, the new system being designed, the choice of technology, the routing and location of stations and finally the stunning rolling stock that may ride the rails. This is your introduction and overview of the Quebec City Tramway. 

-- Original French Version Below --

Quebec City, April 13 2022.

Following the request for qualification for the acquisition of its rolling stock and the approval by the council of ministers of the Quebec Government, qualified bidders can now submit their proposal starting today.

Qualified bidders are now invited to consult and study the detailed documentation, containing over 2000 pages that presents the requirements set in place to ensure that the tramway is effective, well integrated in Quebec's environment and the high standards of quality desired. Technical and financial proposals are expected in September, with the ultimate goal of announcing the private partner by the end of 2022.

The autorisation by the council of minister will also allow the city to launch, on April 26th, its second request for proposals for infrastructures. The autorized consortiums are also invited to consult the detailed documentation of 3000 pages. Proposals and their technical and financial packages are expected in March or April 2023, with the objective of selecting the private partner in the summer of 2023.

In either case, the provided documents and multiple sessions held between the project bureau and the bidders regarding certain specific topics will allow them to prepare their proposals. The alternative mode of realization was retained because of the scope of work, the number of assets to build, the mix of skills required and the overall complexity of the project.

Source: Ville de Québec

Québec, 13 avril 2022.

Les candidats qualifiés invités de matériel roulant peuvent, déjà aujourd'hui, répondre au premier appel de propositions, à la suite de l'autorisation du Conseil des ministres du Gouvernement du Québec, obtenue le mercredi 6 avril dernier.

Les entreprises seront invitées à prendre connaissance des documents détaillés, comptant 2 000 pages, qui présentent les exigences attendues afin que le tramway de Québec soit performant, bien intégré à la trame urbaine et réponde aux hauts standards de qualité recherchés. Les propositions techniques et financières pour le matériel roulant sont attendues en septembre, en vue de sélectionner le partenaire privé à l'automne 2022.

L'autorisation du Conseil des ministres permettra aussi de lancer, le mardi 26 avril prochain, son deuxième appel de propositions pour la réalisation des infrastructures. Les consortiums seront aussi invités à consulter les documents détaillés de 3000 pages. Le dépôt des propositions techniques et financières s'échelonnera de la mi-mars à mi-avril 2023, ce qui mènera au choix de ce partenaire privé dès l'été 2023.

Dans chaque cas, les documents remis et la tenue d'ateliers de discussion bilatéraux entre le Bureau de projet et chaque soumissionnaire sur des thématiques précises leur permettront de préparer leurs propositions. Le mode alternatif de réalisation est retenu en raison de l'envergure des travaux, de la quantité d'actifs à construire, de la mixité des disciplines requises et de la complexité du projet. 

Source: Ville de Québec

Acting as the main interaction point between bus routes and the tramway, transfer hubs will play a significant role in integrating the tramway to the existing network throughout the city. They are built to encourage active transportation and offer a safe and comfortable waiting area for passengers.

As part of its tramway line, the city will have 5 transfer hubs throughout the city. It is expected that upwards of 20,000 daily users will navigate through those hubs, with their design prioritizing seamless and comfortable transfer between various services.

Pôle Le Gendre

Le Gendre will serve as the western terminus of the line, and will be a new addition to Quebec's transit network. Located across from the existing Parc-O-Bus (232 places), it will serve the existing communities on the west-end of the City, Saint-Augustin, L'Ancienne Lorette through various bus routes, Flexibus service, bicycle parking and an additional 500 parking spots for commuters that desire to use public transit to complete their commute into town.

The layout, while not final, will include a dedicated sheltered and heated waiting area for the tramway, with a customer service and fare purchase area. On the other side, bus platforms will offer access to the numerous routes circulating in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

To encourage and promote an active lifestyle, new pedestrian and bike-friendly connections will be made in the area. Of particular interest, Le Gendre will be central in the new transit oriented development (TOD) area which will be built upon the neighbouring lands. Le Gendre will also be located right next to the maintenance and storage facility, which will be located further south on Rue Mendel.

Pôle de Sainte-Foy

Sainte-Foy will serve as the main connection point between the STLévis routes serving the South Shore, tramway and RTC buses. While the hub will be a new addition to the area, it will stop many buses from continuing further on Laurier, where the tramway will be circulating in the median on a dedicated right of way, which will enable better connections for all users. Located in the area between Canadian Tire and Iberville III and IV, the new transfer hub will replace various parking lots and will be a dedicated area to transit users. Originally, the hub was expected to be integrated in Le Phare project, using an underground platform and leading into a second tunnel, which has since been cancelled, leading to the hub being located at surface level at a different location.

Since the first presentation of the hub, the layout has continued to evolved to improve and ease transfers, while also reducing conflict points between the tramway, buses, automobiles and pedestrians. The main building which will host the tramway platform will be oriented North-South, with a bus loop on either side. To the west, the STLévis loop which will integrate commuters from the South Shore, which will connect to Laurier using a dedicated overpass and ramp. To the East, the RTC loop which will accommodate the various local routes and express services, which connects to Hochelaga with a new protected intersection. Given the high volume of traffic seen on Laurier, an overpass will be built to allow the tramway to circulate without an additional intersection, while adding a safer option for pedestrians. Westbound drivers will pass under the tramway and ramps to the STLévis bus loop as traffic flow towards the bridges will remain an important consideration.

As with other hubs, Sainte-Foy will  be a heated and fully-enclosed station that will offer bike parking and lead to a revitalization of the area with new trees and plants. This should help in reducing the urban heat island often observed in the area due to the large paved area.

The construction of this new hub, alongside with the renewal of Hochelaga and Laurier will lead to one of the most important renewal for the area in almost 50 years, allowing for improved connections and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists in a part of town historically dominated by automobiles.

Pôle de l'Université Laval

At this time, not much is known about the exact design of the Université Laval transfer hub. It will be located further west on campus across from the Agathe-Lacerte pavillon. Based on the two renderings that are available, the bus stops area will be further north on Rue de la Médecine, in front of the Adrien-Pouliot pavillon. 

Unlike other hubs and due to the particular layout due to existing structures, it is not expected to be a single enclosed structure. However, shelters are expected to be heated and built to allow for comfortable transfers.

As more information become available, this page will be updated.

Pôle de Saint-Roch

Located right next to the current Rue de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres, the Saint-Roch hub will act as the connection point for buses serving the lower-town, Charlesbourg, Limoilou and other neighbourhoods connected through the various bus routes in the area. For many commuters that work in the Parliamentary District or historic area, it will be their main connection point. It is expected that the hub will allow for the densification and redevelopment of neighbouring lands.

The area has in recent years seen massive increases in active transportation, making it an ideal area to integrate the tramway and other services. This is done by the construction of dedicated structures for the tramway and buses which will offer a comfortable waiting area and shelter as people transfer to their destination. For bus routes connecting, a new bus loop parallel to the tramway will be built to enable quick transfers and reduce walking time. This will be complimented by a public plaza and linear park of the Saint-Charles river.

As part of its construction, various properties were acquired and will be replaced with the hub. To mitigate noise, various considerations have been implemented to reduce impact on neighboring properties, including a curtain wall, use of material and design of the shelters themselves.

Pôle d'Estimauville

Initially supposed to be a hub connecting local buses to the new trambus line, the change in alignment for the tramway resulted in a reconfiguration and redesign of the hub to suit the needs of a tramway. It will serve users arriving from Beauport and further East and will be the eastern terminus for the Tramway.

Once constructed, it will replace the current Terminus Beauport as it will integrate all bus routes and tramway in a single location. The hub will be built at a different location that is currently occupied by the Parc-O-Bus d'Estimauville. The bus loop will be on the northern side of the property, while the tramway stop will be closer to the current alignment of the Boulevard Sainte-Anne.

As part of its construction, the area will also see additional developments to integrate with the area. At this time, a lot of details are not known about the hub as it remains in design, however, it is expected that it will offer heated and sheltered waiting areas for all users, in addition to other relevant services. The station building should have dedicated bicycle storage, relevant services and offer similar comfort and features as seen in other major hubs of the network.

The construction of the hub will also be a key element in the continued renewal of the area and implementation of the urbanism policies that have been developed for it. Details remain limited for the time-being, however this page will be updated as more information becomes available.