Four mayors from Montreal's southwest boroughs have formally asked the Quebec government to restart the stalled Lachine tramway project. In a joint request dated September 21, 2026, the municipal leaders urged provincial authorities to move forward with the light‑rail line that has been on hold for several years.
The appeal focuses on the Lachine tramway, a proposed public‑transport corridor intended to serve the far‑southwest sector of the city. The mayors argue that reviving the line would restore a critical transportation option for residents and support the area's development goals. Their request comes as the project remains dormant, despite earlier plans that envisioned a modern tram service linking key neighborhoods.
The Lachine tramway was initially conceived as a light‑rail solution to improve connectivity across the region, but funding and planning delays have left the initiative inactive for an extended period. The four borough leaders highlighted that the lack of progress has left a gap in the public‑transit network, limiting options for commuters and contributing to traffic congestion.
By addressing the provincial government directly, the mayors aim to secure the political and financial commitment needed to bring the tramway back onto the agenda. They emphasize that a functional tram line would not only ease travel for daily commuters but also align with broader transportation strategies for Montreal.
The request underscores a growing consensus among local officials that the Lachine tramway remains a vital component of the city's future mobility plan. While the Quebec government has not yet responded, the mayors' coordinated effort signals a renewed push to overcome the years of inertia that have stalled the project.
If the provincial authorities act on the mayors' appeal, the Lachine tramway could move from a long‑standing proposal to an operational transit line, reshaping the public‑transport landscape of southwest Montreal.