Residents of Saint‑Lambert, a community on Montreal’s South Shore, have started a petition in September 2026 asking Via Rail to keep the local train station open. The petition comes as Via Rail reviews possible station configurations for the South Shore, and community members say they are concerned that a new station planned for Longueuil airport could lead to the closure of the existing Saint‑Lambert stop.
Via Rail’s review includes consideration of relocating service to an airport terminal that would serve regional travelers, a proposal that has drawn opposition from residents who rely on the current station for daily commutes. Longueuil airport officials have been identified as stakeholders in the discussion, though no final decision has been announced.
The petition emphasizes the role of the Saint‑Lambert station in the local transportation network and asks Via Rail to maintain service while any changes are evaluated. Community organizers have called for the petition to be considered in the ongoing review, highlighting the potential impact on neighbourhood accessibility if the station were to be removed.
The initiative reflects broader debates about rail service provision on Montreal’s South Shore as Via Rail continues to assess station options. No timeline has been provided for a decision, and the petition remains open for signatures as residents monitor the process.
Opponents of the airport station argue that the existing Saint‑Lambert stop provides a convenient link for commuters traveling to downtown Montreal and surrounding areas. They contend that removing the stop could increase travel times and reduce access to the rail network for South Shore residents, especially those without alternative transportation options.