Connecting public transit between Gatineau and Ottawa - Consultations on options for a future tram linking Gatineau's west end and the downtowns of both cities now open

The Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), in partnership with the City of Ottawa, will start public consultations today on the options to link Gatineau's future rapid transit system to Ottawa's transit system.

Following presentations to Gatineau, and Ottawa City councillors in May, residents from both cities are now invited to review and comment on the work completed to date. The consultation, in the form of a questionnaire available on sto.ca aims to determine which of the two corridor options for the tram integration into downtown Ottawa is the most appropriate:

- On Wellington Street
- A tunnel under Sparks Street.
 
The feedback will be analyzed and posted on the STO's website. The information will also be shared with the study's government stakeholders: the Ministère des Transports du Québec, Public Services and Procurement Canada, the National Capital Commission, Ville de Gatineau, and the City of Ottawa.

The final recommendations will be presented this winter to Gatineau City Council and to the City of Ottawa's Transportation Committee.

"Public transit projects have to involve everyone. This is fundamental to the very nature of such projects! Taking part in the public consultations means taking part in the development of a unique infrastructure that promises to improve the quality of life for our residents," indicated STO Chairman Myriam Nadeau.

“This electric tram project supports Ottawa's goals towards sustainable transportation and promises to provide improved transit connections between our two cities. I encourage residents to take this opportunity to have their say on this transformative project that will shape how people move between Ottawa and Gatineau in the future.” said Mr Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa.

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