West Island to have its own rail line

Commuters to the West Island will be looking at their own rail line soon. The Quebec government says it will go forward with the $600 million project.

Engineering studies are set to begin on Monday morning. They will take 18 months to complete and will cost $22 million.

Currently, commuter trains have to share rail space with freight trains, which causes delays for commuters.

ATM president Joël Gauthier says the project will improve service, with trains leaving every 12 minutes in rush hour. Meanwhile, Transport Minister Sam Hamad says the project will see the number of trains leaving the West Island being tripled.

Trains could be riding on the new rail line as early as 2015.