Large-scale transport infrastructure projects generate long-lasting changes in the built environment and alter the lives of nearby residents. It is crucial to understand public perceptions of public-transit projects and associated construction impacts, as they influence the social acceptance and eventual success of such projects. To characterize the construction-phase experiences of a new light rail in Montréal, Canada—the Réseau express métropolitain (REM)—we analyzed data from 1,236 respondents from the Greater Montréal region who self-reported ongoing construction activities near their homes. This study employs an exploratory factor and k-means cluster analysis to group residents by their different experiences and perceptions of the REM and its associated construction impacts. The analysis returned five clusters with distinct construction experiences: construction-concerned travelers, REM-critical respondents, neutral travelers, REM enthusiasts, and rerouted travelers. Subsequently, the acceptability of the impacts during the construction phase on each cluster is assessed by comparing perceptions of the impact of neighborhood change on their quality of life and their intention to use the REM. Finally, we derive targeted policy recommendations to help promote increased social acceptability of light-rail transit (LRT) projects, including mitigating disruptions in construction zones, public information campaigns, and inclusive decision-making processes. Findings from this study can benefit policymakers and transport planners as they aim to reduce the disruptions associated with the construction of LRT systems and promote increased social acceptability.


    Access

    Download


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Toward a Better Understanding of the Construction Impacts of a Light Rail System in Montréal, Canada


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2024-04-04




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Who Does Light Rail Serve? Examining Gendered Mobilities and Light-Rail Transit in Montreal, Canada

    Villafuerte-Diaz, Julian / Victoriano-Habit, Rodrigo / Soliz, Aryana et al. | Transportation Research Record | 2023

    Free access

    AMERICA - CANADA - Montreal

    Online Contents | 1999


    Electric railways of Montreal, Canada

    Engineering Index Backfile | 1895


    Montreal: A growing role for rail

    British Library Online Contents | 2002


    Montreal: A growing role for rail

    Middleton, William D. | IuD Bahn | 2002