A new infrastructure initiative has been announced to improve travel to and from Montreal’s airport by enhancing public transit connections in the West Island area. The Dorval Multimodal Hub will integrate VIA Rail and Exo passenger rail services, along with the airport shuttle service, at the current Exo station location. This new station will be a short three-minute shuttle ride away from Montreal’s Trudeau airport.

The goal of the project is to simplify transfers between different transportation networks and reduce passenger travel time between existing facilities, as stated in a news release by VIA Rail. Alexandre Eyquem, Exo’s director of infrastructure, highlighted that passengers will have a centralized location to choose their mode of transit, whether it be STM, VIA, or Exo services.

Located near the Dorval terminus operated by the Société de transport de Montréal, the hub will serve as a connection point between regional and intercity rail, public transit, and air travel. The co-development phase of the project has commenced, focusing on passenger flow through the hub and addressing technical challenges before construction begins next year.

While no completion date or cost estimate has been provided, Dorval Mayor Marc Doret assured that the construction will be contained and not significantly impact local traffic. Mayor Doret emphasized that noise levels will be minimal as the area is not densely residential. The completed hub is expected to reduce car traffic around the airport by promoting public transit as a more convenient option for travelers.

The project is a collaborative effort involving VIA Rail, Exo, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, and Aéroports de Montréal. Approximately 250,000 passengers utilize VIA Rail’s Dorval station annually.