The TramCité light rail project in Québec City has reached a significant milestone with the selection of the Connexion Capitale consortium to manage its complex rail systems. Composed of industry leaders AtkinsRéalis and Siemens Mobility, the group is tasked with the integration of signaling, telecommunications, electrification, and overall project delivery. According to Railway Gazette, the partnership is utilizing a progressive design-build model to refine technical requirements, schedules, and costs before finalizing the full implementation phase of the transit network.

The ambitious project, overseen by CDPQ Infra on behalf of the provincial government, involves the construction of a 19 km light rail line connecting Le Gendre to Charlesbourg. The route will pass through key urban hubs including Sainte-Foy, Université Laval, Parliament Hill, and Saint-Roch, featuring 29 stops and a 2 km underground section. Plans for the fleet include the deployment of 35 to 40-meter low-floor tram vehicles powered by both overhead lines and onboard batteries. Once operational, the system aims to accommodate approximately 75,000 daily passenger trips by 2041.

This development follows the restructuring of the project under CDPQ Infra after previous municipal-led efforts stalled. The technical scope of the Connexion Capitale contract extends beyond initial installation, covering the testing and commissioning of the infrastructure as well as long-term maintenance requirements. By leveraging AtkinsRéalis’ engineering capabilities alongside Siemens Mobility’s digital rail technologies, the project partners aim to deliver a city-shaping infrastructure asset designed to modernize public transit across the region. Completion of the initial line is currently anticipated by 2033.