Transport Minister Robert Poti wants new rail line for West Island

QuebecTransport Minister Robert Poti says improving train service between downtown Montreal and the West Island is a priority for 2015.

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But Poti told Radio-Canadathe old tracks won't be sufficient, and said Liberal governmentis looking into the possibility of building a new rail line.

The CN and CP lines dont belong to us, the minister said.

I am in constant discussion and negotiation. There are no indications that freight transport will decrease.

Without a new track, Poti said it would be difficult to increase service to the area.

The Train De L'Ouest Coalition a West Island groupfighting for better train service has been pushing for years for new rail lines between the rail stations of St-Anne-de-Bellevueand Metro Lucien LAllier.

Last June, the ministertold the group the government had earmarked $80 million to add trains between the West Island and downtown.

In today's interview with Radio-Canada,Potisaid setting up a light-rail system for the newChamplain Bridge and extending the Metro system's blue line to the east are also on the agenda.