Transport Quebec Advertises Its Incompetence, But Not Autoroute 30
If you ever wondered why traffic is so terrible in Montreal, take a gander at this Gazette column about Autoroute 30 where Transport Quebec illustrates just how little planning and cooperation occurs between agencies in the province and federally.
"When the new highway opened in December 2012, there was a lot of publicity in the media, and Transport Quebec spokesperson Mario St-Pierre said he doubts adding promotional signage now would do much to increase the number of people who take the highway. Transport Quebec reached out to trucking associations when the highway opened, and St-Pierre said there are probably advertisements and communications in trade magazines about the option of taking that route."
'Probably advertisements.' He doesn't know. Overlooking the fact that it's his job to know, he didn't even bother to research before answering the question. He then follows with this gem:
“It’s up to the general public to decide which route they should take,” St-Pierre said. “At this time, we have no plans to change our policy on signage. We have no plans to promote the highway with advertisements.”
And yet:
"While Transport Quebec won’t promote the use of the highway, the Mercier Bridge authority plans to do so in the coming weeks and months as it gears up for an eight-week long summer closing of half of the bridge, and a rush-hour ban for trucks. The Champlain and Jacques Cartier Bridges Inc., which also manages the federal half of the Mercier, has met with trucking groups to tell them about the ban and to urge them to take the 30. The company will also promote the use of Highway 30 on the digital signs that it owns, which are stationed along several highways."
So - the management of the Mercier, Champlain and Jacques Cartier are investing significant dollars to promote the use of a bypass highway that Transport Quebec itself refuses to promote. TQ won't even coordinate promotion with these entities, or the company that is managing the highway itself. It's incredible that we can drive anywhere at all in this province.
/end rant.