---
title: The Power of Governance Models in Shaping Urban Public Transport Megaprojects
description: Governance in transport megaprojects with Collabzium. Learn from Prof. Eric Champagne's insights on the REM case and 'public-public' partnerships.
image: https://collabzium.com/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFo5me6fL8.png
---

[![FAC_SOCIAL_SCIENCE_HEADER_BAR](https://collabzium.com/hubfs/FAC_SOCIAL_SCIENCE_HEADER_BAR.svg "FAC_SOCIAL_SCIENCE_HEADER_BAR")](https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-social-sciences/)

[![Collabzium](https://collabzium.com/hubfs/CollabziumLogoEnglish(Name)-COLOUR.svg "Collabzium")](https://collabzium.com/)

- Articles 
    - [Collabzium Guide](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/author/collabzium-guide)
    - [All articles](https://collabzium.com/en/articles)
- Research 
    - [Chairs and Labs](https://collabzium.com/en/chair-and-labs)
- [About](https://collabzium.com/collabcrew)

[Subscribe](https://20500402.hubspotpagebuilder.com/subscribe-now)

[Subscribe](https://20500402.hubspotpagebuilder.com/subscribe-now)

[Political Science](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/political-science),[Public and International Affairs](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/public-and-international-affairs)

# The Power of Governance Models in Shaping Urban Public Transport Megaprojects

[![Eric Champagne](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eric%20Champagne.jpg?width=32&height=32&name=Eric%20Champagne.jpg) Eric Champagne](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/author/eric-champagne)

calendar icon Aug 29, 2023 · Reading time 2 min read

<http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook> <http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&title=The+Power+of+Governance+Models+in+Shaping+Urban+Public+Transport+Megaprojects&summary=In+this+article%2C+we%27re+diving+into+the+...> <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=The+Power+of+Governance+Models+in+Shaping+Urban+Public+Transport+Megaprojects> [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email)

In this article, we're diving into the world of urban public transport megaprojects and the pivotal role governance models play in shaping their agenda. We're taking a closer look at a fascinating scholarly article co-authored by Professor [Eric Champagne](https://uniweb.uottawa.ca/?lang=fr#!/members/1402) and [Mohammed Kamal TAKI IMRANI](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamal-taki-ph-d-mpa-b97aa7105/) that explores this topic in-depth, focusing on the case of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) in Montreal. To view the full article use the link below:

[The role of governance models in the development of transport infrastructure megaprojects in Greater Montreal: The case of the Réseau express métropolitain](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpos.2023.1156096/full)

### The REM: A Case Study in Governance and Agenda-Setting

The [REM](https://rem.info/en) is one of the largest automated transportation system projects in North America. With an estimated construction cost of CAD 6.3 billion, 67 km of track, and 26 stations, it's a project of grand scale. But what's particularly interesting about the REM is its governance model. The project is led by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), an institutional investor that manages several public and parapublic pension and insurance programs on behalf of the Province of Quebec. 

### The Role of Governance Models

Professor Champagne and his co-author pose a critical question: "To what extent does the choice of a governance model influence the agenda-setting of metropolitan public transport megaprojects?" They argue that the choice of a governance model is a crucial factor in setting the agenda for urban infrastructure megaprojects. This is due to the high costs of investments involved and the economic arrangements with the private sector. 

In the case of the REM, the project is presented as the first “public-public” partnership project in Quebec. This innovative business model involves the participation of thirteen municipal actors spread over the greater Montreal region, along with various levels of government and private sector entities. 

### Kingdon's Model and Public-Private Partnerships

To analyze the influence of governance models on agenda-setting, Professor Champagne and his co-author use Kingdon's model of policy agenda-setting and the concept of public-private partnerships (PPPs). Kingdon's model proposes that public policy agenda-setting occurs in governmental systems characterized by ambiguity, with three distinct streams: the problem stream, the policy stream, and the politics stream. 

The authors argue that the choice of a governance model is a determining variable in setting the agenda for such megaprojects. They also introduce the concept of a "public-public" partnership, a variation of PPPs, using the REM project as an example. They state,

> We argue that without the choice of a governance model in the pre-decision process, it would have been much more difficult to put urban public transport policies of this size on the agenda

 

### The Takeaway

The article provides a compelling argument for the importance of governance models in shaping the agenda of urban public transport megaprojects. It highlights the need for researchers to study the contexts and decision-making processes that guide the choice of governance model in the development of urban infrastructure megaprojects.

So, next time you're stuck in traffic or waiting for a bus, remember that the solutions to these challenges are not just about engineering and technology. They're also about governance models, policy decisions, and the complex process of agenda-setting. 

As we reflect on the authors' insights, we're left with some thought-provoking questions: How can we ensure that the governance models chosen for urban infrastructure projects meet the needs of citizens? How can we promote transparency and accountability in these projects? And how can we leverage public-public partnerships to drive innovation and efficiency in urban public transport?

Stay tuned for more insights into the fascinating world of urban development and public administration!

calendar icon Aug 29, 2023 · Reading time 2 min read

<http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook> <http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&title=The+Power+of+Governance+Models+in+Shaping+Urban+Public+Transport+Megaprojects&summary=In+this+article%2C+we%27re+diving+into+the+...> <https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=The+Power+of+Governance+Models+in+Shaping+Urban+Public+Transport+Megaprojects> [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-power-of-governance-models-in-shaping-urban-public-transport-megaprojects&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email)

---

[![Eric Champagne](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Eric%20Champagne.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=Eric%20Champagne.jpg)](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/author/eric-champagne)

### [By Eric Champagne](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/author/eric-champagne)

Eric Champagne is an Associate Professor of Public Administration at the School of Political Studies and Director of the Centre on Governance at the University of Ottawa. He teaches courses on public sector management and governance, program evaluation, public policy development, and globalization and continental integration. His research interests include multi-level governance in Canada, public sector reforms in developing countries, public finance management, and social innovation in minority groups.

## Also Read

- [PPRNet Clinical summary: Long-Term Effects of Psychotherapies for Depression](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-long-term-effects-of-psychotherapies-for-depression)
- [PPRNet Clinical summary: Self-Compassion as a Protective Factor Against Burnout in Psychologists](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-self-compassion-as-a-protective-factor-against-burnout-in-psychologists)
- [PPRNet Clinical summary: The Therapeutic Alliance in Internet-Based Interventions](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-1.-the-therapeutic-alliance-in-internet-based-interventions)
- [PPRNet Clinical summary: What Do Individuals With Borderline Personalities Want From Treatment?](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/pprnet-clinical-summary-what-do-individuals-with-borderline-personalities-want-from-treatment)

#### RELATED NEWS

![The Evolution of Teleworking and Hybrid Policies in the Canadian Government Post-COVID-19 ](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Telework.jpg?width=600&name=Telework.jpg)

[Political Science](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/political-science)[Public and International Affairs](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/public-and-international-affairs)

## [The Evolution of Teleworking and Hybrid Policies in the Canadian Government Post-COVID-19 ](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/the-evolution-of-teleworking-and-hybrid-policies-in-the-canadian-government-post-covid-19)

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in work models across the globe, and the Government of...

Aug 29, 2023Reading time 2 min read

![Public Governance Diaries - The Politics of Multinational States](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Canva%20Design%20DAFs7_zxLBg.png?width=600&name=Canva%20Design%20DAFs7_zxLBg.png)

[Political Science](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/political-science)[Public and International Affairs](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/public-and-international-affairs)

## [Public Governance Diaries - The Politics of Multinational States](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/public-governance-diaries-the-politics-of-multinational-states)

Aug 29, 2023Reading time 2 min read

![Author Highlight: Patrick Leblond In the Media](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20Project%20%2827%29.png?width=600&name=New%20Project%20%2827%29.png)

[Public and International Affairs](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/public-and-international-affairs)[Author Highlight](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/author-highlight)

## [Author Highlight: Patrick Leblond In the Media](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/in-the-media)

At the University of Ottawa's Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, Patrick Leblond...

Mar 07, 2023Reading time 1 min read

![Economics Associate Professor Marcel Merette wins the FISS Best Conference Paper Award](https://collabzium.com/hs-fs/hubfs/closeup-economist-using-calculator-while-going-through-bills-taxes-office.jpg?width=600&name=closeup-economist-using-calculator-while-going-through-bills-taxes-office.jpg)

[Economics](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/tag/economics)

## [Economics Associate Professor Marcel Merette wins the FISS Best Conference Paper Award](https://collabzium.com/en/articles/economy-associate-professor-marcel-merette-wins-the-fiss-best-conference-paper-award)

Marcel Merette, Associate Professor in Economics at uOttawa's Faculty of Social Sciences, has just...

Dec 05, 2023Reading time 2 min read

![Collabzium Logo in White](https://collabzium.com/hubfs/Brand%20Images/Brand%20-%20Faculty%20of%20Social%20Sciences/CollabziumLogoEnglish(Icon)-WHITE.svg)

 

##### CONTACT

120 University  
Ottawa ON  
K1N 6N5, Canada

[Contact Us](mailto:collabz@uottawa.ca)

##### [AI CONTENT CREATION POLICY](https://collabzium.com/ai-artificial-intelligence-content-creation-policy-for-collabzium)

##### <https://collabzium.com/ai-artificial-intelligence-content-creation-policy-for-collabzium>

##### SUBSCRIBE TO COLLABZIUM

Want to stay in the loop?  
Subscribe to the Collabzium email list for updates, news, and more!

[SUBSCRIBE](https://20500402.hubspotpagebuilder.com/subscribe-now)

---

© 2026 COLLABZIUM

[Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/collabzium/) [Follow us on Facebook](https://youtube.com/@Collabzium) 

↑