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The reduction of more than 5,000 parking spaces initially forecast for Réseau express métropolitain (REM) stations is raising fears among suburban mayors that commuters may opt to drive downtown rather than use the light-rail network.

CDPQ Infra, the entity responsible for managing the $6.3-billion project, said the reductions are part of an evolution in planning, and other options will be found — including creating more parking spots if it’s shown there is a need.

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An analysis of overall parking estimates conducted by Radio-Canada found the Caisse de dépot et placement du Québec (CDPQ) projected 15,413 parking spots would be available at REM stations on the West Island, North Shore and South Shore when it presented its initial plans to the government in 2016.

The number of projected parking spots has since dropped to 10,011.

“I think it’s unfortunate,” Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue Mayor Paola Hawa said. “I understand the concept and I agree with the concept and the ultimate objective, but for now, people are not going to change their habits from one day to the next, and we have to account for the reality of thousands of cars coming from Vaudreuil-Dorion to the West Island. Where are they going to park? …