Montréal, March 27, 1997 - News that the Québec Government had agreed to cover 30 million dollars of the estimated 60 million doll

Press release

The Montréal Métro
60 Million Dollars for Renovation of Stations

Montréal, March 27, 1997 - News that the Québec Government had agreed to cover 30 million dollars of the estimated 60 million dollars cost of the renovation program of the métro stations and Control Centre was very favourably received by the STCUM. The other half of the costs will be divided equally between the STCUM and the Metropolitan Transportation Agency.

The initial métro network is over thirty years old. The Control Centre and the 26 stations opened in 1966 are showing obvious signs of wear and tear and need to be either restored, freshened or modified to better handle the needs of the ridership. Thus, the entrances and exits of the Beaudry, Papineau, Frontenac, Laurier north and Berri-UQAM (Sainte-Catherine exit) stations will be redone and enlarged. Four others will be restored: Place-des-Arts (Maisonneuve and Kennedy accesses), Saint-Laurent, Sauvé south and Jean-Talon south.

The renovation program also includes the painting of the stations, the installation of pamphlet holders, benches, supports as well as repairs on the structural elements, tunnels, staircases, floor finish, wall coverings, ceilings, fenestration and lighting.

Work will be spread out over two years. The Rosemont station will be the first to undergo a rejuvenation treatment which will last from June to November 1997.

In addition to insuring the proper maintenance of property evaluated at some 4 billion dollars, this major restoration program will have important consequences for the STCUM and the Montréal area since a study by the Bureau de la Statistique du Québec estimates that it could generate jobs for about 700 people-year, which represents earnings of 22 million dollars.

-30-

For additional information, customers should dial (514) 280-5100.