The STM's summer partnerships Initiatives to promote public transit

 

The STM's summer partnerships
Initiatives to promote public transit

Montreal, June 19, 2008 – On the occasion of a press conference detailing the STM’s new measures to promote the use of public transit, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Claude Trudel, underlined that “the Société is a strategic partner in major Montréal events, and it goes without saying that we are proud of these important associations. The growing number of partnerships clearly demonstrates that public transit is a key element in the success of these events”.

Grand Prix du Canada
The STM played an essential role in the success of the Grand Prix du Canada by providing an optimal transportation service. In fact, the métro network welcomed more than 150 000 clients over the three days of this international event. Service was therefore increased substantially on line 4-yellow on Saturday and Sunday, and, as demand required, on line 1-green and line 2-orange. The success of the Grand Prix was thus due in good measure to the contribution of all employees from train operators and ticket controllers to maintenance employees and inspectors.

Just for Laughs Festival
For a second consecutive year, the STM is joining forces with the Just for Laughs Festival, which will run from July 10 to 20. For the occasion, the June CAM, sold to more than 320 000 individuals, is sporting the Just for Laughs colours. Holders of the July CAM will also be able to benefit from various discounts on Festival tickets via the Internet site www.hahaha.com/stm or by presenting their pass at the Just for Laughs ticket office.

In addition, for the first time the STM will offer a $9.00 pass providing access to public transit with the purchase of the Laughtime Guarantee Card, which offers packages for several shows during the Festival. This pass will be valid as of 6:00 p.m. every weeknight as well as throughout the day on the weekend. Moreover, this year the Société will present three shows each night on the STM stage, located on de Maisonneuve near Sanguinet. Finally, an old métro car will appear from underground on Ontario Street between Sanguinet and St-Denis and will be transformed into a Just for Laughs boutique where visitors will be able to buy souvenirs. A first in the history of the STM!

Tennis Canada – Rogers Cup
As a partner with Tennis Canada for a second consecutive year, the STM will offer all holders of a ticket to the Rogers Cup two transit tickets providing access to the STM’s entire métro and bus network. In total, some 350 000 tickets will be distributed. This is a unique partnership in the tennis world, as no other tournament offers free public transit access to its ticket holders. In addition, the July CAM will sport the Rogers Cup colours.

Montréal Alouettes
Already partners for 11 years, the STM and the Montréal Alouettes provide a free shuttle service for ticket holders travelling between Percival Molson Stadium and the Square Victoria and McGill métro stations. This year, the Société is offering a promotion, Passez au vert avec la STM, featuring a draw for an annual CAM pass at each of the ten home games.

Osheaga Music Festival
As part of the outdoor show program presented this summer at Parc Jean-Drapeau by the Gillett Entertainment Group on August 3 and 4, the STM will support the Osheaga Music Festival by providing free public transit to festival-goers. Holders of tickets to festival shows bearing the STM logo will simply have to show these tickets to the bus drivers or ticket controllers. As well, festival-goers will be able to take advantage of the meeting place set up by the STM to connect with young people. With more than 60 performances, Osheaga 2008 promises to be one of the year’s most happening events!

Fête des enfants de Montréal
On August 15, 16 and 17, the Fête des enfants de Montréal will celebrate its tenth anniversary. Official transporter since the very beginning, the STM is pleased to contribute to the success of this family activity, which over the years has become a popular event bringing together Montréal’s various communities. For the occasion, the STM is providing free transportation to the Fête upon presentation of a pass available free at Montréal-area Jean Coutu pharmacies. The STM will also offer a presentation on the site, as it has done for several years.

Salon de l’environnement
The STM’s participation as a main presenter at the Salon de l’environnement last week was a great success. In addition to representatives at the stand to answer visitors’ questions and to promote tools to facilitate travel, the STM offered conferences for the public on its service improvement program, and trainers from the STM hosted workshops on ecological driving.

“The Société’s involvement in environmental events clearly shows our commitment to sustainable development”, explained Mr. Trudel. “Some examples include the purchase of articulated and hybrid buses, the integration of green elements in construction projects, the recycling policy, the introduction of ecological driving and the choice of biodiesel to fuel the entire fleet of vehicles running on diesel fuel. As of last week, all these vehicles are fueled with a 5% concentration of biodiesel made from recycled animal fat”.

Finally, in an effort to convince automobile drivers to use public transit during the summer period, the STM distributed 1 000 June CAM passes on June 10, 11, 12 and 13. The campaign targeted road construction sites in downtown Montréal where automobile traffic is particularly affected.

“All the STM’s efforts are fully in keeping with our desire to be more visible and more involved with current and potential clients in order to promote the use of mode of transportation”, concluded Mr. Trudel. “Choosing public transit is a responsible, sustainable and economical action”

 –  30 –