Good news for public transit in Montréal: Major investments to modernize the STM bus network infrastructure

Press release


 

Good news for public transit in Montréal:
Major investments to modernize the STM bus network infrastructure


Montréal, May 26, 200
9 Ms. Julie Boulet, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for the Mauricie region, and Mr. Michel Labrecque, Chairman of the STM Board of Directors, officially inaugurated the new bus body shop and expanded Legendre bus garage located in Ahuntsic-Cartierville Borough, two projects estimated at $102 M. Ms. Boulet also took the opportunity to announce funding for repairs to the Frontenac bus garage for another $28 M.

“This is good news for public transportation in Montréal. Indeed, these projects will make it possible to modernize STM bus infrastructure and to help improve reliability for passenger service. They are consistent with the goals set out in the Québec Public Transit Policy aimed at increasing services by 16% in order to increase the number of rides by 8% by the end of 2011,” added the Minister.

In fact, according to Mr. Labrecque, “the STM is right on track, having registered a 5.3% increase in ridership since 2007, including an additional 15 million rides in 2008, for a total of 382.5 million trips, a record unmatched since 1949,” indicated the Chairman.

Extending the service life of the Frontenac bus garage

Thanks to these investments by Transports Québec, the STM can add another 25 years to the Frontenac building’s service life, as it requires much work, having been built back in 1956. The STM will also be able to add equipment and infrastructure that meet today’s standards, in terms of both safety and sustainable development. Repair work should begin this week.

Legendre: more functional and eco-friendly facilities

Construction work for the bus body shop and to expand the Legendre bus garage were carried out, on one hand, to optimize and facilitate vehicle maintenance work and, on the other, to house the 202 articulated buses the STM ordered from Nova Bus, 58 of which will be delivered starting in June 2009.

“Modern, ergonomic and energy-friendly, these facilities clearly show that the STM is entering the 21st century of public transportation and is working to improve its services and operational performance,” stated Michel Labrecque. “In addition, because of its commitment to sustainable development, the STM insisted that these facilities conform with guidelines for reducing energy consumption and recovering residual matter. Indeed, the buildings were constructed with durable materials for easy maintenance, for the most part produced in Québec, a smart way of promoting the local economy.”

Thus, the body shop features 950 square metres of green roof to increase its energy efficiency and promote biodiversity, 500 square metres of solar walls and vegetation barriers to naturally cool the building in summer. It is also surrounded by a rainwater retention pond landscaped with plant material to create open green spaces. By increasing the Legendre garage’s capacity by 31% (from housing 244 buses to 319), the STM plans on recycling some 15 million litres of water used each year to wash buses, another meaningful act for the environment.

The STM is On the Move!

“The STM is undergoing an unprecedented period of growth and effervescence, making the most of funding by the MTQ and Ville de Montréal to modernize its infrastructure and develop its services. Such investments are cost-effective and advantageous for both clients and the public, because the more people use public transit, the more they are doing their share for the environment. In doing so, they make it possible for everyone to breathe more easily. The STM is on the move. Join us !” concluded Mr. Labrecque.

Construction work was carried out by Pomerleau Inc., who was awarded the contract following a public call for tenders in June 2007. With an additional 150 000 square feet, the Legendre bus garage now covers 350 000 square feet. As for the new bus body shop, it covers another 100 000 square feet. The two buildings are located on land owned by the STM since 1907.

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