The STM introduces four new Navette Or bus shuttle services for seniors

The STM introduces four new "Navette Or"
bus shuttle services for seniors

Montréal, September 17, 2009 – Michel Labrecque, Chairman of the STM Board of Directors, is announcing the creation of four new shuttle services for seniors.

“The new 256 – Navette Or LaSalle, 257 – Navette Or Rivière-des-Prairies, 258 – Navette Or Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and 259 – Navette Or Mercier-Ouest will make it easier for seniors to move about their neighbourhoods using public transit,” declared Mr. Labrecque. These shuttle services are in addition to the three others introduced into service last year in the boroughs of Montréal-Nord, Rosemont – La-Petite-Patrie and Villeray – Saint-Michel – Parc-Extension, bringing the total number of “Navette OR” shuttles to seven within the area served by the STM.

Starting October 12, the new routes will serve several residences for senior citizens, as well as the main local points of interest, including shopping centres, healthcare establishments, recreational facilities and community centres. And to help clients easily locate their bus stop, the route number is featured on a gold-coloured background on bus stop signs.

Service will be provided by 14-seat minibuses, that offer more operational flexibility than a standard bus because of the streets chosen for their routes. The STM will deploy the minibuses on weekdays, during off-peak periods, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 256 route will run Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, the 257 route on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while the 258 route will run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and finally, the 259 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“In the last year, we have noticed that clients really appreciate this service, inasmuch as it allows them to cut down on their walking distance and the number of transfers needed for their errands,” concluded Mr. Labrecque. “Allow me this opportunity to emphasize that this initiative is the result of concerted effort with the community, particularly with the four boroughs involved and representatives of various local organizations. Working together enabled us to achieve this project.”

Moreover, starting in spring 2010, the STM will be extending the 186 – Sherbrooke Est and 189 – Notre-Dame bus routes to Radisson métro station and Place Versailles to link the sectors on each side of highway 25 (Mercier-Est, Montréal-Est and Pointe-aux-Trembles) and thereby avoid an additional transfer for clients. These modifications to current routes will benefit the people in these three sectors including seniors and students at Cegep Marie-Victorin, by eliminating the need for a transfer with the métro’s 1 – Green line.

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