The STM confirms its participation in the Rogers cup with a tennis match…in the métro Free access to public transit for Montréal tennis fans fr

Press release


 

The STM confirms its participation in the Rogers cup with a tennis match…in the métro

Free access to public transit for Montréal tennis fans from
August 13 to 22 and in 2011 and 2012


Montréal, August 12, 2010
Today, by inviting Aleksandra Wozniak, Stéphanie Dubois, Valérie Tétreault and Virginie Razzano, four players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour who will be in the tournament’s main draw, to play a match at Berri-UQAM, the city’s busiest métro station, the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) and Tennis Canada announced a three-year partnership to provide Rogers Cup presented by National Bank ticketholders with free access to public transit during the event.

“We are very pleased to be able to pursue our efforts to encourage people to take public transit,” declared tournament director Eugène Lapierre. “Not only is it a fantastic environmental initiative, but I also believe that public transportation is the simplest way to get to the Rogers Cup. Thanks to our collaboration with the STM, we are confident that tennis fans will continue to use the city’s transit system once this year’s event has ended.”

Tennis fans are especially lucky this year, since this announcement comes on the heels of the confirmation that practically all of the top players will be at the Rogers Cup from August 13 to 22 at Uniprix Stadium. Rogers Cup ticketholders will be given free access to the entire STM network on the day of the match they will be attending upon the presentation of their event ticket, which carries the STM logo.

“A proud partner in Montréal’s leading sports events, the STM promotes public transportation and works to raise awareness of the environmental benefits of leaving cars at home whenever possible. Our association with the Rogers Cup illustrates our commitment and constitutes the ideal opportunity to incite Montréalers to become part of our Society in motion,” affirmed Bernard Blanchet, member of the STM’s board of directors and Lachine borough councillor. “Our vision ties into the environmental objectives set by Tennis Canada and its Green Plan, and we are confident that our collaboration will continue to prove successful,” he added.

Tennis Canada and the STM have been partners through this initiative to offer ticketholders free access to public transit since 2007. In addition to Tennis Canada’s many environmental efforts (offsetting its greenhouse gas emissions, recycling, composting and awareness building), secure bicycle parking will be offered on site to encourage people to pedal to the tournament, and free shuttle service will be available between the main downtown hotels and Uniprix Stadium.

In 2008, 41% of spectators took public transportation at least once to get to the tournament. In 2009, this figure climbed to 47%.

The best players in women’s tennis have confirmed their participation in the 2010 Rogers Cup presented by National Bank. Tickets are still available at the Uniprix Stadium ticket wicket at 514-273-1515 ext. 11, through Réseau Admission at 514-790-1245 and online at www.rogerscup.com.

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