STM supports MTQ efforts to reduce traffic congestion in West Island

Press release

Montréal, March 25, 2013   – In the wake of the Québec government’s announcement regarding road work and mitigation measures related to the Turcot Interchange, STM confirms its commitment to upholding efforts aimed at relieving traffic congestion in the Montréal area.

STM Board Chairman Michel Labrecque stated that he « welcomed the announcement, because the public transit measures implemented by STM provide an adequate response to requests made previously, and that they were performing well. Indeed, results are being achieved by the four new Express bus lines, namely the 405 – Express Bord-du-Lac, 425 – Express Anse-à-l’Orme and 485 Express Antoine-Faucon lines that converge on Lionel-Groulx station, along with the 475 – Express Dollard-des-Ormeaux, that runs between the park ‘n ride lot at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre and Côte-Vertu métro station. Requiring 32 buses, these four lines have posted ridership increases of 39%, from 3686 passenger rides per average weekday in spring of 2012 to 5132 by year’s end. Furthermore, the establishment of 20 km of reserved lanes along the Saint-Patrick, Notre-Dame, Saint-Jean, and A20 corridors allow buses to maintain acceptable travel times despite rising traffic congestion. And the new 200-space park ‘n ride lot at the DDO Civic Centre is also becoming increasingly popular. »

In 2011, the STM announced it would operate an 11.6-km reserved lane corridor parallel to the A-20 eastbound along Notre-Dame and westbound along Saint-Patrick. These have proven to be efficient alternatives as they serve to both bypass traffic areas and maintain predictable travel times, an advantage for the 405, 425 and 485 bus lines. For its part, the 475 bus line already travels along the reserved lane on Côte-Vertu.

These measures are all in place, with one exception: the redevelopment of Lionel-Groulx bus terminal that began in 2012 will be completed by the start of summer, but should improve the overall transit experience for customers.

Lastly, STM proposed that several other permanent measures related to the Turcot Interchange also be carried out, such as:

  • An eastbound reserved lane in the centre of A-20 between 1st Avenue and Dorval interchange (confirmed);
  • A reserved lane along Sherbrooke St. West, in Côte-des-Neiges – Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough (confirmed);
  • A bypass lane at the intersection of Notre-Dame and Angrignon St. (confirmed);
  •  Measures along A-20 highway for on-ramps from Saint-Charles, Saint-Jean and Sources boulevards (on standby);
  • A reserved lane along A-40 highway between Saint-Charles and Cavendish boulevards in both directions (on standby).

Mr. Labrecque concluded by saying that although discussions with the MTQ are on-going, STM already has an agreement in principle with the government about these measures. STM has also reiterated its demand for a permanent reserved lane linking the Turcot and Saint-Pierre Interchanges, as part of the future construction work on that interchange.

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