STM ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF RESERVED LANE FOR BUSES AND TAXIS ON BEAUBIEN

Press release

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) announces the extension of the reserved lane on rue Beaubien, in Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie, in effect since August 17, 2015.

Montréal, August 18, 2015 – The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) announces the extension of the reserved lane on rue Beaubien, in Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie, in effect since August 17, 2015.

With an overall length of 4.3 kilometres both directions combined, this reserved lane is actually an extension of the reserved lane first deployed on rue Beaubien in 2009. It will be operational on weekdays. In the westbound direction, it will be open from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. between 20e Avenue and 1re Avenue, and then from avenue De Lorimier to rue Fabre. In the eastbound direction, the lane will be open from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. between rue De Normanville and avenue De Lorimier, and then from 1re Avenue to boulevard Pie-IX. The lane’s hours of operation along the initial, 2009 sections will be adjusted to match those for the extended portion.

« This is good news for our customers, insofar as the reserved lane will benefit nearly 6,700 daily passenger rides taken during rush hour on the 18 – Beaubien bus line. This improvement in bus priority measures in the area are in addition to those already deployed in 2009, which included the establishment of the reserved lane as such, as well as priority traffic lights on rue Beaubien, » declared Philippe Schnobb, Chairman of the STM board of directors.

« The concept behind the bus priority measures chosen for rue Beaubien will make it possible to further improve bus performance and benefit transit users, while taking into account the area’s everyday reality and the needs of the commercial zone where it will be deployed. Our administration is committed to offering a public transit network that adapts to evolving needs and helps improve the quality of life of our citizens », added Aref Salem, Montréal executive committee member responsible for transportation issues.

« In the heart of the city, Rosemont - La Petite-Patrie provides a high-quality living environment for some 135,000 residents, and extending the reserved lane on rue Beaubien will help serve one of the borough’s most sought-after sectors even more efficiently, » indicated François William Croteau, Rosemont – La Petite-Patrie borough mayor.

The STM reminds that bus preferential measures (BPM) consist of installations on the road system that ensure priority is given to public transit, thereby improving the reliability and on-time delivery of service. Such measures, which include reserved lanes and priority traffic lights, help cut down travel times by about 10%. With the extended reserved lane on rue Beaubien, the STM now enjoys reserved lanes along 202.3 km of roads and priority traffic lights at 145 intersections. This brings preferential measures to a total of 223.7 km, while the STM hopes the target of 375 km is reached by 2017.

Fact Sheet

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Isabelle A. Tremblay

Affaires publiques

Société de transport de Montréal (STM)

Téléphone : (514) 280-4940

isabelle.tremblay@stm.info

Serge Fortin, chargé de communication

Arrondissement de Rosemont - La Petite-Patrie

514 872-1776 (cell 514 603-0624)

sfortin@ville.montreal.qc.ca

Andrée-Anne Toussaint

Attachée de presse

Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

Ville de Montréal

Bur.: 514 872-9998 | Cell.: 514 243-1268

andree-anne.toussaint@ville.montreal.qc.ca