The Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) 935 Trainbus that takes commuters from the Saint-Jérôme train line to the Parc station was cancelled this week, leaving Montrealers scrambling for alternatives.
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“It’s going to slow them down. They’ll have to get up earlier to get to their destination,” said commuter John Carlino.
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For about 20 years, commuters say the Trainbus was the easiest way to get downtown.
The AMT was providing financial funding for the line, which was run by the STM.
Officials declined an interview with Global News, but explained ridership dropped and that’s why the commuter train network decided to stop paying.
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To make up for it, the STM increased the number of buses on two other lines, but commuters argue the 435 bus doesn’t come often enough and the 80 only goes as far as the Place des Arts Metro.
“There is not enough room for all the people who used to take the 935. They don’t fit in the 80. It’s full,” said commuter Manuel Medina.
The Sainte-Thérèse resident said he’s angry that his commute is steadily getting more expensive and the quality of service seems to be rapidly deteriorating.
Some commuters worry that service could get even worse during bad weather.
“Now, it’s beautiful outside and this depends on the weather, but tomorrow it’s going to snow again,” said Sonia Laberge, who lives in Lachute.
“So, let’s see how long it’s going to take to get to work.”
Commuters hope the AMT comes up with a better solution so they don’t have to keep racing off the train platform to catch one of the STM buses.
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