Advertisement

STM creating new express bus line, adding trains to Metro’s orange line to alleviate congestion

The Mont-Royal Metro station in Montreal, Que. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lee Brown

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has created a new express bus line to alleviate congestion on both the Montreal Metro and the bus network.

READ MORE: Montreal Metro and bus fares to increase on July 1

“The STM’s proposed Mouvement Orange provides concrete measures for Montrealers who experience congestion on the orange line daily,” said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante.

“This will certainly help take pressure off the orange line in the short-term, in anticipation of heavy infrastructure in the longer term.”

The new 445 Express Papineau bus will run along Papineau Avenue, beginning at Beaubien Street starting in September 2019.

WATCH BELOW: Will Montreal Metro inspectors get more power?

Click to play video: 'Will Montreal Metro inspectors get more power?'
Will Montreal Metro inspectors get more power?

A reserved bus lane will continue down the avenue, along René-Lévesque Boulevard to the heart of downtown.  The route will head downtown in the morning and go east in the afternoon.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: Calls mount for an independent investigation into Montreal Metro altercation

The 427 express Saint-Joseph bus, named “the other orange line” when it was created in 2010, will also be “enhanced at this time.”

The new 445 Express Papineau bus will run along Papineau Avenue starting in September 2019. STM

In addition, the STM will consolidate its service on Parc Avenue this coming fall.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

READ MORE: Montreal councillor calls on STM to release performance records

The 435 Express du Parc/Côte-des-Neiges bus will be divided into two new buses to better adjust to morning and afternoon peak periods — namely the 480 Express du Parc bus and the 465 Express Côte-des-Neiges bus.

WATCH BELOW: STM accused of social profiling

Click to play video: 'STM accused of social profiling'
STM accused of social profiling

There are also expected improvements coming to the local 80 du Parc and 165 Côte-des-Neiges buses in non-peak directions during rush hour.

Story continues below advertisement

READ MORE: While Montreal sleeps, every minute counts for Metro maintenance workers

“The STM is reviewing its entire bus network and wants to have this mode of transportation play a bigger role by adapting the network to current and future realities,” said Philippe Schnobb, chairman of the STM Board of Directors.

The 435 Express du Parc/Côte-des-Neiges bus will be divided into two new buses to better adjust to morning and afternoon peak periods. STM

Two new trains will be added to the Metro’s orange line during morning and afternoon peak periods starting September 2019.

READ MORE: Marvin Rotrand ousted from STM board again

“It is essential that the service offered by the STM be improved in the short and medium term to provide travel options, not only to take pressure off the eastern portion of the Metro’s orange line, but also to preserve and improve public transit services to downtown,” said Luc Tremblay, STM Chief Executive Officer.

Story continues below advertisement

“We are confident that this strong and sustainable action will improve the fluidity, reliability and attractiveness of public transit in Montreal.”

As a preventative measure, the STM will also have trains located near three stations to allow for service adjustments: Crémazie during the morning rush hour; Berri-UQAM and Lionel-Groulx during the afternoon rush.

READ MORE: Montreal man says STM is socially profiling him because of his wheelchair

The Mouvement Orange initiative hopes to improve transit in the busiest parts of the Metro network, specifically between the Beaubien and Berri-UQAM stations.

WATCH BELOW: Making the STM more transparent

Click to play video: 'Making the STM more transparent'
Making the STM more transparent

Sponsored content

AdChoices