A key bus stop is back in service in Montreal’s West Island following complaints from concerned residents and drivers over its temporary but sudden shutdown.
Pierrefonds-Roxboro Borough Mayor Jim Beis said on Thursday that the bus terminus on Pierrefonds Boulevard and Palomino Street is accessible once again.
“Following my request for our services to investigate the sudden removal of the Palomino bus stop, I am happy to announce that it has finally been reinstated,” he wrote in a statement on social media.
In February, residents told Global News they worried because the walk to the next available bus stop was one kilometre away and potentially unsafe.
A bus driver also expressed concerns about the lack of light and sidewalks as part of the detour.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM), the city’s public transit agency, had said that the stop was closed until at least April due to the condition of the pavement, but did not provide more details.
Beis said the borough has developed a communications protocol with the STM to avoid what he described as “unilateral ” decisions by the agency.
“Our services also made sure that the roundabout respects the STM’s road quality requirements so that drivers can safely maneuver their vehicle,” he said.
— With files from Global News’ Phil Carpenter