10 Big Changes For The STM In 2014 And Beyond

Philippe Schnobb, the newly appointed president of the STM, has shed some light on his plans for improving Montreal's public transit system.

Schnobb maintains that Montreal's bus and metro service will retain its current rate of reliability, which, despite complaints, is still world class. Speaking to Journal Métro de Montréal Schnobb spoke of some planned changes he hopes to make in the coming years to improve overall service.

Here are the highlights:

• Metro Expansion - Construction on expanding Montreal's metro system is set to go after the provincial elections, but will likely not be ready by 2020

• More Reserved Lanes - Schnobb plans to increase the total length of reserved bus lanes to 375km by 2017

• iBUS - A GPS tracking program will be used for real time tracking of buses that will result more exact service routes and arrival times, to be fully integrated by 2015

• Electric Buses - An already planned switch to electric-powered buses is still in the works, saving STM money through deals with Hydro-Québec

• Viau Bus-Bike Lane - A to-be-installed pilot project will allow cyclists to ride on reserved bus lane on Viau.

• Underground Cell Reception - A wireless network between Mont-Royal Station and Bonaventure, as well as between Beaudry and Atwater, will be installed.

• New Metro Cars - The shiny new Azur metro cars should be hitting the tracks by this December.

• Remote Charging - USBs will be purchasable by the end of the year for charging OPUS cards from potentially anywhere.

• BIXI - No cemented plan for the STM to adopt BIXI exists as of now now, but Schnobb is willing to explore different ways to integrate the service.

• Free for Seniors - Currently not in the budget, but Schnobb will make a case to the entire province to implement this feature across Quebec.

Are you pleased with these proposed plans and changes?

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