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STM launches
awareness campaign for pilot project Montreal, June 19, 2008 – The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) wishes to inform its clients of a pilot project being initiated to facilitate access for strollers aboard low-floor buses. Starting next June 23, passengers with a stroller will be able to use the reserved seating area, if it is not already occupied by another passenger in a wheelchair. “Getting this project underway is the fulfillment of expectations, especially for Centre 1, 2, 3 Go!,” declared the Chairman of the Board, Claude Trudel. “Initiated by Mont-Royal bus centre, and involving eleven of its bus routes covering almost half of the island of Montréal, the project enables the STM to designate a place for the exclusive use of parents travelling with a stroller. Indeed, this reserved seating area has the advantage of being safer and keeping the aisle clear, which will significantly improve movement aboard the bus. Through this initiative, we hope to promote greater understanding and cooperation among passengers in that respect. In fact, the STM should be in a position to offer this service on all low-floor buses this year, if project results are conclusive.” A pictogram, featured above the reserved seating area in all buses from Mont-Royal bus centre taking part in the pilot project, will indicate the seating priority and explain how clients should position the stroller. In that regard, the policy remains the same: clients with a stroller must board the bus through the front door, as use of the ramp is reserved for people in a wheelchair. Moreover, the awareness campaign will encourage transit users to yield the reserved seating to those entitled to it, as anyone in a wheelchair still has priority over use of that space. Poussette et astuces en autobus Guide Moreover, Poussette et astuces en autobus, the guidebook designed and produced by 1, 2, 3, GO! of Pointe-aux-Trembles in collaboration with the STM, is now available in French, with an upcoming English version, at the Customer Service Centre at Berri-UQAM station, and on the STM website. Written for parents taking the bus with a stroller, the guidebook answers the concerns, in terms of bus access, expressed by both clients with a stroller and the others who travel alongside. – 30 –
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