Montréal, November 3, 2008 – To increase the safety of over 70,000 visually impaired people in the Greater Montréal and thus comply with the Accessibility component of the “Métro design standards and criteria”, the STM recently began installation of warning tiles near the platform drop-offs of certain métro stations, starting with the Monk station.

These tiles represent an effective and recognized warning system that the platform drop-off is nearby and thus improves the safety of these passengers during their movements within the métro system.

This type of tile has a relief feature easily detectible by the feet or a cane. Their yellow color also plays an important role for people with residual vision, because they can perceive the contrast between these tiles and the drop-off, general safety on the platforms will be increased. The tiles could also have a deterrent effect on passengers who tend to get too close to the edge of the platform.

The following stations are covered by the first phase:

The installation work, which will be performed overnight for a period of about seven days per station, represents a total cost of $2.7 million.

We should mention that this accessibility measure, already implemented in the three stations of the Laval métro extension and the new Henri Bourassa station platform, is integrated into the Réno-Stations program Phase II, 75% funded by the MTQ, with the remaining 25% covered by the STM.

Finally, as the funds required for this purpose become available, the STM will proceed to install such tiles in most stations over the next few years.

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