Another step towards accessibility in the métro: elevators in Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM stations now operational

Press release


 

Another step towards accessibility in the métro: elevators in Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM stations now operational


Montréal, September 14, 200
9 – Earlier today, the MNA for Chomedey and parliamentary assistant to the Québec Transport Minister, Mr. Guy Ouellette, and the Chairman of the STM Board of Directors, Mr. Michel Labrecque, together inaugurated new elevators at two stations along the metro’s 2 - Orange line, Lionel-Groulx and Berri-UQAM (upper level).

“Universal access is a 21st century issue, and in its business plan, the STM committed to making it a priority. Thanks to such new installations in two major stations in our network, mobility-impaired people, wheelchair users, people travelling with a stroller or carrying luggage, and cyclists will all enjoy greater access to the métro’s Orange line. These two stations are in addition to the three in Laval already equipped with elevators,” declared Mr. Labrecque. He also mentioned that the STM is the only transit corporation in Québec to offer accessible bus service for wheelchair users as a complement to existing paratransit service.

Carried out as part of phase II of the Réno-Systèmes programme, the installation work was made possible thanks to a major financial contribution by Transports Québec (MTQ), covering 75% of eligible expenses. “I would like to applaud the MTQ for taking concrete action in favour of greater accessibility in public transportation,” declared the STM chairman, Mr. Labrecque.

“Today’s inauguration marks a new step towards universal access in public transportation. The government takes pride in contributing to this achievement that meets the priorities set out in Québec’s public transit policy and in the MTQ’s action plan with respect to the disabled,” declared Mr. Ouellette.

“The introduction into service of new elevators in these two metro stations is excellent news for public transit users as a whole, particularly those with functional limitations. Universal access is a priority for Montréal, and it is important to take such actions to make access even easier at all levels, whether in our public transportation systems, in our municipal facilities, in city programmes or services,” declared the mayor of Montréal, Gérald Tremblay.

“Today’s announcement is in line with the STM’s determination to make its bus and metro system more accessible to all clients. To that end, last July, the Board of Directors adopted its first universal access policy aimed at reducing obstacles to using public transit for all clients, including those with functional limitations, while continuing to provide first-rate paratransit services,” pointed out Mr. Labrecque.

The renovations work currently underway is centered on five métro stations along the 2 - Orange line: Lionel-Groulx, Berri-UQAM, Bonaventure, Henri-Bourassa and Côte-Vertu. Estimated at nearly $40 M for the five stations, including the $30 M invested by the MTQ, the work should be completed by winter 2010-2011.

These five stations were selected by the Montréal métro accessibility committee, formed in 2002 with representatives from OPHQ (Office des personnes handicapées du Québec), from ARUTAQ (Alliance des regroupements des usagers du transport adapté du Québec), from KÉROUL (Groupe pour le tourisme et culture pour les personnes à capacité restreintes physiques), from RUTA (Regroupement des usagers du transport adapté et accessible de Montréal) and from TCAIM (Table de concertation des aînés de l’Île de Montréal), as well as from the STM , AMT and MTQ.

In addition, the STM has implemented a series of measures to promote the accessibility of its system. Among them are the installation of textured, warning tiles along the edge of train platforms and yellow strips along the edge of the first and last step of staircases, improved ambient lighting inside stations and the securement of certain areas in the metro.

–  30 –