My Alerts Montréal, May 2, 2012 – The STM Board of Directors approved the awarding of a contract to DesignLine USA for the acquisition of seven fully electric, medium-sized, low-floor buses. Worth an overall $5.9 M, including taxes, the contract was awarded following an international call for tenders last fall.
“Closely related to our overall strategy for electrifying our surface network, this initiative is part of the STM’s 2020 Strategic Plan. It is also in response to the direction taken by the city of Montréal and the government of Québec, both in terms of energy and sustainability. Indeed, choosing to electrify the surface bus network will do more to help reduce GHG emissions, as does the métro, which has been running on electricity since it opened in 1966,” declared the STM board chairman, Michel Labrecque. “We are one step closer to acquiring more environmentally-friendly buses, the first of which should be in service in the Old Montréal / Old Port district by mid-2013. The other six mid-size buses should be introduced into passenger service by the end of 2013.”
“Our administration has taken on ambitious goals to improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. So we are proud to support the introduction into service of the first generation of electric mid-size buses in Montréal. Once again, the STM is confirming its commitment to the sustainable development of our city, while providing customers with a pleasant public transit experience,” added Michel Bissonnet, Montréal Executive Committee member in charge of transportation.
With an overall length of 9.28 metres, compared to the 12.38-metre length of a conventional bus and the 7.91 metres of a paratransit minibus, the new electric drive vehicles can carry some 45 passengers (with 22 seated) and will be equipped with low-floor ramp for easier access for anyone with limited mobility. On-board instruments will measure their operational performance as well as customer satisfaction. These vehicles will provide a means of eco-friendly and sustainable public transportation, thereby helping to protect the historic, heritage assets in the district, a favourite among Montrealers and tourists alike. The diesel buses currently serving the area will be replaced by mid-size vehicles that produce zero emissions and run more quietly.
The STM reminds that it will begin acquiring biodiesel-electric, hybrid drive buses in 2013, which will lead to a 30% saving on fuel on average, as well as an equivalent reduction in GHG emissions. Furthermore, the STM initiated a study to produce a report on the deployment of a network of trolleybuses on the island of Montréal, from which will be developed an optimal plan by the end of 2012. Lastly, the STM recently purchased two rechargeable Chevrolet Volt hybrid electric cars so that designated teams can move between different work sites.
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