Launch of AZUR delivery schedule

Press release

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) announced today that a new AZUR train is set to begin passenger service, signaling that the delivery schedule is about to be implemented, following the end of the testing period.

Montréal, May 25, 2016 – The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) announced today that a new AZUR train is set to begin passenger service, signaling that the delivery schedule is about to be implemented, following the end of the testing period.

« Commissioning new AZUR métro cars is an integral part of Montréal’s strategy for electrification. On the eve of the Montréal métro’s 50th anniversary, this is excellent news that lets us to look ahead to the future! », stated Denis Coderre, mayor of Montréal. 

« The testing period for the first train was conclusive, which enabled us to initiate the delivery of new AZUR trains. This is very good news for Montrealers, as AZUR will help improve the transit experience for customers who choose public transportation », emphasized Philippe Schnobb, chairman of the STM board of directors.

By 2018, a total of 52 trains, each consisting of nine cars, will be operational in the underground network. 

Customers appreciate AZUR
Deploying AZUR trains brings important benefits to improving transit for Montréal métro riders. Comments received along with reactions on social media to hashtag #AZURstm confirm they love their new train. Several mentioned the quality of the interior and exterior design, improvements to lighting and ventilation, as well as the comfortable ride.

Results of the first train
The first AZUR train travelled some 23,000 km with customers aboard; that means nearly 500 return trips on the Orange line, or six runs per day. The all-important debugging period allowed the STM to validate and adjust the performance of several systems with passengers on board, like the ventilation in automatic mode, the volume of audio messages or comfortable ride. Another train will continue to be operated, with onboard instruments, but without transit users. That train will serve to perform essential qualification tests on the system’s other lines.

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Isabelle A. Tremblay
Société de transport de Montréal
514 280-4940
isabelle.tremblay@stm.info