The Montreal métro’s

programme gets the green light

Montreal, 22 March 2004 – The mayor of Montreal, G�rald Tremblay, and the chairman of the STM Board of directors, Claude Dauphin, are delighted that an agreement was reached within the framework of the Infrastructure Canada-Québec 2000 Program, which will allow Phase 1 of the R�no-Syst�mes programme to be carried out. The purpose of this programme is to maintain the reliability of the métro's stationary equipment, including the Control Centre, the escalators in the initial 26-station network, telecommunications equipment and power supply components that must be replaced, as most are more than 37 years old and have reached the end of their service life.

Tangible improvements for transit users
The programme will also result in tangible improvements in the quality of service. Indeed, ventilation will be more powerful, yet quieter ; broadcasting clear, audible messages will be made possible with the installation of an efficient public address system not only along the platforms but throughout each station ; the reliability of escalators will increase as 41 of them will be replaced, as well as the two moving sidewalks in Beaudry station ; the installation of 1 000 cameras and detection systems will help improve the feeling of security among transit users, while helping to reduce acts of mischief and service disruptions.

The mayor of Montreal, G�rald Tremblay, welcomed government support regarding the implementation of the $ 311 million construction project.  " The métro represents one of the achievements Montrealers are most proud of. This clearly demonstrates how important it is for both governments to invest in our infrastructures. It also shows that it is in their interest to ensure that the next phases are also carried out, as they are also crucial to maintaining the integrity and reliability of services. "

For his part, the chairman of the STM Board of directors, Claude Dauphin, praised the governments' decision and thanked them on behalf of the STM and all transit users. " Rest assured this money will be well spent and will allow us to maintain our reputation for operating one of the most safe and reliable subway systems in North America. "

Partnership with Dessau-Soprin
In November 2000, the STM reached a partnership agreement with the engineering firm Dessau-Soprin and created a project management office to carry out studies, and plan and supervise construction work,  while ensuring that budgets and deadlines are respected. This agreement will also call for sharing expertise and implementing innovative solutions.

A three-phase programme
The R�no-Syst�mes programme consists of three phases, valued at nearly one billion dollars. The first phase extends to March 2006 and will be carried out without interrupting service, in order to minimize the impact on transit users. According to the Québec Statistics Bureau, 2 229 direct and indirect jobs will be created or maintained in the Montreal area, while the project generates combined taxes of over $40 million, $27 million for Québec and $13 million for Ottawa.

" In the past 37 years, the métro has registered over 6.6 billion trips. Today, we are very proud to officially launch this project with representatives of both governments in attendance, which clearly demonstrates the importance public transportation holds for them ", concluded Mr. Dauphin.

Finally, it should be noted that the STM will contribute 12.5% of the total amount of the project's admissible expenses, and that its $38.9 million share will be financed by loan bylaws.