After two months of operational testing, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is pleased to report positive results for its Boarding via all doors pilot project, underway since last March 21 on the 121 – Sauvé/Côte-Vertu bus line. Indeed, this project follows in the wake of the shift taken toward improving the customer experience with a view to delivering scheduled service.
Montréal, June 1, 2016 – After two months of operational testing, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is pleased to report positive results for its Boarding via all doors pilot project, underway since last March 21 on the 121 – Sauvé/Côte-Vertu bus line. Indeed, this project follows in the wake of the shift taken toward improving the customer experience with a view to delivering scheduled service.
In a survey of some 650 customers, the approval rating for this practice stood at 84%, while the satisfaction level went up to 76%. It is mostly with the fluidity of passenger movements that customers feel there is an improvement. Indeed, for 70% of them, boarding the bus itself was better. Also, over half feel that passengers are more evenly spread on the bus and that moving inside the vehicle is easier.
In fact, although the pilot project was due to end June 19, in light of its success, the STM has decided to extend it indefinitely, maintaining the same operational conditions, in order to finalize the data collected so far.
« If the project continues to run as smoothly as this, other bus lines could benefit from implementing this practice. Our customer surveys are clear: the public agrees with this measure and appreciate it. This is excellent news, as this initiative takes specific aim at improving the customer experience », said Philippe Schnobb, chairman of the STM board of directors.
« No major hiccups were observed in terms of operations. In fact, according to our survey, 75% of drivers assigned to that bus line are pleased with the project and 81% find that procedures are clear. For now, we are going to further analyze our data for a better idea of the travel time we can save, something that could have a positive impact on improving the delivery of service », added Renée Amilcar, executive director, bus services. The STM reminds that this pilot project allows transit users holding an unlimited use fare card (monthly, weekly, 4-month and annual subscription) to board articulated buses on the 121 line via the vehicle’s rear doors every day from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Since the project started, ground markings were added at Sauvé and Côte-Vertu stations, making it easier to locate the rear doors.
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Isabelle Tremblay
Affaires publiques – STM
514 280-4940
isabelle.tremblay@stm.info