Public transportation takes centre stage at Place Jean-Paul Riopelle

Montréal, May 15, 2017 – Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) and Société de transport de Montréal (STM) inaugurated Place au transport, an event space that celebrates the importance of public transportation in Montréal and around the world. Mr. Aref Salem, Executive Committee member in charge of transportation for the City of Montréal, Mr. Alain Flausch, Secretary General of the Union internationale des transports publics (UITP), along with Summit co-hosts, Ms. Marieke Tremblay, acting President and CEO, Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) and Mr. Philippe Schnobb, Chairman of the Board, Société de transport de Montréal (STM), were in attendance for the official ribbon-cutting.

« When Montréal was chosen by UITP as host city for the 2017 Global Summit, it was clear to both AMT and STM that the event would take place within the framework of celebrations for the 375th anniversary of the city. So, we quickly made the decision to organize an outdoor event that would connect the UITP Summit with the history of the city, one that would give us the opportunity to invite Montrealers and our international guests to celebrate the vital role of public transport in our region », said Marieke Tremblay, AMT’s acting President and CEO.

« Today, the development of public transit and the promotion of active transportation and sustainable mobility are interwoven with the desire to improve and facilitate this way of life for the community in every borough on the island. This public event celebrates yesterday’s and tomorrow’s transportation, from both a historical and visionary perspective », added Aref Salem, Executive Committee member in charge of transportation related issues for the City of Montréal.

« This week, more than 2,200 delegates from 83 countries are gathering here to highlight the progress and innovations already accomplished around the world. I feel certain they will appreciate such an event in their spare time. I am also happy to be at the centre of this original and dynamic event, one that reflects the reputation of your metropolis », emphasized Alain Flausch, Secretary General, Union internationale des transports publics (UITP).

« This unique event, held as part of the UITP Global Summit, is a reflection of public transportation: unifying, eco-responsible and at the heart of community life. It is with great joy that I invite all Montrealers and delegates to come explore and enjoy Place to Transport, an event for all! », said STM Chairman, Philippe Schnobb.  

Keep in mind that Place au transport follows in the wake of the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, held at the Palais des congrès de Montréal, May 15 – 17, 2017, and is designed to allow the public at large to take part in this global event.

The activities:

Place au transport features a number of activities that are fun, festive and informative all at once, which should appeal to Montrealers and public transit enthusiasts alike:  

• a display of autonomous vehicles
• an exhibition illustrating the history of active and public transportation in Montréal through historical, artistic and experiential activities
• an exhibition of photos by UITP competition finalists, offering a real tour of public transportation around the world
• spaces dedicated to bicycle maintenance, active transportation and car-sharing
• food trucks, musical performances and other surprises await you

Open to all, Place au transport is held at Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle May 15 – 16, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information: http://placeautransport.org/

Official photo

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