The STL prepares for the STM strike

As all Laval Metro stations are operated by the STM, the Montreal strike will affect services at Montmorency, de la Concorde and Cartier. STL spokesperson Marc Laforge, however, indicates that bus services will be fully maintained.

"We will extend the service hours of Route 2 that feeds into the three Laval metro stations, bringing users to Henri Bourassa. This circuit presently operates before the metro opens and after it closes," he explains. In the event of a strike, the service to Henri Bourassa will be available after rush hour when essential services do not include the metro.

Mr. Laforge assures that the STL will keep a close watch on the needs along boulevard des Laurentides. "If necessary, we'll increase the frequency of busses on Line 31 which crosses the island from north to south on des Laurentides to Henri Bourassa," he says.

The effects of the strike on Labelle Boulevard will also be monitored by STL officials. "If we have to, we're prepared to increase the number of busses on Routes 144 and 151 to Côte-Vertu," Mr. Laforge stipulates, adding that the STL wants to do all it can to minimize the negative effects the strike may produce for Laval residents.

As to the essential services to be made available if the strike is called for May 22, metro and bus services will operate at morning and afternoon rush hours weekdays. Transit services will also be accessible at day's end. Weekends, services will be provided from 6:00 to 9:00 am, 2:00 to 5:00 pm, and 11:00 pm to 1:00 am.

At press time Friday, the STM stated that contract talks in the presence of a conciliator were in progress. Affiliated with the CSN, the STM maintenance workers union numbers 2,000 members.

Photo:greve stm

(Photo: Martin Alarie)