Expanded service, disparate fares

The STL increases frequency of bus service, and so does the STM, with the latter promising more service and more comfort for metro travelers, specifically along the Orange Line which stretches into Laval.

By contrast the STL lowered its fares … while the STM and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (AMT) raised theirs. Was there no way to arrive at reduced fares for the entire metropolitan region?

"There's already in place metropolitan harmonization of fares through the TRAM monthly passes," that give access to suburban commuter trains, busses and the subway throughout the metropolitan region, says STL director Pierre Giard. (In cases of single tickets/cash fares), "where we do have some control, we exercise it," he admits.

The absence of an integrated system of fares gives way to an aberration: the invalidation of STL provisions for users to access the metro. Users coming from Longueuil, however, have had this privilege since their station was first opened, through their monthly CAM pass that they share with Montrealers.

"There's room for serious discussion," confides Pierre Giard, adding that the matter is complex. "It's not fair to Laval public transit users," believes Normand Parisien, director of Transport 2000, an advocacy group for the rights of public transit users. "But it (the injustice) doesn't come from the STL."

According to Mr. Parisien, the daring shown by the STL in lowering its fares "is going to create political pressure" for other transit authorities such as the STM. "The mayor of Montreal is about to be given a lesson by the mayor of Laval," he maintains.

These changes are foreseen for non-peak hours, with morning and afternoon maximum wait periods to be lowered from 7.5 to 5 minutes, on lines 1,2 and 5.

For example, before and after the 7:08 to 8:42 morning rush-hour at Montmorency Station, more trains will be in service to maintain a quicker flow.

Noon-hour service will also improve, with wait periods reduced to 6 minutes from the previous 7.5, on lines 1 and 2. On weekday evenings and weekends, the wait time between trains will be lowered to 8 minutes from the present 13.5, along the same lines.

The gradual replacement of trains dating back to the introduction of the metro will also contribute to improved comfort for travelers by providing maximum space. To date, 300 of the 428 cars have been replaced. The operation will be completed next year.

Photo:Rame

(Photo: archives)