The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has announced plans to add new reserved bus lanes in an effort to attract more riders. The decision comes as the STM continues to face declining ridership numbers due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
According to STM spokesperson Philippe Déry, the new reserved lanes will be implemented on several major routes throughout the city, including Côte-des-Neiges Road, Saint-Denis Street, and Saint-Laurent Boulevard. These lanes will be reserved exclusively for buses during peak hours, allowing for faster and more efficient travel for commuters.
The STM hopes that by providing a more reliable and efficient service, more people will choose to use public transportation instead of driving. This not only benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions, but it also helps to alleviate traffic congestion on busy city streets.
In addition to the reserved lanes, the STM is also planning to increase the frequency of bus service on certain routes. This will provide more options for commuters and make it easier for them to plan their trips.
The decision to add reserved bus lanes and increase service frequency is part of the STM’s larger plan to improve public transportation in Montreal. The organization has also recently introduced new hybrid buses and is working towards electrifying its entire fleet by 2025.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for the STM, the organization remains committed to providing a safe and efficient transportation system for the people of Montreal. With these new initiatives, the STM hopes to not only attract more riders, but also improve the overall experience for those who choose to use public transportation.
The new reserved bus lanes are expected to be implemented in the coming months, with the increased service frequency to follow shortly after. The STM encourages commuters to stay informed and plan their trips accordingly to take advantage of these improvements.
