STM - Society in motion
Over the next year, the appearance of the Berri-UQAM station will undergo radical changes. Starting in August 2010, and continuing until automn 2011, the STM will undertake the removing of the block and of some ceilings in publicly accessible areas.
The grey circular designs that have covered the walls on this central station of the network since its inauguration in 1966 will gradually disappear to be replaced by a temporary covering. By proceeding this way, the STM will have the necessary room to renovate the mechanical, electrical and architectural components in the station during future stages of the work.
As the work progresses, you will see partitions appearing on the walls. In addition, at certain times, some corridors will be closed to traffic for short periods. We will suggest alternate routes for you in the station.
You will also be able to follow the various stages of the work on the STM’s Facebook page as well on the STM’s site 
.
To listen the new doudoudou metro’s sound
This new sound signals the immediate closing of doors.
It is currently being tested on a train on the Orange line, should any adjustments be needed prior to installation on all MR-73 railcars by 2012.
As some of you may have noticed, the signal replicates the well-known dou dou dou so unique to the Montréal metro…
The power converter?
Prior to recording the “dou dou dou” that signals the closing of doors, that melody already existed and could be heard when certain métro trains initiated their departure from a station. Do you know why ?
The sound is caused by a power converter on the MR-73 rolling stock used on the Orange and Blue lines. To prevent power surges and ensure the train’s smooth departure, it was necessary to cap the power used by traction motors, therefore requiring a power converter. So, the well-known “dou dou dou” was not the work of a famous composer, but rather the sound produced by the converter itself: the three notes are the musical equivalent of the precise frequencies determined by engineers for the converter’s proper operation.
As it turned out, the frequencies composed a pleasant melody that could be heard by passengers. With a few exceptions, there is no power converter on the MR-63 métro railcars used on the Green and Yellow lines, simply because the technology was not available when the older rolling stock was built…
Dou dou dou… But who’s voice is that ?
The voice announcing “Attention, nous fermons les portes…” after the dou dou dou signal is none other’s than actress Michèle Deslauriers’, the same person who has been lending her voice to all client-oriented pre-recorded messages heard in the metro since 2003. Chosen for its tone and clarity, her voice indeed carries well in our concrete stations! Over the years, her voice has woven itself into our daily routine and is appreciated by transit users. So it seemed quite natural to use her voice to accompany the dou dou dou.
Thus, Michèle Deslauriers was invited back to record the new message announcing the immediate closing of doors.
Where can the dou dou dou be heard ?
There’s no point in running…
Why is the dou dou dou signal heard almost at the same time as the doors are closing ?
The idea is for transit users to hear the signal early enough for them to stop pushing ahead and not get stuck in the doors, and late enough to know that the doors are effectively closing. Indeed, when the signal is heard too soon, we’ve noticed that people tend to run more, not knowing exactly when the doors will close or, worse, hold the doors back to keep them open. When that happens, service suffers up and down the line. Technically speaking, in fact, when someone or something gets stuck between the doors, the train operator cannot immediately reopen them, which slows down service. Therefore, when the signal is sounded, transit users arriving on the platform should know they no longer have enough time to squeeze in and should wait instead of blocking the doors. This would prevent any discomfort for the passenger, as well as service slowdowns that affect the thousands of others aboard that train and the following ones.
If Montréal has a unique character, so does its métro, and one reason is the sound produced by the power converter on certain trains. With the new sound signalling the imminent closing of doors, these three notes will gradually spread to the entire network and become the Montréal métro’s signature sound… dou dou dou !
Stay tuned, you will soon find out more !
Dou Dou Dou ! « Attention nous fermons les portes »
Client :
Yes, yes, I heard it and I thinks it’s a great idea.
Client :
I like the new sound.
Dominique Lemay :
There are four main reasons for having a new sound to signal the closing of doors.
The first, and maybe it’s happened to you or you’ve seen it happen to someone else, is when a passenger gets caught between the doors. It’s unpleasant for that person, but it also creates delays, and other disruptions in terms of service.
Client :
I think it’s a good idea because it will be safer. Sometimes, the doors close and people don’t know they’re going to close.
Dominique Lemay :
The second reason is the number of breakdowns. On average, the doors break down every four million times they open and close.
Client :
It’s better this way, for sure. And, in the end, it’s safer.
Dominique Lemay :
The third reason for the door closing signal is the improved flow of passengers.
And the last reason has to do with international standards.
Client :
I think it’s a smart idea !
Client :
It’s Okay!
Client :
I like it a lot.
Dominique Lemay :
In 2009, the STM presented clients with six different sounds to signal the closing of doors, and the one that was chosen by transit users was this one : « BIP »… Clients felt it was the least intrusive. But they still wanted a more mellow sound. The sound that was finally chosen was this one : Dou dou dou ! Attention nous fermons les portes
Client :
I think it’s a very good idea, and it will be a nice change.
STM published its Sustainable Development Report 2009, on june, that presents the company’s main achievements in terms of sustainable development for 2009.
The report follows the same structure as the STM’s Sustainable Development Action Plan, which revolves around 12 strategic objectives that come under three main focus areas, namely Sustainable mobility, Sustainable management and Promotion of sustainable development.
The report also presents the highlights for 2009, including:
- A 4% overall increase in the offer of transit service, helping to avoid even more greenhouse gas emissions by transit users
- 3 011 jobs supported by the acquisition of goods and services, a 39% growth since 2006
- 3 083 tonnes of recovered residual materials, an increase of 57% since 2006
- Completion of the inventory of 27 contaminated and potentially contaminated properties
- A 7% rise in greenhouse gas emissions, due to expanded bus services
- Training for project managers and engineers aimed at factoring sustainable development criteria into project planning and design
- An 18% decrease in the frequency of work-related accidents
- Consultation among internal and external stakeholders on the subject of sustainable development
The report also details employee initiatives related to sustainable development and the awards received from outside organizations. In 2009, employees received four such awards, while the STM received another nine.
As a supplement to the report, a chart presenting more than 70 sustainable development indicators is evidence of the STM’s serious approach to the matter.
The Sustainable Development Report 2009 is only available on an electronic format.
5th rank in the world
The 2008 report was entered in an international competition of sustainable development reports held by CorporateRegister subject to a vote by internet users, who appreciated the chart of indicators and the concrete action taken in relation to the action plan. The STM was very proud to learn that it ranked 5th in the world in the Best First Time Report category.
Created specifically for the STM by a Québec-based biotech firm, the STM-ND cleaning product meets with tough sanitary and ecological standards with its fully natural, pH neutral and phosphate-free formula. 100% biodegradable within 14 days, it exceeds the strictest European standards currently in effect.
With innovative, naturally active ingredients, the cleaning product efficiently rids of dirt and grime, while leaving an anti-skid film behind and a non-allergenic odour of mint and eucalyptus. Environmentally-friendly, its highly concentrated formula also means less plastic jugs to recycle.
To find out more
Organic cleaning product
Claude Valade, Head of section, Métro station operations, STM
First of all, it’s a degreasing compound, produced from biotechnology, which means it’s 100% biodegradable. The product is formulated from leading-edge technology, world-renowned for being environmentally safe.
Supers :
100% biodegradable in 14 days.
Marcel Tremblay, Foreman, Métro station operations, STM
This product is absolutely non-toxic, which is an important advantage, especially for the environment. The product contains enzymes, which makes it really toxic-free.
We use it to wash walls and floors, mostly with scrubbers, those automated machines used to wash floors. We also use it with pressure hoses and foam guns to clean walls.
When properly used, the product leaves an anti-skid film. This is an interesting aspect for us, because it makes it safer for transit users.
Supers :
highly concentrated, this organic cleaning product reduces at source.the number of plastic jugs to be recycled
Marcel Tremblay, Foreman, Métro station operations, STM
We’ve managed to obtain a product that meets with both employee and environmental requirements. I think everyone is satisfied with this product, including our clients.
