STM - Society in motion

We have already had the opportunity to talk about electrifying the STM bus network, the 2020 Strategic Plan and, finally, possible sources of funding to ensure public transit’s growth.

To maintain or to develop?

There are currently for $23 billion of projects slated for Montréal. Tramways, métro extensions, tram-train, skytrain, a commuter train for the West Island, a light-rail system for the South Shore, ferry shuttle, aerial tram…. A number of different projects in all !

All the while, we must maintain and repair our infrastructure, replace older buses and métro cars. We are preparing for the future by building new, performance-driven transit systems, by extending the métro, increasing our bus fleet, deploying more transit priority measures, and more. We know you want cleaner buses, running more often and on time, extended hours of service, more courtesy from employees and information in real-time…

For the STM alone, the 2020 Strategic Plan calls for overall investments of $11.5 billions for bus, métro and tramway projects, with $6.2 billions for asset maintenance, $3.7 billions for transit development and $1.6 billions for métro extensions.

We must choose our priorities

It is becoming increasingly clear that transit authorities must establish a list of priorities, more than just a shopping list, regarding major projects for public transit. We cannot do everything, everywhere, all at the same time.

The STM already presented a list of priorities :

But some other major projects are planned:

• Trains: Replacement of rolling stock, garages and maintenance shops: $ 1 Billion
• “Train de l’Est” (East Train): $ 700 Millions
• Pie-IX BRT (bus rapid transit): $ 300 Millions
• Various customer service improvements : $ 500 Millions
• “Train de l’Ouest” (West Train) and AMT planification: $ 1.4 Billions
• Light-rail system for the South Shore : $ 1.5 Billions $
• Sky-Train (shuttle from the airport to downtown) : $ 700 Millions to $ 1 Billion

What do you think? I want to hear from you!

Does the STM’s list of priorities seem adequate? What comes first? If we don’t have the money for all of the above, what would you spend it on? Considering their costs and benefits, which are the best options for expanding our services and meeting the growing needs of Montrealers in terms of mobility?

You are welcome to ask your questions or send in your comments. I’ll answer them as they come in during the public activity on June 14, from 9 AM till noon.

The STM adopted its 2020 Strategic Plan this fall and it has since been approved by both the City and Agglomeration of Montréal. The budgetary and financial challenges outlined in the plan are two-fold: find the funds to FIRST maintain our aging infrastructure and renew our fleet of buses and rolling stock AND find the funds to raise the quality of our services to increase ridership by 40% and thereby reach 540 million passenger rides by 2020.

The required investments total $11.5 B, of which $8 B is ear-marked for maintaining current assets and $3.5 B will be used to develop new services. Given the context, the matter of funding becomes a key issue.

The two main funding sources available to us to finance our annual operations, fare revenue (48%) and a contribution by the City taken from property taxes (35%), have reached their limit. In coming years, their levels will only rise according to the inflation index.

Other sources of funding widely used elsewhere each present advantages and disadvantages: taxes on gas, taxes on petroleum products, tolls for infrastructure, cordon tolls, taxes on parking spaces, increased car registration fees, a percentage of sales taxes, payroll taxes, etc.

A recent survey presented by Radio-Canada last November 22 shows that more than two-thirds of Montréal area residents are in favour of bringing back tolls if and only if the amounts collected are reinvested in improvements to road infrastructure and public transit.

The STM recommends a higher level of participation by Montréal area motorists and by those in the rest of Québec through a range of measures, composed mainly of a tax on gas (from various funds), a tax on parking, registration fees or even a percentage of revenue from tolls set up throughout the metropolitan area. Without a dedicated, indexed and recurrent source of funds, we cannot further expand our offer of service and still be at the forefront of the sustainability so crucial to the development and attractivity of Québec’s major city over the next 20 years.

Which one of these means of financing seems the soundest ? The fairest ? The most efficient ?

In which proportion should those who use the service (customers), those who indirectly benefit from the service (motorists) and city residents contribute ?

Does the idea of sharing the various funds, with 50% for public transit and active means of transport and 50% for road infrastructure, seem fair to you ?

Which method of financing sends out the clearest message so that a proportion of single-occupant car users (5%) modify their commuting habits on occasion, often or always ?

I’m putting these questions to you. I look forward to reading your comments and further discussing the subject with you.

You can look up the following links for more food for thought on the subject:

•    The resources needed to reach the goals for 2020

•    Review of proposals submitted during the workshop on public transportation funding held by Forum Urba 2015 (French only)

•    My thoughts on tolls (French only)

Fully committed to the fight against global warming, the STM will convert its entire surface transport network to electricity by 2025, as outlined in its 2020 Strategic Plan.

Michel Labrecque live Electrifying public transit, september 15, 9 a.m to noon

Electrification of Montréal’s public transit network will be carried out in phases. Starting in 2012, the STM will purchase hybrid diesel-electric buses only, gradually moving away from diesel drives. Over time, the bus fleet will consume less fuel and emit less greenhouse gases.

The STM will also test electric buses that use rechargeable batteries and become an expert in terms of « rapid charging ». The technology means buses can recharge their batteries at each extremity of a given route or along the way. With rapid charging batteries, the 100% electric propulsion mode runs silently and produces zero GHG emissions. Working with Hydro-Québec, the STM will conduct a demonstration project for this technology as early as in 2011.

Moreover, through its partnership with the City of Montréal and Hydro-Québec, the STM plans on deploying a limited trolleybus network to better assess that transportation mode. The trolleybus has a proven track record, while having a positive impact on the environment, and would be right at home along the city’s busy traffic arteries. Deploying a trolleybus route on Saint-Michel boulevard, for example, could lower GHG emissions by some 2500 tons a year.

Electrifying public transportation is 100% good news for the environment.

For more information:

Ministère des Transports du Québec

Association du transport urbain du Québec (French only)

Plan d’action 2011-2020 sur les véhicules électriques (French only)

Plan stratégique 2020 de la STM (French only)

The STM calls for tenders to acquire mid-size electric buses

Making Montréal an outstanding city in North America for public and active transportation is the challenge facing our society !

The STM 2020 Strategic Plan aims for a 40% growth in ridership over 10 years. Such  performance will rest on an enhanced client experience regarding frequency, speed,  punctuality and comfort, on major investments to maintain critical assets, as well as on strategic investments related to an increased offer of service, in addition to diversified and electrified modes of transportation.

Along with a series of measures designed to reduce single car use planned by the city of Montreal, this concerted approach will enable the STM to reach 540 million passenger rides annually by 2020, while significantly reducing society’s reliance on cars. Moreover, the plan meets the GHG reduction targets of 20% and 30% (with 1990 as the reference year) respectively set by the Québec government and the city of Montreal.

An overview of the 2020 Strategic Plan is now available on the STM website (French only). To find out more, click here