STM - Society in motion
Dou-dou-dou «Attention, nous fermons les portes…» August 9th, 2010
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 ?
The sound signalling the immediate closing of doors is being tested on a single nine-car train on the Orange line since August 9, from early morning to late at night. Until the end of August, that means, on average, one train out of every 28 during rush hour, or once out of every 16 to 18 trains during off-peak periods. So the probability of riding the train testing the sound signal is relatively low.
Stay tuned, you will soon find out more !
Transport Cocktail May 3rd, 2010
With its innovative and ecological approach, the transportation cocktail proposes a long-term, economically-sound and performance-driven solution to individual and exclusive car use by all and at all times.
The transportation cocktail advocates a smart combination of individual transportation modes (walking, cycling, skating and car use) and mass transit modes (buses, métro, minibus, commuter trains, taxis, car-pools, car sharing, and shared taxis) for all our transportation needs, particularly towards and within city centres.
To that end, the STM has entered into partnership and joint promotions with other stakeholders in the field (self-serve bicycle rentals, car sharing, and regional public transit companies) who will grant preferential rates to transportation cocktail enthusiasts. Through these actions, the STM is creating and organizing a grassroots movement providing durable transportation options.
Adopt the transportation cocktail: it’s green, economical and performance-driven.
Learn more about Transport Cocktail :
The metro’s new cars February 11th, 2009
Better performance, better reliability and more eco-friendly than ever, the new metro cars will take the tracks by storm in fall 2011, before 342 new cars are gradually introduced into service starting in 2013. They will replace first-generation cars acquired in the 1960s, each one having travelled some 3.5 million kilometres, equal to circling the Earth more than 80 times!
Improved design, considerably more space and room to move—the open concept throughout the length of the train allowing passengers to move easily from one car to the next—smoother ride, more comfortable seats, superior lighting and public address systems are some of the main features on the next generation of metro cars.
Because they are more spacious than standard metro cars and they run more often, the new cars will reduce both waiting and travel times. What better way to serve our ever-growing passenger base.
Learn more about The metro’s new cars :
