STM - Society in motion
Electrifying public transit, now that’s green September 12, 2011
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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
Adopting green driving techniques February 11, 2009
Determined to fight against deteriorating air quality in Montreal as well as global warming, three years ago, the STM undertook the task of teaching green driving techniques to its drivers. Today, the majority of them have embraced the new approach.
Green driving rests on a basic principle: the quantity of CO2 emissions, the primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming, and of other polluting emissions are proportional to fuel consumption.
Green driving focuses mainly on anticipating traffic movements and traffic light changes to slow down and speed up smoothly. And this results in a reduction in fuel consumption and in greenhouse gas emissions.
In a little over three years, introducing this programme has lead to fuel savings of over two million litres. No doubt about it: the more you ease up on the gas pedal, the greener the drive!
