Press release
Métro cars need urgent replacement
Montréal, October 1, 2010 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is calling for a quick decision to replace Montréal’s métro cars. “This is an exceptional situation that requires an exceptional decision. The business community commends the partners for realizing the need for negotiation,” declared Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade.
“Originally, the first set of cars was supposed to be received in 2010 but the contract still hasn’t been awarded. Métro maintenance costs have climbed by 32.5% in five years and will continue to rise faster until the new cars are delivered. The situation will become worse with each passing month because aging trains mean more frequent service slowdowns and interruptions. We know that the Société de transport de Montréal would never compromise passenger safety, but we also don’t want them to have to interrupt service to protect the public because of dilapidated rolling stock. The time to act is now,” added Leblanc.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Pascale Le Hir
Communications Advisor
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4088
plehir@ccmm.qc.ca