The Minister of Transport of Quebec and Minister responsible for the Montreal region, Robert Poeti, the head of the transport to the executive committee of the city of Montreal, Aref Salem, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Montreal, Philippe Schnobb, announced the commissioning of three lifts at the metro station Jean-Talon on the orange line.
"The contribution of $4.5 million from the Quebec government, for the elevators of Jean-Talon station contributes to the accessibility of disabled persons to regular public transit service, which will allow them to have more flexibility and autonomy in their movements. Universal accessibility is a concern of our government and we will continue our joint efforts to provide access to all users, "said Minister Poëti.
"The installation of elevators Jean Talon station helps raise the level of service of our public transportation infrastructure, while meeting the needs of a greater number of Montrealers. These arrangements make public transit more attractive, which is in line with our efforts for an active and sustainable city, "said Mr. Salem.
"Making it universally accessible underground network to better meet the growing needs of the entire population: people in wheelchairs, the elderly, parents with one child in a stroller, etc. Mr. Schnobb said. Although it has its share of issues and technical difficulties, we continue the retro-installation of elevators in our stations and programming of work provides universally accessible 17 stations in 2020. "
This station was chosen for the installation of elevators, because it meets the main criteria of universal accessibility 2012-2015 Development Plan of the STM. Specifically, the Jean-Talon station:
- Is very busy (almost 5 million entrants in 2014)
- Is a transfer point;
- Is located on the orange line, where all other lifts in the network.
The work, at a cost of $ 9 million funded 30 percent by the Building Canada program and 52.5 percent by the Government of Quebec, began in May 2013 and resulted, inter alia, to expand the kiosk located at 430 Jean-Talon to build elevator shafts and mechanical rooms. Elevators, now in use, are accessible to all customers during the opening hours of the metro.
Nine stations are now universally accessible on the Orange Line: Montmorency, Concorde, Cartier, Henri-Bourassa, Berri-UQAM, Lionel-Groulx, Côte-Vertu, Champ de Mars and Jean-Talon. Work is currently underway to Snowdon and Rosemont stations. The purpose of the STM is to have 17 stations universally accessible by 2020 (will be added Place d'Armes, Mount Royal, Honoré-Beaugrand, Place-des-Arts, Berri-UQAM (green line) Vendome).
New artwork
Furthermore, as part of the work to Jean-Talon station and in accordance with the policy of 1 percent of the Quebec government, a work of art will be installed by the end of September in the shrine enlarged. These Connections, a photographic montage that provides a look into the history, architecture and color of the place. This work by Yann Pocreau was chosen after a public art competition. A jury of seven members was set up specifically for this contest.
