STM and partners launch new inclusive mobility programme

Credit: Société de transport de Montréal

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) and its metropolitan partners, including the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), exo, the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), the Société de transport de Laval (STL) and the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), have announced that they have jointly launched the ‘Metropolitan Program – Inclusive Mobility’.

This initiative aims to empower individuals with functional limitations throughout the metropolitan region by equipping them with the skills to independently navigate the regular bus, metro, REM and train networks, addressing a wide range of needs, including motor or intellectual limitations, autism spectrum disorders, or language and speech disorders.

The programme incorporates group-based theoretical training and personalised, individual instruction tailored to each participant’s travel requirements. The training and tools are carefully adapted to the nuances of public transportation across the metropolitan region and the diverse needs of clientele. Educational organisations, such as school service centres, identify and recommend participants who will receive training from instructors at Cégep André-Laurendeau, the agency that has been chosen through a competitive tender process.

Financial support for educational content comes from ARTM, supplemented by a grant from the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility’s paratransit subsidy programme (PSTA) and municipal contributions. Public transport partners will implement and expand the programme in their territories, with STM as the programme co-ordinator.

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Initially launched as a pilot project in 2019, the programme‘s success has led to its integration as a regular STM service. Nearly 420 individuals have been trained, and with regional expansion, over 2,000 users with functional limitations are expected to gain independent travel capabilities on metro, train, bus networks and the REM by 2025.

This programme offers alternative travel options for those with functional limitations while supporting adapted transportation services for others. Regular transport provides enhanced flexibility, promoting greater passenger autonomy. 

“The STM is proud to see its inclusion initiative extended to the entire metropolitan region, for the benefit of customers with functional limitations, who want to be able to travel more spontaneously by using regular public transportation. This collaboration between regional partners will also make it possible to provide concrete solutions for these customers seeking autonomy who would like to use a combination of modes of transport, such as bus, metro, train or REM, which are increasingly more accessible to all,” said Marie-Claude Léonard, General Director of STM.