Chelsey St. Pierre – The Suburban LJI Reporter

A new reserved-lane on Provost Street westbound in Lachine will opened to buses, taxis and bikes as of this past Monday.

The performance of five bus lines is expected to increase significantly, serving the area with departures every seven to 10 minutes during peak hours.

The new lane will be open to traffic between 1st Avenue and 31st Avenue, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“We remain committed to improving this route for public transit customers by ensuring more regular and comfortable service, especially on this stretch of the road, where more than two out of three bus trips are made in the area,” Éric Alan Caldwell, Chair of the STM Board of Directors, said. “The new reserved lane will benefit the 4,500 customers who already use this bus route and encourage local residents to choose public transit as a convenient way to travel.”

The STM’s network of reserved lanes in Montreal is currently estimated at a total of 320 km.

According to Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic, the new reserved lane will increase efficiency and fluidity in the sector by 65 percent.

“As with any change, there will be a period of adjustment, but we are confident that our residents will understand the need to move towards more efficient public transit to combat climate change and reduce traffic congestion,” Vodanovic, said. n