Fourteen more metro stations are getting elevators by 2022 in addition to the current ten and ones in the works.
The $213-million project was announced this morning by Montreal mayor Denis Coderre and STM chairman Philippe Schnobb. The federal and provincial funding is part of the recently announced public transit infrastructure program.
The 14 stations are:
• Jean-Talon (blue line)
• Jean-Drapeau
• Angrignon
• Jolicoeur
• Place-des-Arts
• Namur
• Outremont
• Université de Montréal
• Radisson
• Place-Saint-Henri
• Préfontaine
• McGill
• Villa-Maria
• D'Iberville
Schnobb said these stations were chosen because they were easier to outfit them with elevators.
"Some stations are a real challenge. Dedicated teams will certainly be able to find ways to make it easier," said Schnobb.
By 2022, a total of 24 metro stations out of the 68 in the network will have elevators. Coderre said they basically have to start the work from scratch since the stations were not planned out with elevators.
"I don't know if it's too slow but if we didn't have that money, it would have been slower," said Coderre.
Stations that are already getting elevators by 2020 are Du Collège, Bonaventure, Viau, Vendôme, Berri-UQAM and Mont-Royal. Elevators are currently being put in at Rosemont, Place d'Armes and Honoré-Beaugrand.
Accessibility rights group RAPLIQ said they are still proceeding with a class action lawsuit because of limited access to public transit.
"I'm sure that they're more aware, maybe they feel more pressed but it's a good step," said spokesman Steven Laperrière, adding he has confidence that Coderre and the STM will get the job done providing the funding is there.