A new era for commuter trains in the Montreal Region:

It was at Bombardier Transportation’s plant in
La Pocatière that the very first multilevel- type
double-decker car was unveiled of the kind
that will travel the Agence métropolitaine
de transport’s (AMT) commuter train system
this fall. This day -so eagerly awaited by the
AMT and its customers- was described as
historic by the President and Chief Executive
Officer of the government agency, “Today
we are unveiling the long-awaited fruits
of our efforts.

These new cars are much
more than just pieces of equipment. They
inaugurate a new era for commuter trains in
the Montréal region,” said Joël Gauthier.

These 160 new cars will improve service
quality over time by making it possible to:

• increase commuter train capacity by
  70% at peak periods on all five
  commuter train lines (close to
  43,000 additional trips per day);
• renew a portion of the current fleet
  of commuter trains, as some cars are
  now aging;
• commission the Train de l’Est (future line
  serving the northeast off-island suburbs).

These new leading-edge “multilevel” cars
will improve comfort for commuter train
passengers. Each of the 160 cars will be
fitted with 142 ergonomic seats, a
spacious intermediate level (fitted with
benches) between the two decks, bicycle
stands and a two-way communication
system between passengers and the train
crew. Every train will have a toilet, located
in the cab car. As well, the cars will be
more accessible for people with reduced
mobility.

This ”historic” order for 160 cars was
awarded to Bombardier Transportation in
December 2007 and represents the largest
investment in the history of commuter
trains in Québec of $386,266,045, financed
75% by the Québec transport department.
As promised, the cars will be gradually
commissioned starting in late fall 2009, at
a rate of one train set per month.

The AMT’s renewal of its fleet of rolling
stock will continue with the arrival of 20
new dual-mode locomotives starting in 2012.

For more information: mrouette at amt.qc.ca