Montreal could host 2015 transit convention

[jesseps]

Montreal is in the running to host a prestigious international public-transit convention in 2015.

 

Marvin Rotrand, vice-chair of the Société de transport de Montréal, is hoping for all-party support for a resolution he'll present at Monday's city council meeting.

 

The resolution would put the city of Montreal's support behind the city's candidacy, which is sponsored by the STM and the Agence métropolitaine de transport, the operator of commuter trains in the region.

 

The International Association of Public Transport, known by its French acronym UITP, has short-listed Montreal, Milan and Frankfurt for its 2015 convention.

 

The Brussels-based association of 3,100 public-transit authorities will make a final decision in late February.

 

The six-day event would attract 13,000 delegates and could generate $13 million in economic spinoffs for Montreal, the city says.

 

Rotrand said the fact Montreal is on the short list recognizes the Montreal's success at increasing transit ridership, changing perceptions about transit, overhauling its fleet of buses and maintaining affordable fares.

 

"The fact that we are a finalist is UITP's way of indicating that it approves the leadership shown," he said. "If we are chosen, it will certainly strengthen the hand of those who are working to assure more dedicated, recurrent and indexed funding for transit for the long term."

 

(Courtesy of The Montreal Gazette)

[Habsfan]

Let's hope that all levels of Gov't will get behind Montreal, as well as the opposition parties at City Hall!