STM received the Environmental Sustainability award at the 2023 CUTA Awards Ceremony.

STM has created one of the world’s largest Bus Preferential Measures (BPM) networks to enhance public transportation efficiency and appeal. This network includes reserved lanes, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) services, and Transit Signal Priority (TSP) systems, optimizing road infrastructure usage and promoting sustainable transportation choices over private cars. The benefits are substantial, including reduced emissions, shorter waiting times, decreased bus requirements, modal shifts, higher customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, all achieved cost-effectively.
STM’s expertise in BPMs is unmatched, with dedicated teams and strong municipal partnerships. Coordinating multiple measures on the same route maximizes benefits while minimizing disruptions. The centralized TSP system is an innovative addition, fostering interoperability between STM’s priority systems, emergency services, and other transport agencies. This program has shifted the focus from vehicles to people, resulting in more equitable, intelligent, and sustainable mobility. A social acceptability strategy engages external stakeholders proactively, addressing potential issues and proposing tailored mitigation solutions.
In the pursuit of sustainable transportation, STM has adapted its infrastructure for safe coexistence between reserved lanes, cyclists, and carpooling, setting the standard for shared lanes in Québec. By December 31, 2022, STM had implemented one of the world’s largest BPM networks, covering 478 km of BPMs and 321 km of reserved lanes. Over 600 Transit Signal Priority (TSP) installations serve 2,000 buses, benefitting one-third of passengers. These improvements have saved up to 20% of travel time, allowing more service with the same resources. For example, on the St-Michel axis, time savings of 15%-20% reduced the need for 2 buses per day and cut 45 tons of annual greenhouse gas emissions. STM’s experience and methods have inspired transportation partners in the region and beyond.