The Rosemont metro bus terminal is still closed, after a year and a half of work, because it is deemed potentially dangerous by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). To the great dismay of people with reduced mobility, forced to make detours.
The bus loop passes under a large seniors’ residence inaugurated in January 2023. Responsibility for the loop itself must be legally transferred from the Office municipal d’habitation de Montréal (OMHM), owner of the building, to the STM .
However, a problem emerged during these transfer procedures: “The STM noted safety issues at the terminus due to the risk of falling objects or ice/snow from the building’s balconies”, indicated by email the advisor to the communications of the Amélie Régis organization. The loop is actually located just below the 10-story seniors’ residence, which has dozens of windows and balconies. “We are working with the OMHM to find a solution satisfactory to both parties to resolve this security issue. »
In the meantime, access to Rosemont station which leads to this loop also remains closed until further notice. Only the door opening onto Rosemont Boulevard remains open.
Work on the loop itself was completed in December 2023, specifies the STM. The Company notably replaced the membrane which protects the station from water infiltration. “The STM is proud to have collaborated on the unique Rosemont block project, which enhances this metro station,” continued Mme Regis. “This type of integration project, which goes beyond the “usual” recipe, necessarily involves some cohabitation challenges and therefore, it is normal that adjustments have to be made. »
” Any sense ”
In the meantime, people with reduced mobility – including residents of social housing reserved for the disabled, located nearby – must make a detour to one of the temporary bus stops installed on the sidewalks in the surrounding area.
“It makes no sense,” lamented Linda Gauthier, president of the Regroupement des activists pour l’inclusion au Québec (RAPLIQ), which defends the rights of people with disabilities. “The STM prides itself on winning awards here and there for the quality of the services they provide […], but I’m not convinced of that, not at all. »
RAPLIQ has also initiated a collective action against the organization and the City of Montreal on behalf of 20,000 people with physical limitations “who are potentially affected by discrimination in access to the metro, train, regular bus and paratransit in Montreal.
RAPLIQ hopes to obtain damages of $75,000 per person.