The AMT admitted Tuesday at a press conference that yes, there have been some reoccurring problems affecting train service, especially on the Deux-Montagnes commuter line. But their plan to placate frustrated commuters is likely to engender more headaches.

Joel Gauthier, president and CEO of the Agence Metropolitain de Transport, blamed reoccurring delays on an aging fleet of cars and on an aging railway line maintained by other agencies.

He announced they would be offering commuters on the Deux-Montagnes line and Dorion-Rigaud line a 50 per cent discount on their monthly passes for March.

What he didn't say, but the press release did, is that there are many obstacles for commuters to claim that discount.

Coupons for 50 per cent off the cost of a monthly pass for March for the Dorion-Rigaud and Deux-Montagnes line will be handed out at all stations along both lines on Weds. Feb. 18.

To get the discount, commuters have to buy their monthly passes at a ticket booth at Central Station, or either the Lucien Lallier or Vendome stations.

If they buy their passes at one of the automated vending machines, they have to buy the pass at full cost, then they have to go to one of the ticket booths with their monthly pass and the coupon-- but only between March 10 and 20.

For commuters on the Deux-Montagnes line, they will be able to get 25 per cent off the cost of their April and May monthly passes. However, similar restrictions apply: the coupons will be given out only on Mar. 18 for April passes, and Apr. 16 for May passes.

Furthermore, the discounts for April and May will be given out only during rush hour on those dates, and only at Central Station.

Schedule

In addition, starting Feb. 16, the AMT will reinstate its 2008 schedule for the morning rush hour and the last train in the evening on the Deux-Montagnes line.

Twenty per cent of the trains on that line will be taken out of service for repair, but it will not affect the frequency of the trains--just the capacity.

While they are in the shop, shuttle service will be offered to take commuters to metro stations.

Problems with aging fleets

Fifty per cent of the cars are more than 50 years old, which means the equipment is not as reliable as newer vehicles. Winter conditions also present problems, as do aging tracks maintained by other agencies, said Gauthier.

Technical glitches with the trains were responsible for 40 per cent of delays since January.