MONTREAL - With major road work set to resume in Montreal this summer, the city's transport agency is announcing the creation of new express bus lanes from the West Island to the downtown core.

The STM is adding four new express lines.

  • The 475 will go from the Dollard Civic Center to Cote-Vertu metro.
  • The 485 will take commuters from the vicinity of Chateau-Pierrefonds to Lionel-Groulx metro. It will serve commuters through busy sectors of Pierrefonds, with a stop at Fairview.
  • The 425 will serve Kirkland residents, and travel from l'Anse-à-l'Orme to Lionel-Groulx.
  • The 405 will cover a route similar to the 211 on Lakeshore, except it will begin a Macdonald College to Lionel-Groulx.

Officials say the need for these news routes is obvious.

"We have enormous and growing demand, even though last year was a record year for ridership for the STM," said city councillor Marvin Rotrand.

The growing West Island population isn't the only culprit. Major roadwork in the city is forcing commuters to rethink their mode of transport.

The Turcot Interchange is already slated for demolition by 2018, while regular road work is often slowing down the commute to and from the West Island. The Metropolitan Transport Agency also announced upgrades to its West Island train line.

As for those eager to experience the new bus lines, they'll be in operation starting April 2. For more information visit the STM website.