Beaconsfield Residents Voice Opposition to New 211X Bus Route on Montrose Avenue
A group of Beaconsfield residents is actively campaigning to persuade the city's transit authority to reconsider its decision to reroute buses along their residential street. The controversy centers on the newly proposed 211X bus route, which is set to operate during rush hours along Montrose Avenue, connecting the Beaconsfield train station to the Kirkland REM station.
Transit Network Overhaul Sparks Local Debate
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) recently unveiled the most extensive redesign of its bus network in the agency's history, a plan meticulously developed over nearly a decade. This overhaul is scheduled to coincide with the launch of the Anse-à-l'Orme branch of the REM in the West Island, expected this spring. As part of this remake, the 211 bus route will be diverted to link the Beaconsfield train station with the REM station at the Ste-Marie Street exit of Highway 40 during peak morning and evening commuting periods.
The new 211X route will traverse the residential neighborhood via Elm Street and Montrose Avenue in the northwest sector of Beaconsfield. It will operate exclusively from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., totaling 12 trips per day in each direction.
Safety Concerns and Neighborhood Impact
Several residents argue that Montrose Avenue is too narrow to safely accommodate large buses, especially given its proximity to parks and a school. Caroline Malcolm, a long-time resident of Montrose Avenue near Sherbrooke Street since 1975, voiced her apprehensions.
"We're not against buses; we're against large buses on our narrow street," Malcolm stated. "The roads aren't big enough to turn, so I'm scared for my personal safety."
Malcolm noted that while she currently has bus service on Sherbrooke Street, those routes (the 217 and 425) will be eliminated under the new network. She described the neighborhood as car-dependent and expressed skepticism about the REM's ridership projections, suggesting that the transit changes reflect an "anti-car mentality" not aligned with the reality of a low-density, car-reliant community.
Malcolm has attended multiple public meetings to advocate for her position, hoping that either the STM or the City of Beaconsfield will address her concerns.
Municipal Support and Broader Benefits
In contrast, Beaconsfield Mayor Martin St-Jean has expressed support for the new STM route, emphasizing its potential to enhance public transit access for hundreds of residents currently underserved.
"The STM's goal is to bring as many riders as possible to the REM, and if we speak specifically about the 211X, this rush-hour route will provide transportation to 2,600 new users, who now are in a public transportation no man's land," Mayor St-Jean explained.
He acknowledged residents' worries and committed to monitoring the situation once the changes are implemented. St-Jean pointed out that Montrose Avenue already experiences significant through traffic, including school buses and commuters using it as a shortcut between Highway 20 and Highway 40. He argued that the new bus service could ultimately reduce car traffic.
"It remains to be seen, but as a result of those buses being there, and people leaving their cars home, we will end up with fewer cars under this scenario," St-Jean said. "We estimate that if things go as the STM says they will, that there will be 150 fewer cars transiting through there."
Divergent Perspectives Among Residents
Not all residents oppose the new route. Chantal Paré, another Montrose Avenue resident, welcomes the change. Having moved to the area from Snowdon in the 1990s, Paré struggled with unreliable bus service for three years before resorting to car ownership. She believes the 211X will significantly shorten her commute downtown.
"This new bus is a gift; it's a boon," Paré remarked. "And I have said already that if the STM wants to put in a bus shelter, they can put it on my property, with a platform, a pole, a garbage can. It would give me pleasure to see people wait for the bus. Some people say: 'Not in my backyard.' I would say put it right in my backyard."
STM's Rationale and Community Engagement
In an email statement, STM spokesperson Laurence Houde-Roy defended the route selection, stating that after thorough analysis, the path along Montrose and Elm was deemed the safest and most direct connection between the REM station and Beaconsfield station.
"The new line on Montrose and Elm will only be in service during peak periods, which means it will only be 12 trips per day in each direction," Houde-Roy clarified. "It will allow more than 2,600 residents of Beaconsfield, including 450 elderly people and 200 people with lower means to have access to the bus network and the Kirkland REM station."
The STM's bus network remake represents a significant shift in West Island public transit, aiming to integrate with the expanding REM system. As Beaconsfield residents continue to voice their opinions, the city and transit agency face the challenge of balancing safety concerns with the broader goal of enhancing regional connectivity and accessibility.
