The STM is about to put articulated buses on the road and I for one, am quite looking forward to boarding one of them. Over the next few months, passengers will get to try out two model buses that will run on the 80-165-535 route.

If you’ve ever had to take the 535 during rush hour, you will be able to relate to how hellish an experience it can be. I always like to think of it as playing the Lotto 535 because you never know if the bus that’s approaching your stop will be too full to even stop or if anyone will be able to get on if it does. If you’re not a “people who need people” kind of person, playing the Lotto 535 is not your game cuz’ more often than not, you will find yourself thrust up against total strangers who you would perhaps not normally choose to be so intimate with.

The addition of articulated buses will hopefully remedy the sardine situation. The new buses have been redesigned with wider aisles and of course, more seating by virtue of the fact that they will be longer. Reconfigured layout, poles and windows are some of the other improved features. That said, I hope that the new buses are also less “jerky” than the current low-floor ones. The STM will have a questionnaire on their site for comments about the test buses. So now is the time to voice your opinions. The next time you see the 535 coming round the mountain, hop on and take it for a spin. Then, let the STM know what you think.

Related posts:

1. The right to bare arms (or something like that)
2. Frozen body parts courtesy of the STM
3. Day one
4. The Price of Chaise Longue
5. Still things to do around town today