In the middle of the 19th century, Montreal was undergoing industrialization, and evidently, this had a profound impact on the city. In the span of 1871 to 1901, the population of the city more than doubled due to the large rural migration to urban areas that was taking place during this time. Because of this mass migration, the city of Montreal underwent many changes as it adapted to its new population. New communities were created such as, Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and Saint-Henri. To accommodate the increasing population, the city also created public services such as an aqueduct, an underground sewer network, and a Health Department. In addition, parks such as Mount Royal Park, La Fontaine Park, and Sainte-Hélène's Island. Public transit was another one of the public services developed during this period. In 1861 the first horse-drawn carriage was inaugurated and in 1891 the first electric streetcars were running.
Montreal public transit is an integral aspect of Montreal. It is a fast and easy way to get around the city and almost everyone in Montreal uses it on a daily basis, whether it be to get to school, go to work, go shopping, or even for a tourist. Since it was first created in the late 19th century it has developed in order to accommodate the city's population. This is can be seen with the creation of the bus, when the tramways became an outdated form of transportation, as well as the increase in public transportation services during war production. Currently the city of Montreal is petitioning for more frequent train services to the West Island due to the increase in demand for transportation in and out of the city. Currently the trains run only during rush hours. The Montreal Gazette has written an article about the demands of the AMT (Agence Métropolitaine de Transport) and the West Island population. Below is a link to an article:
http://www.montrealgazette.com/cars/collection+Chrysler+muscle/2388787/Petition+presses+province+favour+West+Islanders+over+travellers/3500990/story.html
To sign the petition, follow the link below:
https://www.assnat.qc.ca/en/exprimez-votre-opinion/petition/Petition-821/index.html
Furthermore, Montreal public transit is important as due to its development over the years, it has supplied jobs for a large percent of the population. The construction of railway provided jobs for many people in the early 20th century. Jobs as bus drives, and metro car drivers also opened up through the 20th century as well as jobs for people working for the STM and AMT in the offices. Another important aspect is that the development of public transit allowed for people to live on the outskirts of the city. Prior to public transportation those who could not afford to pay for cars had to live within the city in order to work in the factories, however with the introduction of public transit they were able to live in and create communities just outside of Montreal and still have jobs.
This is a video montage about Montreal public transit, it shows important events and changes in the transportation system.
This Diagram shows the different transportation companies in Montreal since 1861
The link below will take you to a timeline of the important dates in Montreal public transit history:
http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Montreal-Public-Transit
There is an abundance of primary material to work with on the subject of Montreal transit. To browse photographs of the train, tram, bus, metro and more, follow the link below. The Bibliothèque et Archives National de Québec is an excellent website as it is easy to navigate and has dates and descriptions for all its photos.
http://bibnum2.banq.qc.ca/bna/massic/accueil.htm
References:
Montreal Archives, html">http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/archives/500ans/portail_archives_en/rep_chapitre7/chapitre7-3.html, accessed December 6, 2010.
Bibliothèque et Archives National de Quebec, http://bibnum2.banq.qc.ca/bna/massic/accueil.htm, Accessed December 5, 2010.
Timbers Wayne, "The Development of Transportation in Montreal, 1820-1918", (Montreal: Musé McCord Museum, March 2002). Accessed via http://www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/pdf/eduweb/Ess.Transports.EN.pdf, December 8, 2010.
