The union representing STM bus drivers, metro operators and employees in transit-related services (CUPE 1983) was dismayed to learn that the PGA, despite the fact the Presidents Cup was getting $9 million in public funding, $6.5 million of which came from the provincial government, opted to retain the services of a private carrier for its shuttle service to Île Bizard.
This international golf tournament, which is taking place at the Royal Montreal Golf Club from September 24 to 29, will impede access to traffic on the Jacques Bizard bridge. The only authorized transportation is the regular public transit lines, residents’ vehicles and….the private carrier selected by the PGA.
The PGA approached the STM this summer about having it provide a shuttle service that would take passengers across the bridge to the event. The STM was willing to sign a contract to this effect. Meanwhile, organizers were saying up until very recently that they would be using the services of the STM to take passengers to and from the event; however, the PGA announced last September 16 that they were going with a private carrier instead, in spite of the public funding they had received.
“At a time when public transit funding is in crisis and in light of the astronomical financial contribution by taxpayers to this event, it is unacceptable that the organizers not only lacked the sensitivity to encourage our public services but also that the government didn’t take steps required to seal the deal for this service,” Frédéric Therrien, president of CUPE 1983.
To add insult to injury, on day one of the shuttle service, the private carrier retained by the PGA violated the terms of its licence by parking in public transit bus stops, blocking public thoroughfares and using STM facilities.