Public transit runs out of PR ideas- July 15, 2008 The AMT and STM are running out of ideas how to promote public transit usage, but there's really only one answer: fast, reliable service. Nobody cares if the metro cars are 40 years old, so long as trains come along pretty often. And we need more buses. It's pathetic that a route like the 55 on Saint-Laurent dwindles to two buses an hour after 7 p.m.The new Opus card, simplifying transit use, may be a boost, though.http://w5.montreal.com/mtlweblog/2008/07/public-transit-runs-out-of-pr-ideas.html Tourists in short supply this year- July 15, 2008 American tourists are in short supply this year, a dropoff blamed on factors ranging from a more difficult border crossing to the attractions of Quebec City's anniversary activities; although the strength of the loonie isn't mentioned, I think a big culprit is that Americans can no longer live large here off the exchange rate.http://w5.montreal.com/mtlweblog/2008/07/tourists-in-short-supply-this-year.html MUHC hospital retreats into the future- July 15, 2008 The MUHC vapourware hospital at Vendome has been delayed another year for reasons to do with the complexity of managing the project, or so it appears.http://w5.montreal.com/mtlweblog/2008/07/muhc-hospital-retreats-into-future.html Bombardier to start building C-Series- July 14, 2008 Biggest local news today is that Bombardier is going to start building its C-Series jet, pimped as the most fuel-efficient aircraft in its class, in Saint-Laurent and out at Mirabel, which will create 3,500 jobs in the area. But federal support for the project may yet cause trade issues. The Journal has a dossier.http://w5.montreal.com/mtlweblog/2008/07/bombardier-to-start-building-c-series.html Film production drought hits hard- July 14, 2008 The film production drought and impending actors' strike in Hollywood is grounding local production facilities and disappointing posh eateries which had grown accustomed to the occasional party of stars.http://w5.montreal.com/mtlweblog/2008/07/film-production-drought-hits-hard.html |