Montreal Buses: Removing “Go” From Signage

Quebec Language Office pressed Transit Agency To Remove ‘go’ From Buses

Montreal – The Office Québécois De La Langue Française (OQLF), Quebec’s language regulator, reportedly contacted the Société De Transport De Montréal (STM) six times, requesting that the English word “go” be removed from bus displays. The request, surfacing amidst broader discussions about language use in the province, has ignited varied reactions.

The OQLF’s repeated communications with the STM occurred over several months, culminating just before the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run. The timing has added fuel to the discussions, with some critics seeing the focus on a single word as misaligned with more pressing linguistic and societal concerns.

The Chronicle Of A Linguistic Request

The OQLF’s pursuit to eliminate “go” from STM buses unfolded as follows:

• Initial Contact: The OQLF first raised the issue with the STM.
• Follow-Up: Subsequent communications reinforced the request for removal.
• Pre-Playoff Timing: The matter gained increased attention as it coincided with the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff season.

Public And Political Reactions

News Of The OQLF’s actions has triggered a range of responses from the public and political figures. Some view it as an essential measure to protect and promote the French language. Others consider it an unnecessary intervention that distracts from more critical issues.

Political commentators have weighed in,debating whether the OQLF’s focus aligns with the province’s broader priorities. the incident highlights the ongoing tension between language preservation and practical considerations in a bilingual city.

STM’s Response

The STM has acknowledged receiving the OQLF’s requests but has not yet issued a formal statement regarding its intentions.The agency’s decision will likely reflect a balance between regulatory compliance and public opinion.

Key Players

Organization	Role	Impact
OQLF	Language Regulator	Pushed for the removal of “go”.
STM	Montreal Transit authority	Received and considered the request.

Pro Tip: Understanding Quebec’s Language Landscape

Did you Know That Quebec’s Charter Of The French Language, also known as Law 101, plays a central role in shaping linguistic policies and practices within the province? Understanding this law provides context for the OQLF’s actions and their significance in Quebec society.

broader Implications For Language Policy

This incident raises questions about the scope and impact of language policies in multilingual societies. is it an effective use of resources to focus on individual words, or should the emphasis be on broader linguistic education and cultural integration?

The debate also touches on the balance between preserving cultural identity and fostering open dialog in diverse communities. As Montreal continues to evolve, these discussions are likely to persist, shaping the city’s linguistic landscape. For example, in 2023, the Quebec government reinforced measures to promote French in the workplace, reflecting an ongoing commitment to linguistic preservation.

The ever-Evolving Language Landscape

The dynamics of language in Quebec are constantly evolving. Factors such as immigration, globalization, and technological advancements all play a role in shaping how languages are used and valued within the province.Recent Statistics Canada data indicates that while French remains the dominant language in Quebec, the use of other languages is also on the rise, reflecting the province’s increasing diversity.

frequently Asked Questions

• Why Did The Quebec Language Office Contact The STM? To request the removal of the English word “go” from bus displays.
• What Was The STM’s Response? The STM acknowledged the request but has not yet issued a formal statement.
• What Is The Significance Of This Issue? It highlights ongoing efforts to protect and promote the French language in Quebec.
• How Have People Reacted? Reactions have been mixed, with some supporting and others criticizing the request.
• What Broader Issues does This raise? It raises questions about the balance between preserving cultural identity and fostering open communication.

What are your thoughts on the OQLF’s request? Should language regulators focus on specific words, or are ther more effective ways to promote linguistic diversity and preservation? Share your opinions in the comments below!

How will the removal of “Go” from bus signage impact the overall user experience for tourists visiting Montreal?

Montreal Buses: The Removal of “Go” From Signage

The STM’s Signage Change: Why “Go” Was Removed

In late 2023, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), the operator of Montreal’s bus network, made a surprising change: the removal of the English word “Go” from the destination signs on its buses. For years, signs displayed destinations like “Angrignon GO” or “Lionel-Groulx GO.” The change replaced “GO” with “DIRECTION” in French, and “TO” in English, resulting in signs like “Angrignon DIRECTION” and “Lionel-Groulx TO.” This decision sparked considerable discussion among Montreal transit users and language advocates.

The STM explained the change was part of a broader effort to prioritize the French language on public signage, aligning with Quebec’s Charter of the French Language (Bill 101). While English remains present on signage, the removal of “Go” was a deliberate step to emphasize French. The STM aims to create a more Francophone environment within the public transportation system while still ensuring accessibility for English-speaking riders. This isn’t a new initiative; the STM has been gradually increasing the prominence of French on its network for several years.

Understanding Bill 101 and its Impact on the STM

Quebec’s Charter of the French Language aims to protect and promote the French language in the province. The law impacts various sectors, including signage. While the law doesn’t explicitly forbid English on commercial or public signage, it mandates that French must be markedly predominant. The STM, as a public body, is subject to these regulations and has been adapting its practices to comply. This change regarding STM buses is a direct result of this ongoing adaptation.

Impact on Riders and Accessibility

The immediate reaction from some bus riders was confusion. Many long-time users were accustomed to the “GO” designation. However, the STM conducted user testing before implementing the change, and feedback indicated that the new signage (“TO” and “DIRECTION”) was easily understood.

Here’s a breakdown of the perceived impact:

Aspect	Impact
Clarity for New Riders	“TO” and “DIRECTION” are universally understood, perhaps improving clarity for tourists and newcomers.
Habitual Users	Initial confusion, but adaptation is generally rapid.
French Language Promotion	Reinforces the prominence of French in public spaces.
Accessibility Concerns	None reported; the STM ensured the new signage meets accessibility standards.

The STM also provides comprehensive information about bus routes and bus schedules through its website and mobile app (STM Info). These resources remain available in both french and English, ensuring all riders can access essential information.

Navigating the Montreal Bus System: Resources and Tools

Despite the signage change, navigating the Montreal bus system remains straightforward. Here are some helpful resources:

STM Website: https://www.stm.info/en – Official website with route planning, schedules, and service alerts.

STM Info App: Available for iOS and Android – Real-time bus tracking, route planning, and service notifications.

Google Maps: Integrates with STM data for accurate public transit directions.

Transit app: A popular third-party app offering similar features to the STM Info app.

* OPUS Card: The rechargeable fare card used on all STM services (bus, metro, train).

Understanding Montreal Bus Route Numbers and Types

Montreal’s bus routes are categorized by number and type.

1. Regular Routes (1-999): Serve most areas of the city.
2. Express Routes (400-499): Limited stops for faster travel.
3. Night Routes (Nxx): Operate during late-night hours.
4. Seasonal Routes: Operate during specific times of the year (e.g., to parks in the summer).

Knowing the route number and type is crucial for planning your trip. The STM website and app provide detailed route maps and schedules.

future of STM Signage and Language Policy

The removal of “Go” is likely just one step in the STM’s ongoing efforts to align with Quebec’s language policies. Further changes to signage and announcements are possible. The STM has stated its commitment to providing a bilingual service while prioritizing the French language. The agency continues to monitor rider feedback and adjust its approach as needed.The focus remains on ensuring a clear, accessible, and inclusive public transit experience for all users of the Montreal transportation network.The STM also actively promotes lasting transportation options,including encouraging ridership on its bus lines and metro system.