STM's new AZUR train gets green light after test period

More of the STM's new AZUR trains will soon be on the way after a successful testingperiod on Montreal's Metro network.

"This is very good newsforMontrealers, asAZURwill help improve the transit experience forcustomers who choose public transportation," STM chairman PhilippeSchnobbsaid Wednesday in a statement.

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The new train was launched in February on the Orange line.It neededto run for 61 consecutive days without a significant issue before the STM introducedanother.

The first Azur travelled some 23,000 km with customers aboard in the period since its introduction.

TheAZURcars will eventuallyreplace the iconic blue and white cars currently in service, which were introduced in 1966.

By 2018, a total of 52 trains, each consisting of nine cars, will be operational in the underground Metro network.