As the regional transit operator for Greater Montreal, Exo operates a vast network of rail and bus stations across the full of range of urban contexts situated within many different municipalities. Each station has unique catchment area size and characteristics, requiring careful planning of how to optimize the ease and comfort of accessing the transit station with the infrastructure and urban development objectives of the surrounding area. In response to growth and operational goals across its network, Exo is considering strategic options to advance station access policies, projects and guidelines. 

Access was retained by Exo to conduct a comparative study of best practices in station access planning, policies, guidelines and implementation across peer agencies. Working closely with Exo staff, we developed a criteria-based process to guide the selection of five agencies for study, and tailor a dialogue with key informants from each. Building from years of experience leading station access planning initiatives across Canada, we guided stakeholder interviews, drawing out lessons learned, and developed a 3-year workplan for Exo to advance station access initiatives in their jurisdictions.