TRANSPORTATION ON THE EXPO 67 SITE
The great distances which separate Canada's towns and cities continue to be
a source of fascination for many visitors from other countries. From birch
bark canoes to modern highways, the importance of efficient transportation
to move people and goods has always been uppermost in the minds of planners.
Transportation was also a major concern for Expo 67 organizers. Access to the
islands had to be improved by creating a number of structures including
the Montreal metro, the Cité du Havre and the Concorde Bridge.
Fortunately, everything was ready for the official opening in April 1967.
To get to the site, visitors could either take the new metro, the quickest
and most efficient way to get there, or their cars, and park in one of
the many parking lots set up for the event. Because so many people attended,
buses also had to be added. Helicopter service was available as well.
Once at the site, visitors were invited to use the Expo-Express, a free
train that went right across the site; the minirail or the tourist trolley.
But Expo was, above all, planned for pedestrians who, when tired, could
use the pedicabs, "bicycle-taxis" driven by students.
Since Expo was located on islands, it was only natural to offer visitors various
methods of water transportation including the hovercraft and the vaporreto.
Visitors looking for a more romantic experience could opt for a gondola
ride, as the islands were full of canals.
Expo 67 hosted the first international congress on transportation research.
Many of the participants felt that Expo should be the model to emulate
in the future when planning public transportation.
See movie from the minirail (RealPlayer)
See
movie (RealPlayer)
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