With the new Maestro status, the STM rewards its loyal customers

MONTREAL, Jan. 8, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is announcing today the launch of Maestro, a status offering privileges to transit users who have been subscribing to OPUS à l'année and OPUS & Cie programs for more than one year. Anyone holding the Maestro status will enjoy two exclusive advantages, like having a friend ride STM transit for free on evenings and weekends, as well as reciprocity with Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) in Québec City, as it was jointly announced last December.

Rewarding commitment
This is the first time the STM introduces a VIP status for its loyal customers. The Maestro status allows the corporation to reward long-term customers committed to using public transit, in an original and innovative way. In 2013, nearly 20,000 customers will become eligible for Maestro status and could enjoy exclusive advantages linked to the VIP status.

'Customers who subscribe to transit fares for the long-term like OPUS à l'année and OPUS & Cie mean a lot to the STM. We want to thank them, by granting them the privileged Maestro status, but we also want to encourage even more people to opt for a long-term commitment,' declared Michel Labrecque, chairman of the STM board of directors. 'Furthermore, by allowing a friend to travel for free when accompanying the holder of the OPUS Maestro card, we allow more people to give public transit a try.'

Free transit for a friend
By allowing Maestro status holders to bring a friend who can ride STM transit for free on evenings (from 6 pm to 5 am) and weekends, the STM is providing a unique advantage that will surely be most appreciated by holders of the privileged status. Whether going downtown for a night out or shopping on a weekend, free transit for a friend makes getting around  the city very affordable. This advantage is only available aboard STM transit on the island of Montréal.

Free transit in Québec City
Having the opportunity to ride RTC transit for free in Québec City is the result of a unique agreement reached between the STM and its counterpart. Maestro subscribers must have their OPUS card on hand to enjoy the transit advantage. The STM is also holding talks with other North American and European cities, to extend the advantage.

How to become a Maestro customer
By now or by the end of the 12th month of their subscription, qualified customers will receive an email explaining the steps they must take to activate their Maestro status. Afterward, they must go to one of the STM's service points to get a new OPUS card with photo, at no cost, featuring the Maestro name. To enjoy the advantages related to the VIP status, holders must first activate their Maestro status and must also have their new OPUS card on hand.

OPUS à l'année and OPUS & Cie
With the OPUS à l'année program, customers no longer have to go out to reload their OPUS card at the beginning of each month and they avoid any line-ups. Their fare card is always valid, as long as they do not terminate their subscription.

The OPUS & Cie program is aimed at businesses that want to promote the use of public transit among their employees. Any company that registers for the program commits to making a financial contribution toward the cost of OPUS & Cie subscriptions by their employees, while the STM commits to matching that rebate, up to a maximum of 10%.

For more information, go to www.stm.info

SOURCE: Société de transport de Montréal

For further information:

Isabelle A. Tremblay
Conseillère corporative
Direction principale des affaires publiques
514 280-4940
[email protected]