OTIS ELEVATORS AT HOUSTON SPACE CENTER

Otis donated a pair of energy-efficient Gen2® elevators to the new Independence Plaza visitor center at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston. Visitors ride the units eight stories up to the decks of the Space Shuttle Independence replica, recreating the experience of astronauts during their more than 220 space journeys since 1977. Otis parent company United Technologies is a sponsor of the exhibit.

MONTANA INSPECTION-FEE HIKE DRAWS COMPLAINTS

The State of Montana has increased annual safety inspection fees for elevators, escalators and moving walks, and the move is drawing complaints from some property owners who feel the increase is excessive and that inadequate notice was given, the Great Falls Tribune reports. The state cited a shortage of inspectors and higher expenses related to travel and information technology, which contributed to a US$450,000 deficit in 2013. The owner of a five-story senior-living facility in Conrad, Montana, said his inspection fees more than doubled, from US$140 to US$390 per lift. There are more than 3,200 units inspected by four inspectors in Montana.

ESCALATOR REPLACEMENT AT BUSY MONTREAL METRO STATION

Escalators are being replaced at the Berri-UQAM station of the Montreal Metro, the system’s busiest station, through June 3, CJAD 800 AM reports. The work, part of a larger improvement project that began in 2010 and set to wrap up in 2017, means passengers will need more time to navigate between the Cote-Vertu and Angrignon platforms, where units are being shut down completely until work is complete.