Montreal's new traffic czar no longer working for the city

Pierre Lacasse, hired by the city of Montreal to be itsfirst traffic co-ordinatorjustthis spring, is no longer a municipalemployee, Radio-Canada has learned.

Lacasse was appointed to the role by Mayor Denis Coderre, in order to better co-ordinate roadwork and ease the frustration and traffic woes faced by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. He was also to be a spokesperson for the city on traffic matters.

Lacasse,who worked as a radio traffic reporter for 28 years, signed a $100,000 contract with the city at the end ofApril. At the time, Coderrenicknamed him "Mr. Fluidity" and touted the importance of his role.

When reached by phone, Lacasse told Radio-Canada that it "didn't work out." He did not elaborate, nor did he go into any details about how thejob ended, saying only that "itwas a cancellable contract."

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The news comes just weeks beforethe FormulaE electric vehicles racethat will paralyze part of downtown Montreal for three days over the July 29-30 weekend.

Lacasse's appointment wasn't universally applauded inside city hall: many saw it as a public relations stunt by Coderre rather than a real solution tothe city's traffic woes.

Lacasse told The Canadian Press in May that he knew he would be a "punching bag" for frustrated journalists and residents.