LAVAL, QC, Nov. 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - On November 28, the Société de
transport de Laval (STL) tabled its 2013 budget, geared toward
continual improvement in service and sustainable mobility.
In fact, the STL is committed to increasing its service by 3.3%.
In particular, it intends to devote $1.3 million to mitigation measures,
in order to offset the inconveniences of roadwork.
Moreover, the cost of its three-year capital investment program has been
reduced by 35%, with the removal of the funds allocated to the aerial
tramway (gondola service) project. Since ridership was a determining
factor for the viability of this project, it has to be re-evaluated now
that the future Place Bell site—originally planned within Quartier de
l'Agora—has been relocated near the Montmorency metro station.
Sustainable mobility
The STL is aiming at 4.2% growth in its ridership. To reach this
objective, it is conducting a vast market research study and is
reflecting on ways and means of optimizing its network. Among the
scenarios considered are the creation of reserved lanes and the
roll-out of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system that is faster, more
reliable and more efficient than ordinary buses.
Always concerned about the environment, the STL will be striving to
promote eco-driving principles among its drivers—principles that are
both economical and ecological.
In the coming months, the STL will subject its new all-electric bus to a
battery of tests. It has planned to purchase only hybrid buses starting
in 2014.
These initiatives come within the intent of Laval's Sustainable Mobility Plan, adopted in 2011 and geared toward a substantial decrease in greenhouse
gas emissions.
In the same vein, the recent launch of STL Sustainable Mobility Solution should be mentioned as a reminder. This green-driven advisory service is
offered to businesses and institutions wanting to optimize their
employees' commuting habits.
In addition, the STL has just announced its intention to ratify the
Charter on Sustainable Development of the International Association of
Public Transport. This organization has over 3,000 members and to date,
only 5% have been allowed to sign the Charter.
Slight fare increase
The budget provides for an average fare increase of 2.4%, starting
January 1, 2013. It is interesting to note that there is a freeze on
cash fares. As a result, the cash fare will remain at $3 and the Smog Alert fare at $1. The increase, applicable to local fares, is less than the
one announced by other mass transit operators in Greater Montréal.
The STL, facts and figures
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The STL operates over 20 million runs annually.
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The STL has rolled out its STLSynchro system, which informs transit users, in real time, about bus schedules
and progress along the routes.
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The overhaul of its bus network, made necessary by the extension of the
metro to Laval, has given rise to a 32% increase in service, faster
trips, more direct bus routes and a greater frequency of buses outside
rush hours, on evenings and weekends along 12 routes.
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The STL has also joined forces with the Association québécoise de lutte
contre la pollution atmosphérique, Communauto and the Carpooling
Network, to promote sustainable transportation in Laval.
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The fare policy is particularly designed to encourage families to use
public transit: All adults paying their fare on weekends and holidays
may be accompanied, free of charge, by up to five children age 11 and
under. This policy also applies to every day in the summer, July 1 -
Labour Day. In addition, the STL's $1 fares on summer smog days are a
first in Québec.
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All vehicles on its fleet use biodiesel B5.
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The STL is registered on Twitter and has its own Facebook page, where it
announces service notices.
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The STL offers riders the opportunity to register on MySTL in order to
receive notices on the bus routes that they usually take.
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Since the roll-out, in 2009, of its vehicle scheduling control system,
the STL's on-time performance rates continue to improve and, to date,
it has succeeded in achieving rates of over 92%.
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The STL has received a number of awards of distinction, including one
from the AQTR in 2010: the Grand Prix for excellence in mass transit,
positioning it as an outstanding corporation.
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In 2011, the STL was honoured with the AQTR's general public
communication award for its Smog Alert program.
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In 2011, the STL undertook a feasibility study to examine the viability
of implementing an aerial tramway (gondola service) on its territory.
This study is an additional project over and above the measures in the
Sustainable Mobility Plan. The steps being taken in this regard are
supported by Ville de Laval, the Agence métropolitaine de transport and
Hydro-Québec.
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A new program—STL Sustainable Mobility Solution—was launched in May
2012. This program is designed for organizations concerned with finding
ways of more efficiently managing their employees' commuting.
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In May 2012, the STL was honoured with the 2012 Corporate Leadership
Award in the Innovation category, for its CLIC carpooling project with
electric vehicles.
SOURCE: SOCIETE DE TRANSPORT DE LAVAL