Winds of Change at the STL

"The opening of the metro has changed the habits of public transport users," said Marie-Céline Bourgault, spokesperson for the STL. Even though service was re-worked in August 2007, the increase in users has forced the STL to review its strategies.

The development project will receive 50% of its funding from Transport Quebec and has asked the City of Laval to finance the remaining 50%.

"The plan puts forward a lot of changes," said Bourgault, "but they aren't going to go through tomorrow. Some will be developed over the long term up until 2011."

With this new plan, the STL hopes to boost service by 25% and its users by 13%.

The STL has had to make up for the decrease in usage experienced after the opening of the metro in the spring of 2007, and also for the increase since then of those using the bus to get to the metro stations.

"The STL has gone from 33 to 39 routes within one year, and also offers more service on its original routes as well," said Bourgault.

The plan forecasts heightened service outside of rush hour, particularly during evenings and weekends. "More routes will be added and a late night service will be introduced on main thoroughfares," said Bourgault.

Other projects are going to be pursued over the long term. The STL will consolidate service on a north-south route in order to facilitate access to the island of Montreal, and will add local routes in certain areas to respond to the needs of specific clientele such as senior citizens.

The STL is also planning to introduce automated systems to count those riding the buses. "This system will allow us to offer a service that is catered towards usage. With the counter the STL can readjust if there are too many users in one area," said Bourgault.

The readjustments will occur along with the changes in bus scheduling three times a year.

"Eventually, every bus will have the counter system with the goal of encouraging the use of public transportation," said Bourgault.

The system will be in place within the near future on the STL's 225 buses.

PHOTO DIGITALE: 1277 Maya

(Photo: Maya – Alariephoto)