LAVAL, QC, July 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting today, Laval cyclists will be able to combine bus and bike to save time and cover longer distances when commuting to and from work or travelling back and forth for leisure activities, thanks to Cyclobus, a system of bicycle racks that are easy to use and free of charge.
This brand new service will be available gradually during the month of July on the buses along the 60 route all summer long, with a bike rack, which can accommodate up to two bicycles, installed on the front of each bus. This bus line has been chosen due to the fact that it is so well located, reaching the City's major arteries in addition to many of Laval residents' popular destinations—such as Centre Laval, the Centropolis and Carrefour Laval as well as Saint-Martin and Des Laurentides boulevards. The 60 bus line also leads to east-west bicycle paths and to Cartier and Montmorency metro stations, where bicycles are allowed aboard the first two metro cars.
Bike racks will be installed on all STL buses next year, to meet the needs in greater and greater demand by many people wanting to combine the two methods in order to optimize their transportation routine and improve their quality of life in a number of ways. Bike racks will be available May 1 - October 31, depending on periods of use, which will vary based on sunrise and sunset times. Their use will also be subject to certain conditions that will be explained on the STL's website.
"The installation of bike racks on STL buses is in keeping with our objective of helping Laval residents better manage their mobility and cut down on single-occupancy vehicle use, through alternate means of transportation. The bus-and-bike duo is a winning combination for those who want to keep fit, while adopting a fast, reliable, economical way of getting around," pointed out Guy Picard, the STL's General Manager. "More and more carriers around the world are increasingly accommodating cyclists and, from now on, the STL is among them."
As it may be recalled, 46% of Laval's cycling network is completely separate from the roadway and 42% extends along a roadside bicycle lane. In addition, both the east-west and north-south sections are almost totally paved and accessible to cyclists.
Further information on the procedures for using Cyclobus bike racks may be found on the STL's website (www.stl.laval.qc.ca) or by phoning the Customer Contact Centre at 450 688-6520.
The STL, facts and figures
- The STL operates over 20 million runs annually.
- The STL has rolled out its STLSynchro system, which informs transit users, in real time, about bus schedules and progress along the routes.
- 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 on 12 routes.
- 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.
- 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.
- All vehicles on its fleet use biodiesel B5.
- The STL is registered on Twitter and has its own Facebook page, where it announces service notices.
- The STL offers riders the opportunity to register on MySTL to receive notices on the bus routes that they usually take.
- Since the roll-out, in 2009, of its vehicle scheduling control system, the STL's on-time performance has been on the rise, to over 92%.
- 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.
- In 2011, the STL is prize winner of AQTR best communication advertising campain for its Smog Alert Program.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Marie-Céline Bourgault
Director, Communications & Marketing
Société de transport de Laval
450 662-5429
[email protected]
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