Smog Alert at the STL - A CONCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE!

LAVAL, QC, Sept. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société de transport de Laval (STL) moved into action last Tuesday, with its Smog Alert operation, which went very well for the 3-day effort that was involved. The STL's special $1 fare helped attract more than 15,300 additional trips on its buses, up over 7% compared to the results recorded at the same time last year.

As it may be recalled, the fare discount is offered on the day after a smog warning is issued by Environment Canada. This was the second such smog alert this summer: The 5-day alert during the week of July 4 also increased bus trips over 7%.

This incentive measure came to an end yesterday, as this program is in effect June 1 to Labour Day.

The STL is the only carrier in Québec with an incentive fare policy on smog days in order to improve the air quality.

The STL, facts and figures

• The STL operates over 20 million runs annually.
• The overhaul of the bus network, made necessary by the extension of the metro to Laval, gave rise to a 28% increase in service, faster trips and more direct bus routes.
• The frequency of buses outside rush hours, on evenings and weekends, has doubled on 12 routes since August 2009.
• 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.
• It is also partnering with the Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique, Communauto and The Carpooling Network to promote sustainable transportation in Laval.
• All vehicles on its fleet use biodiesel B5.
• The STL has its own page on Facebook and Twitter, where it announces service notices and detours.
• 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%.
• In February 2010, STL Chairman Jean-Jacques Beldié received the Guy-Chartrand award, in the Public Transit Development and Improvement category.
• The STL was honoured with the AQTR's Mass Transit award and Distinction award for its STL Synchro system.

For further information:

Marie-Céline Bourgault
Director, Communications & Marketing
Société de transport de Laval
450 662-5429
[email protected]