STL Synchro - The stop informs you of bus arrival time!

LAVAL, Dec. 8 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société de transport de Laval (STL) is proud to introduce the electronic display units that it is installing at 80 of its busiest stops.

Named STL Synchro, these alphanumeric devices indicate, in real time, in how many minutes the next two buses will pass by. They can also display messages, if need be, to explain a delay, announce a detour or remind transit users of a holiday schedule.

They operate based on information from the vehicle scheduling control system that the STL acquired this year and that makes it possible to locate its vehicles, all of which have a GPS (global positioning system).

The STL is distinguishing itself by becoming the first public transit authority in Québec to set up electronic display units at its stops, using GPS technology, and the only one in Canada to put so many of them into operation.

The STL Synchro display units will be activated today for demonstration purposes and will be in operation permanently by February. In the meantime, one of the units will remain operational so that the STL can evaluate its riders' reactions.

A multimedia document will be available on our website: www.stl.laval.qc.ca.

In buses and on the web

Other display units, aboard buses, will indicate the next stop and possible transfers. This system will be activated next spring.

And lastly, on the STL's website, Internet users may save information on the routes they take most often: From now on, the home page will automatically provide Internet users with the schedule of the next three buses on the bus lines selected. The same information will also be available via text messaging or on Chronobus.

These initiatives bear witness to the STL's firm will to rank among the Canadian leaders of information to clientele in real times.

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 lines 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.
    - The STL is carrying out a feasibility study for a trolleybus network
      powered by electrical energy.
    - It is financing Éco Mobile à Laval, a major operation of Vélo Québec
      and aimed at promoting alternate solutions to car use.
    - 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, a fuel that comes from
      recycled oil that isn't made of corn.
    - By spring 2010, STL Synchro will be available on buses and via text
      messaging.
    

For further information: Marie-Céline Bourgault, Director, Communications and Marketing, Société de transport de Laval, [phone], [email protected]