The STL launches "Operation Smog Alert" - It will cost only a dollar to travel with the STL

LAVAL, QC, May 29, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The STL (Société de transport de Laval) is launching again this year its Operation Smog Alert to encourage residents to use public transit during the summer, on smog days.

First introduced in 2008 and starting June 1, this measure consists of reducing the bus fare to just $1 on smog days and is designed to promote the use of public transit and, at the same time, to cut down on the number of vehicles on the road, which are largely responsible for air pollution. The STL's cash fare is normally $3.25; the special $1 fare granted to riders on smog days therefore corresponds to an important discount on the regular price.

Operation Smog Alert will be in effect every smog day in the summer, June 1 – Labour Day, September 1, 2014. When the air quality goes below acceptable health standards, Environment Canada issues the smog warnings.

"It's a very concrete opportunity to try public transit, especially for Laval residents who aren't very familiar with the STL's network" stated President of the STL's Board of Directors, Mr. David De Cotis.

A responsible, environmentally-sensitive corporation, the STL distinguished itself in 2008 by creating its Smog Alerts, thereby becoming the first and only carrier in Québec to actively take part in the battle to improve the air quality with a special fare policy.

It is estimated that this incentive could prompt 1,500 motorists to get off our roads in one single day. The operation is therefore good for the environment, as it helps convince motorists to leave their vehicles at home on smog days.

As soon as the warning is given, in the late afternoon, the STL puts its Smog Alert process into action and this process will remain in effect all throughout the following day. The fare discount will then be announced to the various media, on Ville de Laval's electronic signs and on the variable message signs of the ministère des Transports du Québec, which are located along the main highway corridors in the area.

The STL in Facts and Figures

• The STL makes over 20 million trips annually.
• The STL has launched the STL Synchro system to informs transit users, in real-time, about bus schedules and routes.
• Our fare policy is designed to encourage families to use public transit: an adult paying a regular fare on weekends and holidays may be accompanied by up to five children of 11 years of age or under at no extra charge. This policy also applies to summer day fares from July 1 to Labour Day. Our new $1 fare on smog alert days over the summer is a first in Québec.
• The STL has also teamed up with the Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique, and Communauto.
• The STL is now posting news and announcing service notices on its Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• The STL offers transit users the opportunity to receive notices about their favourite bus routes and find out what's new at the STL by signing up for My STL.
• The STL has increased its on-time performance to nearly 90% since the introduction of its Vehicle Scheduling Control System in 2009.
• The STL has recently received a number of awards and distinctions including the Grand Prix for excellence in public transit from the AQTR in 2010 ranking it as an outstanding corporation.
• In 2011, the STL received the Communication Grand Public award from the AQTR for its Smog Alert program.
• In May 2012, the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) presented the STL with its Corporate Leadership Award in the Innovation category for its CLIC project: carpooling with electric vehicles.
• In May 2012, the STL launched the new STL Sustainable Mobility Solution service. This program is designed for companies and organizations concerned about finding ways to more efficiently manage commuting for their employees.
• In November 2012, the STL signed the International Association of Public Transport's UITP Charter on Sustainable Development.
• In March 2013, the STL became the first public transit corporation in Québec to be certified as a Healthy Enterprise.
• In May 2013, the AQTr awarded the STL their Coup de cœur du jury d'honneur award for two projects: Operational support and user information system for paratransit (SAEIV) and CLIC the electric carpooling project launched in conjunction with the AMT.
• In June 2013, the CUTA awarded the STL with two Corporate Leadership Awards: one in the Innovation category for its Operational support and user information system for paratransit (SAEIV) and other in the Marketing and Communications category for the Let's Develop Together contest.
• In November 2013, the STL received a special mention from the Institut de l'administration publique du Québec, in the e-Government category (Gouvernement en ligne) for its real time operational support and user information system for paratransit (OSIS).

SOURCE: Société de transport de Laval

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