The STL Launches the 5th Edition of "Operation Smog Alert": It Will Drop its Fares 67% on Summer Smog Days

LAVAL, QC, May 31, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Société de transport de Laval is launching the 5th edition of 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 $3.00; the special $1 fare granted to riders on smog days therefore corresponds to a discount of nearly 67% on the regular price.

Operation Smog Alert will be in effect every smog day in the summer, June 1 - Labour Day, September 3, 2012.

"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 STL Chairman Jean-Jacques Beldié.

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 3,000 motorists to get off our roads in one single day—half in the morning and as many in the evening. The operation is therefore good for the environment, as it helps convince motorists to leave their vehicles at home on smog days.

When the air quality goes below acceptable health standards, Environment Canada issues the smog warnings.

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, 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.
  
  
• In May 2012, the new service STL Solution mobilité durable has been launched. This program is for organizations concerned with more efficient management of travel for their employees.

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