STL begins new wheelchair access on No. 60 bus line

Since Nov. 5, the Société de Transport de Laval’s regular network of buses has become more accessible to persons who get around in wheelchairs and on three-and four-wheel electric scooters, thanks to some new access ramps.

The new ramps, which are attached to the front doorway of certain buses, is for STL users who are able to get on and off the bus autonomously, that is either by themselves or with the assistance of a companion. The service isn’t meant to replace paratransit service, which is still available for people who prefer that system or whose special needs require it.

No. 60 bus to start
The new ramps are being phased in gradually. At the moment, stops where the service is available are identified with a pictogram of a wheelchair both at the stop itself and on the STL’s website. But for the time being, the service is available only the No. 60 bus route, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
The Association lavalloise pour le transport adapté (ALTA), which was present at a press conference held at the STL’s Le Carrefour terminal on Nov. 4, is pleased with the implementation of the bus ramps. “I am very happy to know that I’ll be able to get around Laval on regular buses that are adapted,” said Jonathan Poulin, an ALTA member who uses a wheelchair.

More lines coming
Noting that everyone has a right to get around and to have access to public transit services, STL board president Jean-Jacques Beldié said the new access ramps will complement the adapted transportation services that the STL has offered for some time. According to Beldié, as soon as the STL is able to equip more of its buses with the ramps and the bus stops are modified to indicate the service is available, the STL will be expanding the service to other bus lines.

Booklet available
An English-language booklet (Transit User’s Guide: Accessibility to the regular network) is available from the STL. It contains valuable information on using buses equipped with the new ramps, such as the maximum size of wheelchairs or scooters, which can be no wider than 29 inches (73.66 centimetres) and no longer than 46 inches (116.84 centimetres). Further information can be obtained from the STL’s customer contact centre at (450) 688-6520.