STL set to launch access to real-time
State-of-the-art system puts Laval ahead of the rest
Published September 23 , 2009
By Silvet Ali• TLN

Beginning this November, the Société de transport de Laval (STL) will be installing electronic signposts on buses and high-traffic bus shelters so users can have up-to-the-minute details on their specific route. Since last April, all STL vehicles have been fitted with a Vehicle Scheduling Control System (VSCS) which tracks the buses, helps keep to schedules, and simplifies communication between drivers and supervisors.
"Studies show that what public transit users like the least is waiting for the bus. For us, there's only three ways to regulate this problem and it includes increasing our service, giving more precise information to clients, and assuring our service is reliable and punctual," said STL General Manager Pierre Giard on September 17 at STL headquarters.

A first in Canada
The inception of this new service will make Laval the first city in Canada to offer public transit users real-time information. Whether the bus is stuck in traffic, running late due to a snowstorm, or actually running ahead of schedule - the information will be available to users online with the click of a button. "What we want is to give precise information to our clients so that they are not too early or too late," said Giard.

Electronic displays installed on buses and at one hundred of the city's busiest stops will also offer the same information. Travellers who carry a Blackberry or an iPhones will be able to access the information directly on their cell phones. An iPhone application called My STL is already available for free download. Users will be able to track their buses on a real-time map of Laval. It will also be possible to have alerts and information sent by cell phone (SMS) to subscribers of My STL or by calling the Chronobus line (450) 686-1000. The information relayed will be in real-time as opposed to rough estimates.
The project is an investment of $6.5 million, with 75% coming from the Transport Minister. Giard believes that this is an investment well-worth it. ""Punctuality is a tough job for our drivers. We have 65 000 customers a day, we have 65 000 appointments a day. This will help us improve our service dramatically," he stated.

Increased frequency
This fall, the STL will also be increasing bus frequency on twelve bus lines which include: 26, 39, 40, 42, 46, 50, 56, 66, 70, 76, 144, and 151. The frequency of these routes will double during off-peak hours and the initiative represents 1,129 additional trips per week outside rush hours and weekends.
The increase in service will be investment of $2.5 million for the STL, with 50% coming from the provincial government. "It's the biggest increase in frequency on the STL's network. We are meeting a demand," noted Giard.
As the transition period continues, the STL is hoping to be a few months ahead of Toronto, which will be installing 350 electronic panels of the same type in 2010. The STL is getting an early start by beginning installations in November and is estimating it will be complete by March 2010. "Our web site will be remodelled to adjust to the new changes," said Giard. To check the new schedules and for more information, visit the STL site at www.stl.laval.qc.ca.