The Société de transport de Laval is launching the 3rd edition of Operation Smog Alert to encourage residents to use public transit during the summer on smog days.
First introduced in 2008 and now again today, 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 $2.75; the special $1 fare granted to riders on smog days therefore corresponds to a discount of nearly 64% on the regular price.
Operation Smog Alert will be in effect every smog day in the summer, June 1 – Labour Day, September 6, 2010.
"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.