STO service review underway for Aylmer and Plateau sectors
Taylor Clark
With the impending expansion of the Cégep de l’Outaouais’ Gabrielle-Roy campus, the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) has launched a public consultation to review and improve the service offered in the Aylmer and Plateau sectors.
Last October, the Government of Quebec announced major investments to expand the Gabrielle-Roy campus that would allow Cégep to welcome an additional 1,500 students and offer new programs in the coming years.
“Inevitably, this will increase all the demands for transport,” said STO’s public affairs manager José Lafleur. “That’s why we’re reconsidering what type of service we’re offering towards Cégep.”
With travel time running long to Cégep, Lafleur said STO planned to optimize service by including new circuits and schedules for routes 49, 50, 52, and 56 as well as discontinuing route 54. The proposed changes were the reflection of comments received by students, riders, and drivers along with ridership data.
To facilitate the changes, a complete overhaul of the Gabrielle-Roy terminal was expected to take place during the summer.
Lafleur said the over 20-year-old infrastructure no longer met today’s standards or operational needs like hosting regular or articulated buses.
The redevelopment will incorporate 12 platforms suitable for articulated buses, accessible facilities, five double bus shelters, two semi-enclosed heated waiting areas, new urban furniture, and message boards for travelers.
The STO assured the construction work would have minor impacts on its transportation service. The new terminus was anticipated to be up and operational once the school year kicks off and fall service starts at the end of August.
The online questionnaire regarding the service changes can be completed up until March 17 at www.sto.ca/consultation. The feedback will be used to refine the initial service proposal.
Photo caption: The Société de transport de l’Outaouais offers a rendering of the new look for the Gabrielle-Roy terminal to facilitate new service changes.
Photo credit: Société de transport de l’Outaouais Website
