2017 STL Budget - As of January, travel to downtown Laval for free

LAVAL, QC, Dec. 9, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - By adopting the Société de transport de Laval's 2017 budget, Laval's Municipal Council has enacted a free shuttle service to downtown Laval.

Free access on the 360 bus line
With the goal of encouraging active travel and ensuring connectivity between the outskirts of Laval and the downtown core, the STL, in partnership with the City of Laval, will be offering free travel on the 360 bus line, as of January 7, 2017. The line will be operating on weekends throughout the year and seven days a week over the summer period. As a reminder, the number 360 bus line started in 2016 as the fruit of a partnership between stakeholders Laval's tourism and recreational sector who wanted to facilitate access to local attractions.

The 2017 Budget
The STL's 2017 operating budget, increased by 5.8 %, is now set at $144.6 M and the Three-year Investment Plan has been raised to $165.4 M. The average fare increase for the STL is just
1.7 % which includes a freeze on the cash fare and a slight increase to the STL monthly passes and on blocks of eight fares. These new rates will come into effect as of January 1, 2017. "This increase in fare will actually be lower than anticipated. Which is remarkable, given that the 2017 budget includes a 1.4% increase to our service offer. Additionally, with the implementation of preferential bus measures (PBM) and its 14.4 kilometres of reserved bus lanes, our riders can expect more efficient transportation on our network" adds David De Cotis, President of the STL's Board of Directors.

In terms of continuity, this new financial framework will allow the STL to achieve its strategic objectives of growing ridership above Laval's population increase and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10 % for every kilometre covered by 2018.

We would also like to add that the City of Laval remains a major player in the development of Laval's transportation system. In addition to supporting the STL financially, the City of Laval actively participates in the implementation of large scale projects across the city. For 2017, the City's financial contributions increased by 7.3% to $70.2 M. "This confirms the municipal council's desire to make public transit a core element of sustainable mobility in Laval" adds David De Cotis.

2017 Project details:

• Increasing the mileage service offer by 1.4% and adding accessible buses lines;
• Improving accessibility at bus stops;
• Renewing the STL's Quality Commitment;
• Free service on the 360 bus line to downtown Laval;
• Pursuing the use of communications technology;
• Pilot projects: two new payments methods to be tested;
• Pursuing the bus electrification program: studies, acquiring charging stations and generators, acquiring and equipping 10 electrical buses;
• Implementing Preferential bus measures (PBM);
• Launching studies for the pursuit of PBM implementation projects - Phase 2;
• Kickstarting the study for a new phase of garage expansions;
• Deploying dedicated resources for continued improvement.

For more information about the 360 bus line's schedule and route, visit stl.laval.qc.ca.

New fares effective as of January 1, 2017

Single fare	Regular fare:	$3.25 (in cash or by chip)
	Smog fare*:	$1.00 (cash)
STL monthly "Subscription"	Regular fare:	$93.00
	Student fare**:	$74.50
	Reduced fare***:	$56.00
STL "Subscription" July-August 2017	Reduced fare***:	$64.00 (valid for July and August) (XTRA Fare)
Ticket block	Regular fare:	$22.50 (block of 8 fares)
	Reduced fare***:	$15.75 (block of 8 fares)
OPUS card:	Without photo:	$6.00
	With photo:	$15.00
Horizon 65+:	Offered exclusively to Laval residents aged 65 and older for free
360 Bus line :	Offered free as of January 7, 2017****

*       Smog fare: from July 1st of the current year to the first Monday in the month of September in the same year.

**      Student fare: students between the ages of 17 and 26 years of age as of October 31 of the current year.

***   Reduced fare: students of less than 18 years as of October 31 of the current year and people aged 65 and older not residing in Laval.

**** 360 Bus Line: as of January 7, 2017, the 360 bus line will be running on weekends throughout the year and seven days a week over the summer period.

SOURCE Société de transport de Laval

Source: Julien Gingras-Palardy, Consultant, Communications and marketing, 450 662-5400 extension 8393, [email protected]