Your itinerary is just a few clicks away - Orléans Express is now on Google Maps

MONTREAL, April 4, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Keolis Canada is proud to announce that it has posted the schedules and fares for all Orléans Express routes in Google Maps. Users can now access routes for some 200 municipalities and 8 regions of Quebec. Google Maps is an easy way to get complete public transit itineraries. The feature determines the best route available and provides links for users to purchase tickets from the Orléans Express website.

Travelers can even search by desired arrival time and have the system suggest the best route. Google Maps can also provide door-to-door itineraries for the Montreal-Quebec City corridor using data from the relevant cities' transit authorities (STM and RTC for example).

"We jumped at the chance to partner with Google Maps—a popular, powerful, easy-to-use online tool for travelers," explained Marc-André Varin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Communications with Keolis Canada. "Intermodal transportation is becoming increasingly popular, so posting all our information in Google Maps was a no-brainer. It will only strengthen Orléans Express's position as a responsible transportation leader."

Orléans Express: Putting innovation to work for riders

Partnering with Google is just the latest chapter in Orléans Express' tradition of innovation. The company has already rolled out free onboard Wi-Fi and new buses equipped with seatbelts and electrical and USB outlets.

"We are pleased to welcome Orléans Express to Google Maps. This partnership shows Orléans Express' commitment to innovating, as well as serving and attracting new riders. Together we can provide useful and accurate information to help people quickly get to where they want to go," said Ryan Poscharsky, Strategic Partner Manager at Google.

This initiative was made possible by Evollia, an online business solution provider. The company developed a General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) file containing routes, schedules, stops, and fares and provided the technical support needed.

"Thanks to Evollia, we have a highly accessible online service catering to a wide range of current and potential customers, including travelers, students, retirees, people with reduced mobility, and tourists. We hope this tool will attract new users so they too can discover the many advantages of traveling with Orléans Express," added Varin.

About Autocars Orléans Express

Founded in 1990, Autocars Orléans Express is the leading intercity passenger coach line in Québec. The company serves the Montréal - Québec corridor as well as the Mauricie, Centre-du-Québec, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions. Its ultramodern fleet covers an average of 12 million km every year. Orléans Express also offers courier service through its Expedibus division, provides charter services, and operates bus stations, including Gare du Palais and Sainte-Foy Terminus in Quebec City. Orléans Express is owned by Keolis Canada.

About Keolis Canada

Keolis Canada specializes in passenger coach transportation in Québec. From scheduled intercity services to charter, airport, urban, school, and paratransit services, Keolis Canada is proud to provide safe, reliable quality service with a team of over 788 qualified, experienced employees.

Keolis Canada operates a fleet of 385 vehicles, including 75 intercity coaches, carrying 1.1 million passengers and over 1 million packages a year. Keolis Canada is owned by the French firm Groupe Keolis.

SOURCE: Keolis Canada

For further information:

Source:  
Marc-André Varin
Vice President, Business Development,
Marketing, and Communications
Keolis Canada
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Information:  
Raphaëlle Cyr-Lelièvre
Consultant
H+K Strategies
Telephone: [phone], ext. 231
Cell: 418-580-0040
Email: [e-mail]