Surrounded by several representatives of the Conseil Intermunicipal de transport La Presqu’Île, Pierre Kary, mayor of Saint-Lazare, officially unveiled the details of the bus 51 route, thereby launching the town’s new public transportation service. In the presence of CIT La Presqu’Île’s vice-president Michel Pratte, CIT executive director and secretary-treasurer Manon Charest, Transbus’ director of operations Michel Dupuis, representatives and elected officials, namely District 2 councillor Nathalie Richard, District 5 councillor Gilbert Arsenault, and District 3 councillor Brigitte Asselin, members of the media climbed aboard for the first official bus ride.

“We are very proud to board bus number 51 today, exclaimed Mayor Pierre Kary. Ecologically viable means of transportation are one of the great assets of the 21st century”, he added. “The members of council are proud to see Saint-Lazare enter the era of responsible management! Starting at 4:59 on Monday, August 30, whether you need to get to school, to work or to an appointment in our area or in the metropolitan area, you will be able to choose to take the bus! Furthermore, the commuter train (AMT) and bus (CITPI) operators have given us an exceptional zone 5 designation for 2010, which translates into a reduced rate for residents”.

The bus route was designed to take into account the council’s main goals, which are to service as many residents as possible, keep reasonable travel times to the Vaudreuil train station, synchronise the bus schedule with the timetables of other local transportation services, offer an adequate frequency of service and ensure user safety at bus stops. During the coming year, the Town council will monitor user habits and the present route may later be modified to better answer the needs of the passengers. The council is committed to providing a service which will meet the demand and be flexible enough to attract residents.

“This is the kind of project that requires the involvement and cooperation of various parties, said Mayor Kary. I would like to thank my colleagues from the municipal council, members of the CIT La Presqu’Île, especially Mr. Pilon, Ms. Charest, Mr. Pratte and municipal employees including Mr. Daniel Boyer, who all played a part in providing the population of Saint-Lazare with this service,” he concluded.

The service’s annual operation cost is estimated at $315,000. Bus fees and government subsidies will cover part of this cost and the rest will come from the Town’s general fund.

Users will soon be able to purchase tickets at the Saint-Lazare Pharmaprix located at 1780 Chemin Sainte-Angélique. Meanwhile, tickets can be purchased at the various points of service published on the CIT La Presqu’Île website. Users may also buy tickets directly from the bus driver if they have the exact amount. People wishing to take advantage of Saint-Lazare’s public transportation service are invited to contact the CIT La Presqu’Île for the latest information on the route, timetable and costs.

CIT La Presqu’Île, 418 Avenue Saint-Charles, suite 211, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec.
Tel. : 450 424-2485 · Fax : 450 424-4810.
www.citlapresquile.qc.ca · info@citlapresquile.qc.ca