Back to School schedule is out

STO proposes new changes for Aylmer starting in late August

Aylmer Bulletin staff

Come late August, Aylmer transit users will need to familiarize themselves with the new routes and numerous changes to STO bus routes. In mid-April, the STO announced that the modifications would increase service hours by 24,400 and increase kilometres travelled by 524,500. All the changes represent a $4 million investment.

“It’s important for the STO to listen to its customers. The STO is able to propose changes and improvements that have an impact on the quality of life of the clientele,” stated Myriam Nadeau, STO Chairwoman.

For Aylmer, the STO revised the local services, including during the off-peak periods, to better serve the growing sector.

One noteworthy change is the introduction of a modified route that will connect the Plateau and Aylmer neighbourhoods.

In off-peak periods, one route 34 trip per hour will be extended to the Allumettières park-and-ride via Vanier Road and du Plateau boulevard to create this new direct link between the northern part of Aylmer and the Plateau.

The popular Route 59 will also see its schedule improved with two additional trips from the Hippodrome stop during the AM peak periods, and two starting on the Quebec side during the PM peak periods. This last change is to address overcrowded buses for Hull workers who live in Aylmer. Moreover, Route 59 will run every 30 minutes at all times in the off-peak periods, including evenings and Sundays.

The STO also extended route 800 to the Allumettières park-and-ride through the Cèdres neighbourhood creating a direct link between the Gatineau and Hull sectors and Vieux-Aylmer.

This route, which runs along the Rapibus corridor to the Galeries Aylmer, will be extended to the Allumettières park-and-ride in the off-peak periods, providing a tourist route through the heart of Aylmer by linking Vieux-Aylmer, the marina and parc des Cèdres. The service will be extended until 10 pm on weekdays and 11 pm on weekends.

This will be an interesting option for Gatineau residents looking to discover Aylmer’s dynamic restaurant and bar scene.

While some routes are seeing improvements, route 51 will be discontinued and route 53 will be converted to route 52.

Route 52’s itinerary will be modified to link the Allumettières and Rivermead park-and-rides. The itinerary will include Front in Jardins-Lavigne and Samuel-Edey, Caveau, Vallon and Colline in the Seigneurie neighbourhood. Riders accustomed to taking Routes 44 and 46 or route 52 or 53 on Wilfrid-Lavigne will be able to take route 55.

 

Regular public transit members are represented on the STO board by François-Michel Brière. Additionally, at the beginning of each board meeting, the Board hosts a question period.