Environmental management

The environment is part of the RTL's mission and one of its five core values.

Always concerned about the effects of its operations on the environment, the RTL has implemented an environmental management system (EMS).

Most of the RTL's environmental projects are aimed at the heart of its operations, i.e. the upgrading of its refuelling system (tanks and piping).

In addition, the RTL paints its vehicles with a product that was specially developed for its needs (isocyanate-free "future acrylic"). Since October 1993, the RTL also purchases and uses recycled motor oil.

The RTL also favours the use of recycled and recyclable paper for all its publications (brochures, annual reports, forms, stationery, etc.).

CONCRETE ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE 1989

In general, at the sites:

Upgrading and modernization of refuelling systems.

Electronic tank monitoring system, storage rooms and oil separators.

Implementation of a fluids management system for regular reconciliations of inventory vs. tanks.

Issue of the first annual report to the ministère de l'Environnement et de la Faune du Québec (MEFQ) on the production of hazardous waste.

Environmental compliance audit of the RTL's facilities.

Implementation of an infrastructure for the periodic characterization of wastewater produced by both operating centres.

Purchase and installation of hydraulic presses to compress waste oil filters.

Purchase of a compliant battery disposal container for the Saint-Hubert centre.

Upgrading of safety signage to current standards for hazardous materials storage areas (used batteries, used paint and solvents).

Periodic inspection of hazardous materials storage areas.

Implementation of an environmental monitoring system.

Increased use of recycled and recyclable paper for all its publications (brochures, annual reports, forms, stationery, etc.).

Installation of bus shelter benches made with recycled materials.

Hiring, for the transportation and disposal of waste, of specialized contractors having all the required permits and certificates.

Implementation of a paper and cardboard recycling program.

Implementation of a recycling program for batteries, tires and printer cartridges.

Replacement of all underground tanks by aboveground tanks at the Longueuil centre.

Vehicle maintenance:

All buses were painted with an isocyanate-free paint that was specially developed for the RTL.

Installation of new mufflers on articulated buses, with a resulting noise reduction from 75 to 69 decibels.

Installation of a spill-proof system on bus tanks and refuelling stations.

In 1994, the RTL decided to equip its future Classic buses with EPA-certified engines instead of buying cheaper but less fuel-efficient engines.

In fact, for the same power output, the selected engines are 365 kg lighter and therefore use less fuel.

Use of asbestos-free brake linings.

In 1996, introduction of new low-floor buses equipped with more fuel-efficient engines.