Monday May 11, 2020
COVID-19 - RTL ready to resume operations
Longueuil, May 11, 2020 – The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) is ready to welcome users back once the provincial government gives the green light for activities to resume.
Since the start of the pandemic and the confinement period, the RTL has implemented several measures to protect its users and employees. Here are some examples:
Since the start of the pandemic and the confinement period, the RTL has implemented several measures to protect its users and employees. Here are some examples:
- Review and increase in the frequency of cleanings in our buses and facilities;
- Boarding through the rear doors to protect our drivers;
- Reduction in the number of passengers in paratransit vehicles;
- Installation of a hand sanitizer dispenser at the Longueuil terminal and various physical distancing measures at the terminal and ticket counter;
- Continuous adjustments to our services, including adding buses to allow for physical distancing on board.
“Our management team quickly set up an emergency response committee to monitor the situation on a daily basis and identify measures to be put in place as the pandemic evolves,” said Jonathan Tabarah, Chairman of the RTL Board of Directors. “This was all done in close collaboration with our three unions (the RTL bus drivers’ union [CUPE], Local 3333, the maintenance workers’ union [CSN], and the office workers’ union [CUPE], Local 3332), whom I would like to thank for their support.”
In preparation for a return to normal operations, the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has published a document for transit corporations, entitled Workplace Sanitary Standards Guide for the Public Transportation Sector – COVID-19. “Because we were directly involved in developing this guide, most of the recommendations have already been implemented by the RTL,” continued Mr. Tabarah.
Over the coming weeks, the RTL will install physical barriers between drivers and passengers and resume boarding by the front door so that users can validate their transit passes.
The RTL recommends that users wear a homemade face covering or mask when using public transit, in accordance with public health recommendations. To encourage this practice, the RTL, in collaboration with the ARTM, STM, exo, and STL, will hand out face coverings to their users. The RTL will also provide washable face coverings for its staff.
For employees and users alike, this is an additional precaution they need to take in public places, on top of the other recommended measures such as physical distancing, coughing into the elbow, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick. Washing our hands regularly is a simple, essential gesture that must be made part of our everyday life.
“We realize that this is an unprecedented and extremely challenging time for us all. However, I am convinced that both our employees and our users appreciated and continue to appreciate all the efforts we’ve made in recent weeks to adapt to the situation. Our employees are proud to welcome you on board our buses and look forward to seeing you again,” concluded the Chairman of the RTL Board of Directors.
We wish to remind users of our dedicated webpage listing the measures taken by the RTL in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also encourage you to consult the public notices on a regular basis.
In preparation for a return to normal operations, the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has published a document for transit corporations, entitled Workplace Sanitary Standards Guide for the Public Transportation Sector – COVID-19. “Because we were directly involved in developing this guide, most of the recommendations have already been implemented by the RTL,” continued Mr. Tabarah.
Over the coming weeks, the RTL will install physical barriers between drivers and passengers and resume boarding by the front door so that users can validate their transit passes.
The RTL recommends that users wear a homemade face covering or mask when using public transit, in accordance with public health recommendations. To encourage this practice, the RTL, in collaboration with the ARTM, STM, exo, and STL, will hand out face coverings to their users. The RTL will also provide washable face coverings for its staff.
For employees and users alike, this is an additional precaution they need to take in public places, on top of the other recommended measures such as physical distancing, coughing into the elbow, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick. Washing our hands regularly is a simple, essential gesture that must be made part of our everyday life.
“We realize that this is an unprecedented and extremely challenging time for us all. However, I am convinced that both our employees and our users appreciated and continue to appreciate all the efforts we’ve made in recent weeks to adapt to the situation. Our employees are proud to welcome you on board our buses and look forward to seeing you again,” concluded the Chairman of the RTL Board of Directors.
We wish to remind users of our dedicated webpage listing the measures taken by the RTL in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also encourage you to consult the public notices on a regular basis.
About the RTL
The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) is the main transit provider for individuals within the five cities that comprise the Agglomération de Longueuil.
The third-largest public transit organization in Québec, the RTL operates a network of 793 kilometres. With some 1,100 employees, the RTL is a major employer that contributes to the economic vitality of the region.
Ever receptive to its users, the RTL plays a key role in the lives of the people and the communities it serves by providing solutions that are efficient, innovative, and adapted to the evolving needs
of its clientele. Improving quality of life for the citizens of the Agglomération de Longueuil is a top priority for the RTL.