RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATIONS: MEASURES FOR PARATRANSIT SERVICES

Longueuil, June 4, 2020 – Following the gradual return to normal operations announced by the Québec government, the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) has adopted a series of measures in anticipation of welcoming back paratransit users who have not used the service since the start of the pandemic.

To keep its users and drivers safe, the RTL, in conjunction with its suppliers Transdev, Chartrand Inc., Radio Taxi Union, and Allo Taxi, has introduced several measures based on public health recommendations since the start of the pandemic. These measures will remain in place for as long as necessary. Here are some examples:

• Reviewing procedures and increasing the frequency of cleanings in all vehicles;
• Cleaning high-touch surfaces, such as seat belts and door handles;
• Reducing the number of passengers in taxis and minibuses. For safety and logistical reasons, personal attendants are always authorized on vehicles;
• Drivers and users wearing a face covering (strongly recommended);
• Distributing face coverings to users to encourage this practice;
• Installing physical barriers in some vehicles over the coming weeks (by suppliers).

Note that our drivers are still providing assistance to users of the door-to-door paratransit service.
In addition to these measures, both drivers and users must comply with recommended public health measures, such as coughing into the elbow, washing hands often, and staying home at the first sign of symptoms of COVID-19. Since protecting users remains the top priority, the paratransit service is monitoring the current situation very closely.

“As restrictions are gradually lifted, the number of paratransit users is likely to increase over the coming weeks. Our team is ready, having put in place all the necessary measures to keep our users safe. I’m convinced that our suppliers, drivers, and users appreciated—and continue to appreciate—all the efforts we’ve made over the past several weeks to adapt to the situation,” said Jonathan Tabarah, Chairman of the RTL Board of Directors.

We wish to remind users of our dedicated web page 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. Paratransit users will also be sent targeted communications about the measures that concern them.

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.