EXO, RTL AND STL ISSUE CHALLENGE TO PARTICIPANTS!
Cooperathon – 2021 Edition
Montréal, September 30, 2021 – exo, the RTL, and the STL are proud partners of the 2021 edition of Cooperathon, the largest open innovation competition in Canada. For the occasion, they are challenging participants to take on an issue related to public transit.
By asking the following question, “How to boost the use of public transit in a post-pandemic context?,” exo, the RTL, and the STL are calling on participants to submit their innovative ideas for bolstering public transit use. Starting September 28, experts from the three public transit authorities will work with the competitors to bring their projects to life.
“The pandemic dealt a huge blow to the public transit sector, which saw a drastic drop in ridership in the Montréal area. In an effort to bounce back, transit companies have taken several measures to slowly get the industry back on track, but there’s still a long way to go. The success of this challenge will depend largely on innovation,” declared STL general director Guy Picard.
“Faced with a new post-pandemic world, this challenge will help us develop new approaches and new tools that will encourage users to choose public transit, thereby contributing to sustainable development. To do this, we must adapt our services to the needs of the population, but first we need to understand their travel intentions. All the tools or platforms developed for this purpose will help us to respond better and more proactively to this new situation. All for the benefit of the user, who is central to our mission!” stated Michel Veilleux, Executive Director of the RTL.
“The Cooperathon is a great opportunity to come up with innovative solutions for bringing users back into the public transit fold. Whether you’re a passionate innovator, a start-up, or an established business, we encourage you to accept the challenge and help us shape the mobility landscape of the future!” declared exo’s executive director Sylvain Yelle.
For more information about Cooperathon 2021’s Public transit and sustainable mobility challenge, click the following link: https://cooperathon.ca/?lang=en.
About exo
Since June 1, 2017, exo has operated regular bus and paratransit services on Montréal’s north and south shores, as well as the commuter train network in the Greater Montréal area. The second largest transit authority in Greater Montréal, its network includes 5 train lines, 242 bus lines, and 61 public taxi lines.
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.
About the STL
With a dedicated team of over 1,100 employees, the STL develops and operates an integrated network of buses, school transportation, public taxis and paratransit services that provide over 19 million trips every year.
The STL’s regular bus network has 47 lines with some 2,700 stops and covers over 1,500 kilometres on Laval’s territory. The STL is one of the most innovative transportation companies in North America. www.stlaval.ca.
About Cooperathon
Imagined and produced by Desjardins, the Cooperathon connects citizens, communities, entrepreneurs, researchers, academics and large institutions to develop a socially responsible future together. The 2021 edition is its 6th edition.
The Cooperathon, the largest open innovation competition in Canada, brings together more than 6,000 participants and 100 partner organizations, and mobilizes more than 550 mentors and volunteers.
Media information:
Catherine Maurice
Media Relations
Tel.: 514-287-2464, ext. 4057
medias@exo.quebec
Jean-Maxime St-Hilaire
Media Relations
Tel.: 514-287-2464, ext. 4057
medias@exo.quebec
Nadia Goyer
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Tel.: 438-492-0202
NGoyer@rtl-longueuil.qc.ca
Anne-Sophie Harrois
Communications and Public Affairs Advisor
Tel.: 514-566-1199
asharrois@stl.laval.qc.ca