PROVINCIAL BUDGET: RTL WELCOMES FUNDS ALLOCATED TO REBUILDING ITS SAINT HUBERT OPERATING CENTRE
Longueuil, March 25, 2021 – The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) welcomes the funds earmarked by the Québec government in today’s provincial budget for the reconstruction of its Saint-Hubert operating centre.
“We are delighted with today’s announcement by the provincial government. The RTL has been trying for decades to raise the money needed to upgrade the Saint-Hubert operating centre. Several studies have demonstrated a pressing need to rebuild the garage,” stated Jonathan Tabarah, Chairman of the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) Board of Directors.
The proposed scenarios for the rebuild account for the shift toward electrification undertaken by the RTL with the purchase of its first five 30-foot electric midibuses and the impending purchase (in 2022) of five 40-foot electric buses. In so doing, the RTL hopes to contribute to reaching the target set in the Québec government’s 2030 Plan for a Green Economy.
“With the electrification of our buses and the need to convert our garages to electricity, this investment gives us hope that we will be able to continue our mission and provide quality working conditions for our employees. We wish to thank the Québec government, the Minister of Transport, François Bonardel, and the Minister for Transport, Chantal Rouleau,” added Jonathan Tabarah.
With the funds confirmed by the Québec government, the RTL will be able to develop and submit a feasibility study to Cabinet and then develop the business case for final authorization.
The reconstruction project will enable the RTL to continue to provide reliable public transit service for citizens, contribute to reducing GHG emissions by converting to electricity, and build more sustainable facilities that meet current standards.
Moreover, this project does not require the use of new land as it will take place on the existing site in Saint-Hubert. LEED certification will also be sought for the new facilities, and special attention will be given to reducing noise levels for the surrounding area.
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.