Public transportation in the rural community continues to grow in popularity in the Haut-Saint-Laurent and Beauharnois-Salaberry MRC territories. As a result, the MRCs have decided to combine their Taxibus services and have signed a new three year agreement.
Initially a pilot project, this partnership became official at the unveiling of a new visual identity on Tuesday at the Town Hall in Saint-Étienne-de-Beauharnois. This agreement will allow the MRCs to optimise management, operation and promotion of Taxibus use in the 13 municipalities that receive the service.
« This partnership constitutes a crucial stage in the development of transportation being offered to populations living in rural municipalities. », declared François Landreville, Directer General of the Haut-Saint-Laurent MRC. « This agreement will help achieve the goals set for the next few years; raise awareness about the service to promote twinning transportation and optimize the operating costs, » explained Maude Laberge, Mayor of Sainte-Martine,.
A positive roadmap
Accessible to rural areas of the Haut-Saint-Laurent MRC since 2005, the Taxibus has seen a remarkable 195.3% increase in 10 years with a total of 7 867 rides in 2015. The number of users in the Beauharnois-Salaberry MRC is also increasing where the service was implemented in 2012. In four years of operation, the number of rides has gone from 54 to 2 860 on an annual basis.
With Taxibus, 32 483 citizens can take advantage, with advanced reservations, of a personalized transportation service to their door, seven days a week between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
« This accessibility generates a significant economic and social lever effect. The Taxibus helps to attract new residents and contributes to population retention, not to mention that it meets environmental and sustainable development objectives, » points out Philippe Laplante, from the Beauharnois-Salaberry MRC.
Study and work
Public transportation in rural communities gives the population access, at affordable prices, to major centres for services and activities in the surrounding area including. It can be used for going to work or school, for going shopping, attending a medical appointment or entertainment. « There is strength in unity and it seems logical, even strategic, to combine the resources of the two MRCs, » insisted François Landreville.
For more information about fares for the service or to make a reservation, simply call 450 264-2267 Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Translated by Cathleen Johnston
