New STL website takes the guessing out of commuting
By Robert Frank
www.thesuburban.com
Commuters can now use the smartphones and tablet computers to find out when the next bus will arrive at their stop.
“We completely redesigned our web site so that commuters will be able to find their next bus really quickly,” enthused Société des transports de Laval (STL) tech guru Kevin Machabée after the Laval transit authority unveiled its newly overhauled website, June 19.
“Many of our users also travel to Montreal,” he told The Suburban. “So we also give them access to the Montreal and Longueuil bus and metro schedules as well as commuter train schedules. It will help them to plan their entire trip.”
“Our new website adapts to every device that you can use to connect with it,” Machabée said in an interview. “The interface for a mobile phone is reduced, so only the main information is available, like what time the bus is coming, how much fares cost and how you can contact us.”
“You can also enter your favourite stop, so afterward it will always pop up whenever you surf our website,” he added. “It will follow you everywhere and tell you when the next three buses will arrive at your stop. You can also add stops for other transit agencies so, if you take the metro or train, you will know when it ought to arrive in the station.”
The new site also includes links to STL social media pages like Facebook, Twitter and STL’s own blog.
It also contains an intriguing link for businesses.
“We work with companies that would like to benefit from STL services,” Machabée explained. “They give us information about their employees’ needs and we help them by designing a solution that works for them.”
“It could range from van-pooling for employees who work at the same company on the same shift and reside near one another,” he continued. “We can provide them with a van and one of the employees is responsible to go and pick up the other employees and drive them to their workplace and back.”
“We can also help adjust bus schedules synchronize with the end of shifts,” Machabée said. “We try to make adjustments that permit employees to take the bus home.”
“It’s also interesting for employees to see what we have to offer,” he added, “so they can give feedback and suggest that their company look into the possibilities.”
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