ON THE BUS!STROLLERSWITHOUT FUSS

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Graphics Passerelle bleue

Illustrations Julie Fréchette

Printing Komunikintramedia

Authors Parents’ Committee (in alphabetical order)Inès Espasandin, Julie Lavallée,Jacinthe Perreault, Edith Robidoux,Jacynthe Tremblay

Writing Line Dufresne

Professional reader Julie Lavallée

Co-authors 1,2,3 GO! Centre(in alphabetical order) Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL)

Société de transport de Laval (STL)Société de transport de Montréal (STM)

English translation STM

ISBN 978-2-923070-04-9Legal Deposit - Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 2008Legal Deposit – Library and Archives Canada, 2008

PARTNERSThank you to the members of the parents’ committee for their efficient work throughout the production of this booklet. Thanks to those parents committed to the 1,2,3 GO! Initiatives in Longueuil, Pointe-de-l’Île, Rivière-des-Prairies and Laval. Their concern for the well-being of toddlers and their families will have a positive impact on public transit users through the distribution of this tool. Several other parents acted as consultants in the production of this booklet, and we also express our gratitude to them.

Particular thanks to the 1,2,3 GO! Centre for making such an achievement possible for the benefit of fa-milies with young children.

Particular recognition must be given to the three transit companies participating in this project. The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), the So-ciété de transport de Laval (STL) and the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) added their support and expertise by validating the information contai-ned in this tool. Their collaboration in this booklet also enables them to make the population aware of the services provided to families with toddlers in the public transit milieu.

FINANCIAL PARTNERSWe would like to thank the Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon and Centraide for the funding provided to the1,2,3 GO! Centre, the instigator of this project.

Reproduction in whole or in part by any means whatsoever is permitted if the source is duly acknowledged.

The booklet Strollers without fuss on the bus in no way replaces regulations set out by individual transit corporations. Each person taking the bus with a child must behave in a civil manner and is responsible for their own actions. The booklet’s authors and co-authors also decline all responsibility regarding any consequences resulting from the attitude or behaviour exhibited by public transit users after reading this booklet.

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If you travel with toddlers on public transit, you know that certain situations are not always what they seem!

This booklet offers solutions to help you travel more easily on the bus with your children. The objective of this guide is to make your journey more efficient, and certainly more pleasant.

A committee of parents, joined by representatives from the STM, the STL and the RTL, as well as the 1,2,3 GO! Centre, is working to make the use of

public transit easier for adults who travel with young children, for example, by finding solutions that enable them to travel safely with a stroller in an open position.

On the following pages you will find tips and information to make your travel easier.

Enjoy the ride!

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On the following pages you will find tips and information to make your travel easier.

Enjoy the ride!

A guide full of tips

for me!

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On the following pages you will

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find tips and information to On the following pages you will

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TRANSPORTATION: IT’S ALSO FOR OUR PRECIOUS LITTLE ONES

How do I manage

with my little ones, my stroller,

my bags and the bus?

Am I well organized?

yes NO

I plan my errands outside rush

hour so as to avoid crowds.

I find out about the schedule

and the lines served by low-

floor buses (STM)1.

I find out about the most

advantageous route.

I check the weather before

travelling with my child.

I take into account my toddlers’

meal times, and I can plan to

have nap their time during the

trip.

To make sure I have

an easier trip,

I can also check:

[ ✔✍ ] the bus schedules, making sure

they’re up-to-date

the transfers on my route

the availability of bus shelters

on the routes I use

the delivery service offered

by various grocery stores and

pharmacies, either at minimum

or no cost, thus avoiding lugging

around extra bags

ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS BESIdES A STROLLER?Here are some attractive op-tions for your trips. Visit retail-ers to find more about them. Each of these options has its advantages. You simply have to find the one that best meets your needs. Be sure to put your baby’s safety first!

course 101A pleasant trip with a toddler begins

with being organized. Here are some things

to consider even before starting out with

your children!

ES A STROLLER?Here are some attractive op-tions for your trips. Visit retail-

I’m organized. Now I can

travel!

Car seat (shell) Front baby

carrierBack baby

carrier

Front baby Kangaroo-type carrier

1 Three years from now, the RTL will be using only low-floor buses. 4

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A PRACTICAL STROLLER IS SMART!

The model of your stroller becomes very important on the

bus. The purchase should be considered as an investment.

Here are some characteristics of THE stroller of choice:

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Umbrella stroller: RANKEd NUMBER ONE Slim, light and foldable, it meets the criteria mentioned above. It comes with a firm reclining seat or a seat in the form of a flexible hammock. It is sometimes equipped with a sunshade or even a basket under the seat. It will quickly become very useful. It eliminates the problem of hanging bags on the back of the stroller, which is dangerous and can unbalance the stroller. From a safety standpoint, the umbrella stroller can be used when the baby is capable of sitting up by itself and has suf-ficient muscle strength (around six months).

Light and less than 56 centimetres wide • To move around more easily aboard the bus.

Easy to fold and unfold with one hand • If the stroller has to be folded up before boarding the bus.

Able to be manoeuvered and steered with one hand • A free hand is always helpful.

Equipped with brakes that can be applied with your foot • For safety purposes, as this prevents the stroller from rolling in the aisle during the trip.

Conforms to current safety standards • It is from a recognized retailer and includes a warranty.

Equipped with a simple to use safety belt • To be able to easily buckle or unbuckle your child.

Solid and sturdy • Aluminum is very good, more resistant than plastic.

Adaptable to the Quebec climate • The material is waterproof, washable and comfortable for your child.

Adjustable to the proper height • To avoid back and arm pain, or other problems.

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1. POLITENESS ANd COURTESy

Greet the bus driver when you get on the bus. It’s a simple, approachable gesture that’s always appreciated, particularly when ac-companied by a smile. You can also have your toddler do the same. The next time you use the bus, this driver may recognize you, and a polite exchange will develop little by little.

2. RESPECT FOR yOUR RIGHTS

Ask for a seat. If you get on the bus with a stroller and your little one, and you want to sit down, ask to do so! People are some-times simply distracted. Perhaps they don’t even see you. You must therefore speak to them:“Hello! As you can see, I’m pretty loaded down. It would help me a lot if I could have this seat.”The odds are that the person will give you the seat.

If, however, the person ignores you or refuses, you can repeat the request.“Excuse me, may I have this seat, please?”If this individual does not give up the seat, it’s very likely that someone else will offer you a place.

You can also see if there’s a pictogram, which identifies seats reserved for people with reduced mobility. You can enforce your rights:“Excuse me, I’d like to sit down with my little one. The pictogram indicates that this is my right.”

3. IN THE CASE OF FRICTION WITH THE dRIvER OR ANOTHER PASSENGER

Stay calm in order to handle the situation effectively. A handy tip is to speak without accusing the other person. One way of do-ing this is to use the word “I” in anything you say. If, for example, a passenger lashes out at you:“Your stroller is taking up too much room! We can’t move!”You can respond: “I understand that you are inconvenienced by the stroller. Me too. I can squeeze over a bit, or you can change seats if you wish?”

Be assured, positive and breathe slowly! Good man-ners are contagious, even on public transit!

Being respectful is so much better! Here are some tips to help you when travelling on the bus so that everything remains harmonious despite annoyances. Don’t forget that your children will mimic your behaviour!

Be assured, positive and breathe slowly! Good man- A positive

attitude radiates

to everyone around you.

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“I quickly encouraged my little one to walk by saying: ‘You’re so big now! You don’t need a stroller any more. Good for you!’”

“For me, simply having my ticket ready ahead of time and then getting off by the back door makes my life less compli-cated!”

“No large diaper bag on the bus for me! I use a knapsack. There are several models on the market now. I opted for the one that is worn diagonally across the chest, a cross between a backpack and a diaper bag. My back is thanking me. Also, I carry only what’s absolutely necessary, includ-ing a snack.”

“Never rest the bag on the stroller itself. I saw a person do this, and the little one toppled over in its stroller.”

“My trick is to distract my child during the wait and the trip. I bring books and read stories to my toddler. I sometimes bring puppets or even my MP3 player to share my love of classical music with my little one. When my child is calm, everything runs much more smoothly!”

“I realized that I did myself a favour by not buying a deluxe three-wheel stroller. I never would have been able to move around on the bus. The travel system stroller with the car seat would also have been very bulky. Three cheers for the umbrella stroller!”

“For my part, I learned to appreciate when I had a transfer to make. It let my little one stretch a bit!”

“I play ‘Taking the bus’. I ask my child all sorts of questions about public transit and the surroundings. I also take advantage of the trip to point out that there are all sorts of people around us and that everyone is different. I think this can be educational.”

“The best thing I did was to move close to services and conveniences. Once I was close to a grocery store, pharmacy and medical clinic, my trips were a lot easier. I also took into account the location of my children’s day care.”

“I walk as early in the season as I can, and I always walk in the summer. For longer trips, I use my bike and trailer. This helps keep me in shape, get fresh air, and I help the environment!”

“I play ‘Taking the bus’. I ask my child all “I play ‘Taking the bus’. I ask my child all sorts of questions about public transit and sorts of questions about public transit and the surroundings. I also take advantage of the surroundings. I also take advantage of the trip to point out that there are all sorts the trip to point out that there are all sorts

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not buying a deluxe three-wheel stroller. not buying a deluxe three-wheel stroller.

stroller with the car seat would also have stroller with the car seat would also have

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different. I think this can be educational.”different. I think this can be educational.”

to services and conveniences. Once I was to services and conveniences. Once I was

medical clinic, my trips were a lot easier. medical clinic, my trips were a lot easier. I also took into account the location of my I also took into account the location of my

the trip to point out that there are all sorts the trip to point out that there are all sorts of people around us and that everyone is of people around us and that everyone is

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FROM ONE PARENTTO ANOTHERSeveral transit users have had experience on the bus! Here are their tips to get you started.experience on the bus! Here are

Thanks for the advice!

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can ask you to position your stroller so that the child is facing the back of the bus, in case of abrupt braking.

can also ask you to go to the section of the bus reserved for strollers (if ap-plicable), where you can lift up the bus seat, and for maximum security, apply the brakes and hold on tight to your stroller.

must concentrate on driving the bus. They are not always in a position to leave their post, despite certain situations where you might want their help.

require exact paymentfor your passage, as they do not have cash in their possession. Nor do they have access to the box in which you deposit your cash.

must continue on their route, even if you are running to catch the bus. Driving abus is very different from driving a car. There are several distinctions including blind spots and an adapted braking system.

can allow a maximum of 60 passengers on a regular bus and 90 people on an articulated vehicle (accor-dion).

are authorized to ask you to fold up your stroller on the bus, if they think it’s appropri-ate. In case of emergency or evacuation, the stroller must not be in the way.

arrive at the bus stop five minutes ahead of time. (Bus drivers have the flexibility of being one minute ahead or two minutes behind the pub-lished schedule.)

board the bus by the front door, pay the fare, and use the rear door to get off the vehicle.

clearly indicate their intention to board the bus. Get up and move towards the vehicle as it approaches. Also, to avoid confusion, be sure to stand in front of the bus stop itself or directly in front of the bus shelter.

RULES ARE IMPORTANT!AS A SAFETy MEASURE, BUS dRIvERS...

exact paymentfor your passage, as they do not have cash in their

the box in which you

FOR PRACTICAL REASONS ANd TO RESPECT THE SCHEdULE, IT IS RECOMMENdEd THAT USERS...

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duo Auto+Bus

By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership fees, and you also receive discounts on your transit fare. This is a winning combination, and other options are available to meet your needs. For more information, to find out which transit company offers this service and for specific rates, visitwww.communauto.com/auto+bus_eng.html or call 514.842.4545

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By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies

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fees, and you also receive discounts on your transit fare. This is a winning combination, fees, and you also receive discounts on your transit fare. This is a winning combination, fees, and you also receive discounts on your transit fare. This is a winning combination, fees, and you also receive discounts on your transit fare. This is a winning combination, and other options are available to meet your needs. For more information, to find out and other options are available to meet your needs. For more information, to find out and other options are available to meet your needs. For more information, to find out and other options are available to meet your needs. For more information, to find out

and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership fees, and you also receive discounts on your transit fare. This is a winning combination, and other options are available to meet your needs. For more information, to find out

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dId yOU KNOW...?

TAX CREdIT

As of 2007, you can apply for a tax credit of up to $180 on your income tax form (monthly pass of $100 for 12 months X 15%). With the arrival of the rechargeable OPUS card, you simply have to keep your receipts as proof of purchase! Weekly passes can also save you money. Certain conditions apply. Visit the Canada Revenue Agency at www.cra.gc.ca (www.transitpass.ca) or call 1.800.665.0354 for more details.

Communauto

This is a car-sharing service offered in several regions of Quebec. More than 200 cars spread over some one hun-dred parking lots are ready to serve thousands of people each year. All the vehicles are equipped with fittings for car seats, and some 10% of them already have seats available. Smoking is not permitted in the vehicles. By enrolling, you are automatically covered by insurance, and you don’t have to get a licence plate.

How to proceed: LSubscribe for one year or

moreLReserve a car 24 hours in

advanceLPick up the vehicle at a

specific location (depar-ture point)

LCarry out your tripsLReturn the car (to the de-

parture point)LReceive an invoice at the

end of the month, which will credit you for your gas purchases, already included in the price.

To find out more about pack-ages and rates, visit the of-ficial site atwww.communauto.com or call 514.842.4545 in the

Greater Montréal area.

uo Auto+Bus

By agreeing to purchase 12 monthly passes for bus travel from certain transit companies and joining Communauto, you save! You don’t have to pay the Communauto membership

for more details.

The transportation

cocktail is worth its

weight in gold!

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Eco-info, Econo-info By using public transit we are committing ourselves to sus-tainable development. We are contributing to the withdrawal of cars from the road and participating in the reduction of greenhouse gases.

(1) Équiterre Internet site www.equiterre.org 514.522.2000(2) based on the fact that the average annual cost in 2007 for a car travelling 18 000 kilometres was more than $9,000 and that the

estimated cost of a bus pass for a complete year is $800..

the automobile

Responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions (1)

Loss of time

Noise pollution

Stress and fatigue from the concentration required for driving

Loss of green spaces to road construction

Traffic jams resulting in costs of $750 million/year (1)

New isocyanate-free paint

New mufflers, minimizing noise

Use of Biodiesel

EPA-approved engines

Asbestos-free brake linings

Energy-saving programs

Bus shelter seats, made from recycled materials

Free commuter parking lots

En étant usagère, je prends le virage vert!

Savings ($8000 per year) (2)

Recovering time to read, eat and even sleep

Participating in pollution reduction

Improved physical and mental health

Time savings: reserved lanes for buses

Asbestos-free brake linings

En étant usagère, je prends le virage vert!

Savings Savings

Little effort to do

your part!

GREENER BUSES!

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Réseau de transport de Longueuil

OPEN STROLLERS HAvE BEEN PERMITTEd SINCE OCTOBER 2005

LThey are permitted from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and after 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays.

LStrollers are positioned in an area located near the rear door on the low-floor buses and near the centre door on the low-floor articulated buses

LThis measure is designed to be useful as well as safe for both the child and the other passengers on the vehicle, without hindering people’s ability to move around in the bus.

IN CERTAIN CASES, THE RTL ALSO ALLOWS PASSENGERS TO GET OFF BETWEEN TWO STOPS!

LSince September 2004, RTL bus drivers are authorized to allow a person travelling alone at night after dark to get off between two bus stops.

LThis practice is designed to ensure the safety of clients at nightfall.

LA person wishing to get off between two stops must ask the bus driver one stop ahead and must also get off by the front door.

LThe RTL is thus adding to the security that it already provides to its clientele.

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They are permitted from Monday to Friday from They are permitted from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and after 7:00 p.m., and 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and after 7:00 p.m., and

Strollers are positioned in an area located near Strollers are positioned in an area located near

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450.463.0131 www.rtl-longueuil.qc.ca

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Société de transport de laval

HAvE A GOOd TRIP WITH A BABy IN A STROLLERA parent can travel with a baby in a stroller at all times on Société de transport de Laval buses. To make the trip a pleasant one, certain rules must be respected:LDuring rush hours, from 6:00 a.m.

to 9:00 a.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., when our buses are usually crowded, we recommend that you fold up the stroller and carry your baby in your arms when getting on board. These rush hour restrictions do not apply on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

LFor the baby’s safety and that of other passengers, you must avoid blocking the centre aisle. Thus, we can ensure the free flow of passengers and the baby’s safety. That’s the law!

LIn low-floor buses, the baby must be buckled up in its stroller with the brakes on and facing towards the rear of the vehicle.

LA space is reserved in most buses near the rear doors where strollers can be positioned for a completely safe trip.

www.stl.laval.qc.ca450.688.6520

ASSISTANCE FROM THE BUS dRIvER

There are no rules on this subject. Bus driv-ers must, first and foremost, concentrate on their driving and on the safety of all passengers. For this reason, bus drivers are not always in a position to leave their post to offer assistance.

GETTING OFF BETWEEN TWO STOPS AFTER 8:00 P.M.

Safety is important for the STL and its bus drivers. Women who are travelling alone can get off BETWEEN TWO STOPS on a regular route after 8 00 p.m. If the bus drivers feel that they can safely stop their vehicle at the requested location, they will be pleased to accommodate your request.

Weekends and holidays

A paying parent= FREEA maximum of three childrenaged 11 or under

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AMONG THE ACTIONS TAKEN FOR FAMILIES By THE STM THAT ARE WORTH NOTING ARE:

LFree travel for children aged five and under as well as reduced fares for chil-dren aged 6 to 11, students aged 12 to 18 and students aged 18 to 25 residing in Montréal

LSchool service: increased service on cer-tain bus routes during school opening and closing hours

LShuttles for day camps: in 2006, the bus network carried out 590 trips

LActivity programs for children during events, featuring, among other things, Urbain, the STM’s mascot

LThe Between Two Stops service enabling women and girls travelling alone to get off the bus between two stops at night, closer to their homes

LSecurity measures strengthened in the métro and on the buses: surveillance cameras and a police presence

LShuttle services and increased service for major family-oriented events

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A FEW NUMBERS:

L172 bus routes in operation during the day

L20 routes in operation at night

L68 métro stations spread over 4 lines

L363 million trips in 2006, or some 1 million trips per day

LNearly all Montrealers can access public transit within 500 metres of their residence.

Société de transport de montréal

In addition, the STM is currently carrying out tests in order to improve service for parents using strollers.

THE STM ANd FAMILIESMontréal offers a quality public transit network that benefits everyone including fa-milies.

STM-INFO (514.786.4636) www.stcum.qc.ca

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By calling customer servi-ce, visiting online sites

or by going directly to a ticket counter,

you will discover lots of very useful information

on travelling by bus!

specific schedules for all buses

time of arrival at terminals and at certain stops

maps of bus routes, including a list of the main public places served

list of stops with a bus shelter

list of transit fare point-of-sale lo-cations

the most efficient routes and itineraries for your trips, available on-line

L « Tous azimut » (STM)L « Navigo » (STL)L « Trouvez votre itinéraire » (RTL)

This type of help is very handy. Here you’ll find all the bus stops, the walking distance and the approximate time required for your trip. From a specific departure point to a specific arrival point, you’ll obtain details of the best route to your desti-nation, including transfers. Each travel segment required for your trip including walking times are included. Up to three itineraries are provided. In short, you’re guided step by step!

HERE ARE OTHER SERvICES TO BE AWARE OF. ASK ABOUT THEM!

LPublic taxisLParatransitLIntegrated school transportationLTrains and métroLRegulationsLTypes of vehicles used and on which

routes they run (STM and STL) Note: three years from now, the RTL

will be using only low-floor buses.LBus rentalLFares

Children under six years of age accom-panied by an adult travel for free.

GO TO THE RIGHT STOP,

ANd TAKE THE BEST ROUTE!

(See the following page for contact information!)

By calling customer service, visiting online sites

or by going directly to a ticket counter,

you will discover lots

Free services, delighted users

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Réseau de transport de Longueuil450.463.0131 www.rtl-longueuil.qc.ca

Société de transport de Laval450.688.6520 www.stl.laval.qc.ca

Société de transport de MontréalSTM-INFO (514.786.4636) www.stcum.qc.ca

Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) 514.287.TRAM (8726) www.amt.qc.ca

The AMT’s role is to integrate the networks and the fares. The AMT operates the commuter trains and metropolitan express buses.

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your opinion makes a

difference!

communication

GO AHEAd. HAvE yOUR SAy!Whether you’ve had a pleasant or unpleasant experience, you can, or even should, report it. These compliments or complaints are of great value to the transit companies’ management. Supervisors follow up with the bus drivers, enabling them to train personnel and make sure the service is running properly.

To express your satisfaction or dissatisfaction, you must note:you must note:

The date (day, month, year) The time (hour and minutes) The location (streets, intersection, borough)

The direction in which the bus was going

In addition, you must provide one of the following three pieces of information:Lthe number of the bus route, and/orLthe number of the bus involved (displayed

above the front windshield), and/orLthe licence plate number of the bus

(optional)

You can pass on your comments using various methods: telephone, email or in written form. All inquiries are investigated.

It is important to provide your name and contact information so that a report on the follow-up can be sent to you. The information will remain confidential.