Adapted transport users can look forward to a more modern and efficient way of travelling with the STM.
The public transit authority is spending $24M on a new GPS system and control center for its fleet of adapted transport minibuses and taxis.
The new system means no more written reports and two-way radios; the drivers are now using tablets to communicate with dispatchers at the control center to set up appointments for trips and report traffic problems. The driver will use texting and phone calls to tell clients their estimated time of arrival.
Laurence Parent of the users' committee said it allows clients to be more flexible, less stressed out and be able to continue activities while waiting instead of just sitting around and waiting for the driver.
"When you're in the hall and waiting and not knowing, 'Is he coming now?' " Parent told CJAD 800.
STM chairman Philippe Schnobb said it's the same GPS technology used by the regular buses and that about 20% of adapted transit vehicles are hooked up now. Half will be connected by the end of this year and the entire fleet will be on-line by 2020.
Last year, the STM made four million adapted transit trips, about double the number the year before, serving over 31,600 users.
.@stminfo showing off new control room for adapted transit - all of the fleet's minibuses & taxis will be hooked up to tablets & GPS system by 2020. No more written reports, radio comms, anxiously waiting around for drivers who now will be able to text/call their ETA. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/qJGgfeLHCQ
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) August 28, 2018