History - RTL

Chairpersons of the Board of Directors and Chief executive officers


2021 - Geneviève Héon Chairman of the Board	2019 - 2021 Jonathan Tabarah Chairman of the Board

2018 - 2019 Pierre Brodeur Chairman of the Board	2013 - 2017 Colette Éthier Chairman of the Board	2009 - 2013 Caroline St-Hilaire Chairman of the Board	2006 - 2009 Johane-F. Deshaies Chairman of the Board

2024 - Alain Dufort Chief executive officer	2016 - 2023 Michel Veilleux Chief executive officer	2012 - 2016 Guy Benedetti Chief executive officer	2001 - 2012 Pierre Del Fante Chief executive officer

Société de transport de la Rive-Sud de Montréal (STRSM)

1994 - 2005 Claude Gladu Chairman of the Board (RTL from 2002)	1989 - 1993 Hugues Aubertin Chairman of the Board	1987 - 1988 Louise Gravel Chairman of the Board

1985 - 1986 Jacques Finet Chairman of the Board	1992 - 2001 Pierre Vandelac Chairman of the Board	1989 - 1991 Lucien Bolduc Chairman of the Board

Commission de transport de la Rive-Sud de Montréal (CTRSM)

1982 - 1988 Georges Molini Chief Executive general	1979 - 1981 Marcel Fafard Chief Executive general	1977 - 1978 Jacques Gilbert Chief Executive general

1974 - 1977 Jean-Jacques Lemieux Chief Executive general

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2016-2024

A major player in sustainable mobility in Quebec

In 2016, RTL already established itself as a major player in sustainable mobility in Quebec, introducing the largest fleet of hybrid vehicles in the province that year.

In 2023, RTL is positioning itself as a major partner in the implementation of the Réseau express métropolitain. The work begun several years ago to overhaul the entire bus network enables RTL to officially launch its redesigned network on August 21, 2023, the biggest network overhaul in 30 years. In the wake of the arrival of the REM, RTL also ceases its crossings of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge.Lire la suite

2013-2015

A comprehensive vision for building the RTL of the future

In 2013, the RTL implemented the first phase of its rapid transit network on boulevard Roland-Therrien in Longueuil. Inaugurated on August 26, 2013, the service saw a significant increase in ridership of over 9% in its first few months. This successful project earned the RTL and Ville de Longueuil the 2015 Grand prix d’excellence in the public transit category, awarded by the Association québécoise des transports (AQTr). Lire la suite

The year 2014 was a pivotal one for the RTL, which adopted its 2013-2022 Vision d’ensemble strategic plan, celebrated its 40th anniversary, and acted as the official youth transit provider for the 49th Finale des Jeux du Québec, which was hosted by the Agglomération de Longueuil.

By 2022, the RTL hopes to become the main transit provider throughout the Agglomération de Longueuil. As a public transit organization, it aims to become an integral part of citizens’ lives and the community by providing efficient and innovative solutions that will adapt to users’ transit needs in the evolving social, economic, and environmental context of the next ten years.

Relying on the values of commitment and openness, RTL employees will make citizens and passengers their top priority in order to bring the organization’s vision to fruition.

Since 2014, the RTL has purchased only hybrid buses. By early 2016, the RTL’s fleet will consist of 72 hybrid vehicles, making it the largest operator of hybrid buses in Québec.

2015

Launch of the Moovit application in Québec, in partnership with the RTL, to help users plan their commutes throughout the metropolitan region, including a geolocation system that provides real-time information on the status of the network

Implementation of an on-call shared taxi pilot project

Addition of three new lines accessible at all times for people with reduced mobility

Launch of the online OPUS card reload feature

2014

Adoption of the 2013-2022 Vision d’ensemble strategic plan consisting of five key priorities, including a major shift in customer service and corporate structures aimed at making the RTL the main transit provider throughout its territory

Celebration of the RTL’s 40th anniversary

Celebration of our one billionth passenger

Launch of social media platforms, including a new Facebook page and a corporate Twitter account

Official youth transit provider for the 49th Finale des Jeux du Québec hosted by the Agglomération de Longueuil

Introduction of the first hybrid buses

Association du transport urbain du Québec (ATUQ) annual conference held in Boucherville, in the Agglomération de Longueuil

Project.Adoption of the RTL’s four organizational values: commitment, respect, openness, and integrity

Development of an innovative partnership with Netlift, an intermodal carpooling company (carpooling - public transit)

2013

Start of Phase 2 of the SAEIV

Field tests with paratransit user representatives with various functional limitations, resulting in a new interior layout of the buses to accommodate a larger number of mobility aids (manual and motorized)

Inauguration of the Roland-Therrien express service, a rapid transit service with fewer stops, comfortable, attractively designed bus shelters, and priority measures for buses, resulting in a 9.4% increase in ridership (7,000 passengers), a ride that is 9 minutes shorter (depending on time of day and direction), and an 88% passenger satisfaction rate. A pilot project to purchase hybrid buses was also implemented

Excellence award for smart transit systems granted by the Association québécoise des transports (AQTr) to the RTL for its vehicle dispatch and location system (Phase 1 of the SAEIV)

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2002-2012

RTL — a single corporation, a single city, a single agglomeration

The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) is incorporated on December 31, 2001, as a result of the Québec government’s municipal reorganization. The RTL’s territory corresponds to the “new” City of Longueuil, plus the borough of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville. Lire la suite

The demerger that followed the 2001 municipal reorganization led to the creation of the Longueuil agglomeration in 2006. This period, which was marked by a significant municipal instability, also brought increased pressure to stabilize municipal contributions. At the same time, financing for the development of the commuter train network and the activities of the Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) increased the budget allocated to public transit in the agglomeration’s cities.

Through its public transit policy (2006-2012), the Québec government offered an operating subsidy to encourage transit corporations to increase their service offering. At the same time, numerous changes were implemented at the RTL, including an environmental focus launched in 2009 and the creation of a marketing and communications department. This period also saw a number of major policy changes, including sustainable mobility, new technologies and customer-focused services.

2012	SAEIV Phase 1 is complete (software development, application tests, installation in operations centres, and personnel training) A universal accessibility policy and development plan is adopted, as required by law The first line accessible at all times by people with limited mobility is inaugurated (line 74)
2011	Grant from the MTQ to implement the first phase of the SAEIV (Support System Operations and Passenger Information) to track buses in real time in garages and on the road The 13th anniversary of paratransit service; publication of a new guide for paratransit users For the first time, the RTL takes part, as an official partner, in the Tour du Silence de la Rive-Sud to make road users aware of bicycle safety Inauguration of a new reserved lane on rue Bord-de-l’Eau, towards the Longueuil terminal The RTL is a finalist for the CSST occupational health and safety innovation award for the creation of a drivers’ seat manipulator “arm” that limits maintenance workers’ injury risk The process to replace industrial and cleaning products with eco-friendly alternatives is complete
2010	The Association de géomatique municipale du Québec (AGMQ) presents its 2010 Vectora award to the RTL for its geomatic system re-engineering project
2009	Paper transfers and cash fares are eliminated following introduction of the OPUS card The RTL goes green in sustainable development and announces its new En vert et pour tous initiative, which includes a partnership with Innu-Science Canada to purchase eco-friendly maintenance and cleaning products. These products are 100% biodegradable in 14 days and non-corrosive
2008	Introduction of the OPUS smart card, which automates fare collection and streamlines the use of local and metropolitan passes on the same card The Longueuil Operations Centre is expanded. The project includes redoing the main entrance, reconfiguring the traffic lane and all parking areas, adding 115 outside parking spaces (vehicles), 90 inside parking spaces (buses), a bus wash station, a refueling bay, jacks to two existing bays and new premises
2007	A new ordering policy requires new buses to be equipped with motors that reduce particles and pollutants emissions in the atmosphere
2006	The Longueuil agglomeration is created in the wake of the 2005 municipal demergers
2004	The RTL’s 30th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of public transit in Longueuil; the access card entitling the user to a reduced rate becomes compulsory for students aged 12 and over New criteria are adopted to standardize signage on RTL, STM and AMT buses The RTL’s bus and shared taxi drivers are authorized to let women travelling alone get off between regular stops in the evening. This new practice is to ensure the safety of female passengers after nightfall
2003	The $21-million garage retrofit and expansion project (started in 2001) is completed. The updated facility’s surface area is increased from 16,000 to 28,000 square metres New reserved bus lanes in Montréal improve service reliability to the downtown terminal A new invisible electronic reserved lane is created to improve service reliability on chemin de Chambly, which includes a traffic signal pre-emption system and an onboard radio-frequency system to communicate with traffic signals New regulations on the behaviour of passengers and the use of tickets and passes are adopted in partnership with the AMT, STM and STL In the fall of 2003, the fleet consisted of 342 buses, including 175 low-floor buses (Novabus LFS), 131 conventional buses (Classic and New Look) and 36 articulated buses (VanHool AG700 and AG300)
2002	A municipal reorganization results in the merger of the former City of Longueuil with Boucherville, Brossard, Greenfield Park, LeMoyne, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Saint Hubert and Saint-Lambert Adoption of the Act Respecting Public Transit Authorities paves the way for the creation of the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) serving the new territory (including Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville) The first low-floor articulated AG300 bus is put into service

1985-2001

Development spurs a relaunch

A public transit network was implemented during this period, which quickly developed and reached a peak in 1989 with the construction of a third garage, the Longueuil Operations Centre, along with the acquisition of AG700 articulated buses. Lire la suite

The new downtown terminal was also opened in 1992, inside the 1000 De La Gauchetière building, providing South Shore commuters with direct access to the Bonaventure metro, Central Station and Montréal’s underground pedestrian network. This terminus was considered at the time to be Montréal’s most significant public transit achievement since the metro was opened in 1967.

The STRSM 1996-2006 strategic plan aimed to reduce overcrowding by identifying the population’s transportation needs and proposing options to develop the system. It also aimed to provide an adequate transportation offering to meet the population’s needs over the short-, medium- and long-term. The first implementation phase of the strategic plan resulted in the submission of a detailed document that included a detailed diagnosis of the situation, which enabled the STRSM to actively contribute to the development of the first Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) plan in 1997.

The advent of the AMT resulted in the transfer of several STRSM projects, considered to be of metropolitan interest, to this organization. The implementation of a metropolitan institutional and financial framework and studies on high-capacity transit systems (light rail and metro) required a significant technical contribution from STRSM personnel. The various implementation phases of the strategic plan were realized in large part with the collaboration of the AMT.

2001	The STRSM is actively involved in preparing drawings and specifications for the preliminary design of the LRT on the Champlain Bridge ice boom
2000	The STRSM provides a free night service from December 31, 1999, to January 1, 2000, to usher in the new millennium Inauguration of the new Longueuil intermodal terminal accommodating bus services provided by the STRSM, three CITs, two OMITs, as well as private carriers serving the metro station (an investment of $23 million) Expansion of the Brossard-Chevrier incentive parking (2,000 spaces) A new reserved lane is opened on Taschereau Boulevard, operating 24/7
1999	The STRSM celebrates its 25th anniversary The STRSM takes delivery of Nova Bus’s 1,000th bus, a product of the third generation of low-floor buses The STRSM is actively involved in a project to implement an LRT (light rail transit system) along the Champlain Bridge ice boom Bus schedules are now posted on the STRSM’s website
1998	An auxiliary transit system and shuttle network is put in place to serve emergency shelters following the ice storm that paralyzed the South Shore in January TRAM zone 3 is introduced on the territory and is divided into eight zones A new Brossard-Chevrier incentive parking is opened (600 spaces) A new express shuttle (number 90 line), linking Brossard to the downtown terminal, is put into service
1997	The first low-floor bus (Nova LFS) is put into service The STRSM launches its website
1996	The Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) is created on January 1 The STRSM launches a public transit awareness campaign geared towards students
1995	Implementation of a new “intermediate” fare for students aged 18 to 21 Celebration of 15 years of paratransit service at the STRSM
1994	The STRSM celebrates its 20th anniversary
1993	New fare collection boxes are installed in all buses
1992	Opening of the first regional indoor terminal in North America. The new downtown terminal is located inside the 1000 De La Gauchetière building in Montréal
1990	Abolition of the yellow and red fare zones. The STRSM adopts a local and a regional fare structure instead Creation of the Conseil métropolitain de transport en commun (CMTC), which includes the STCUM, the STL and the STRSM Brossard’s incentive parking is expanded to 800 parking spaces
1989	The bus fleet undergoes a major retrofit: 198 buses are refurbished A new operations centre is opened in Longueuil. It can accommodate up to 122 buses
1988	The first individual schedules are rolled out to users
1987	The STRSM tables a brief to the parliamentary commission on public transit infrastructures in the Montréal region. For the first time, the estacade (ice boom) is proposed as a permanent link between the South Shore and downtown Montréal
1986	Introduction of an off-peak express service linking the South Shore and downtown Montréal Commissioning of a third terminal, in Brossard (Panama) Unification of two transit systems in Longueuil (MUCTC and STRSM), making the STRSM the sole public transit authority on Montréal’s South Shore The first articulated bus trial program is launched
1985	The National Assembly approves the act creating the Société de transport de la Rive Sud de Montréal (STRSM). The act also stipulates the establishment of a board of directors and an executive committee Yellow and red fare zones are implemented Inauguration of the first STRSM terminal in Montréal, within the quadrangle formed by Saint-Antoine, de la Cathédrale, University, and Mansfield The STRSM institutes a computerized carpooling pilot project that pairs 200 persons daily

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1974-1984

Nationalization of transport companies

The RTL was created on July 1, 1974, as the Commission de transport de la Rive-Sud de Montréal (CTRSM) following the nationalization of Chambly Transport. The CTRSM had 168 employees, 112 vehicles and 21 bus lines. Lire la suite

The company served seven South Shore municipalities: Boucherville, Brossard, Greenfield Park, LeMoyne, Longueuil, Saint-Hubert and Saint-Lambert.

It should be noted that a sector of Longueuil, near the terminal and the metro station, was served by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), then known as the Montréal Urban Community Transit Commission (MUCTC).

It acquired Métropolitain-Sud in 1978, which enabled the CTRSM to operate a bus network outside its territory. Although the subsidiary was dissolved, the CTRSM made transitional provisions to continue the rights previously conferred on Métropolitain-Sud, until March 1984.

The CTRSM negotiated service agreements with the cities during this time, which resulted in the signing of nine-month contracts with 22 outside municipalities—most of which were extended to 1990.

The high fixed costs associated with the contract extensions forced the transit commission to stop serving these inter municipal transit commissions (CITs) later that same year.

1984	A paratransit service by taxi is implemented as a pilot project
1983	Adoption of a law providing for the appointment of one council representative per 40,000 residents. As a result, the council grows from 7 to 12 members
1981	The first Passe-PARS monthly pass is issued A second 400-space incentive parking facility is opened in Brossard
1980	Launch of a paratransit service for disabled persons residing on the Commission’s urban territory The Ministère des Transports du Québec confirms a new public transit subsidy policy favouring the use of monthly passes
1978	Inauguration of the reserved bus lane on the Champlain Bridge. This was the first counter-flow bus lane in Québec and the first counter-flow bus lane on a bridge in North America The CTRSM inaugurates its first incentive parking with 300 spaces in Saint-Hubert
1977	Construction of the Saint-Hubert garage for 150 buses
1976	Introduction of a reduced fare for customers aged 65 years and over
1974	The CTRSM begins operations on July 1
1973	Appointment of the CTRSM’s first CEO, Jean-Jacques Lemieux
1972	First meeting of the council of mayors and appointment of the first CTRSM commissioners
1971	The Act to establish the Commission de transport de la Rive-Sud de Montréal (CTRSM) was adopted. The CTRSM comprised eight municipalities: Boucherville, Brossard, Greenfield Park, Longueuil, LeMoyne, Saint-Hubert, Saint-Lambert and Notre Dame

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2006 - 2009

2001 - 2012

Société de transport de la Rive-Sud de Montréal (STRSM)

Commission de transport de la Rive-Sud de Montréal (CTRSM)

1977 - 1978