What is the STL Compagnon Program?

It is a real-time guidance service that makes taking the bus easier for customers with special needs in Laval on the STL’s regular bus network.

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Credits

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STL Compagnon is for individuals aged 12 and older living with one or more of the following conditions:

• Mild intellectual disability (MID)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Developmental language disorder (dysphasia)

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This service provides customized bus routes on an app installed on the smart phone of individuals requiring support and meeting certain criteria. The app is meant to:

• Reduce anxiety when travelling on public transit
• Increase the target clientele’s independence

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When the app is activated, our Customer Contact Centre is notified and starts monitoring the trip:

• They track the user’s route based on the programmed itinerary
• They can be contacted through the HELP button on the app at any time
• They can communicate with the user, when needed, should the user deviate from their itinerary or if a problem arises

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The STL Compagnon app is only available on Android devices. The STL offers users two options:

• a smart phone lent for free
• use of a personal phone with a $25 per month subsidy for a limited time

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Upon registration only. Limited places. The first month of bus rides is free on the STL network for anyone registered in the program.

 

Who is eligible?

To get access to the STL Compagnon guidance service, you need to meet all the eligibility criteria below.

 

1. Aged 12 or older

 

2. Have any of the following conditions:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Mild intellectual disability (MID)
• Developmental language 

 

3. Have a relationship with any of the following organizations:

• CISSS de Laval
• Regroupement des organismes de promotion de personnes handicapées de Laval (ROPPHL)
• Autisme Laval
• Centre de service scolaire de Laval (CSSL)
• Commission scolaire Sir-Wilfrid-Laurier (SWLSB)

 

4. Capable of all of the following:

• Walk on the sidewalk
• Recognize bus stops
• Differentiate between moving cars and parked cars
• Cross the street safely (crosswalks, green light, being vigilant, etc.)
• Commute in bad weather
• Stay standing if there are no free seats on the bus
• Able and open to learning how to use a smart phone
• Able to express yourself and have relatively good hearing

What does the app look like?

Take the bus alone with full support from STL Compagnon:

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STL Compagnon mobile app icon installed on a smart phone:

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Overview of information on app interface:

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Need more information?

Do you have any questions about the STL Compagnon Program and service? Write to us! From our online request form, select Obtain information option, then select STL Compagnon (guidance service) from the dropdown menu.

Kindly complete the contact form

 

Our Customer Contact Centre can also help you. You can call them at 450-688-6520.