National Recognition for the STO

The Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) was in the national spotlight recently as it received choice recognition from two respected mass transit associations.

Employee excellence highlighted

One STO employee ranks among the people who stood out for their mass transit expertise, receiving an award from the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) on November 14, 2012, in Quebec City. Danielle Pronovost, a transportation technician and co-ordinator, earned an Individual Leadership Award in the Excellence category. This pan-Canadian recognition highlights a major contribution made by an employee that results in the betterment of public transit professional practices. Ms. Pronovost has worked in bus schedule planning and driver assignment for more than 35 years. An expert in her field, she was recognized for her contribution in implementing and continuously improving different software programs that allow the STO to optimize the levels of service offered for the public.

Dedicated Rapibus Web sites recognized

The STO also received an award of recognition from the Association du transport urbain du Québec (ATUQ) for its two dedicated Rapibus Web sites. The award, handed out in Saguenay on October 25, 2012, at the Association’s annual conference, acknowledges the quality of these two interactive, dynamic information tools created as part of a major project and intended to keep the public properly informed. The honour was presented to Richard Bergeron, Communications and Community Relations Supervisor at the Rapibus Project Office, and to Catherine Léger, Communications Advisor, on behalf of all the employees involved in setting up the Rapibus.sto.ca and Libreauquotidien.sto.ca sites. This award also acknowledges the excellent work by the team involved in the project.

“The STO can be proud of the quality of its workforce,” stated STO General Manager Michel Brissette. “We encourage our many team members to stand out every day through initiative, professionalism and innovation, for the benefit of the entire population. This national recognition adds shine to the values within our organization,” he added. “We are proud to count on your expertise.” STO Chairman Patrice Martin joined the general manager in congratulating all the award recipients. “You all richly deserve these honours. You help make the STO a corporation that is recognized across Canada. It is a source of great pride for us, and also for the population in our region. Well done!”

The STO would also like to congratulate former STO general manager, Georges Gratton, for receiving CUTA’s W.G. Ross Lifetime Achievement award on November 14, 2012. This award recognizes Mr. Gratton’s outstanding contribution throughout his career to promote, develop and improve public transit in Canada. Mr. Gratton was general manager of the STO from 1995 to 2006.

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