The Rapibus Will Soon Be a Reality!

The Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) took advantage of its regular Board of Directors meeting to present the very first 3D animation of the Rapibus.

The 3D imaging shows how the Rapibus will integrate into the urban framework, with very realistic visuals and images that speak for themselves. The three-minute animation clearly illustrates the interrelationships between public transit riders, cyclists, motorists using the incentive parking facilities and pedestrians at the stations, as well as the movement of articulated and regular buses. “All the elements seen in the animation – the architecture of the stations, colours, street furniture and landscaping – are reproduced with a high level of detail and are a copy of what we’ll be able to see every day in 2013,” explained STO Chairman Patrice Martin.

Created by Graph Synergie after a public call for tenders, the animation will be used for information purposes to show to people who want to see a visual of what the Rapibus will be like when it starts operation, and to promote its use among a new clientele. Starting today, everyone is re invited to watch the video at www.rapibus.sto.ca.

The STO also presented a general overview of the main features of the different stations, including De la Cité – the largest station in the corridor and for which the construction contract was awarded today, along with the contract for Montcalm and Labrosse stations. “We are proud to announce that the $7.4 million construction contract for De la Cité station has been awarded to a local contractor,” stated Patrice Martin. “ED Brunet is already in charge of building the Taché, De la Carrière, Montclair, De l’Alliance and De la Gappe stations.”

De la Cité station, construction of which will start in June and be completed in spring 2013, is considered the most important in the corridor because of its size and ridership volume, making it a major convergence point for several bus routes in the system. This station will have numerous amenities for patrons, including an overpass so riders can cross the two Rapibus lanes safely, an elevator and staircase, heated and air-conditioned indoor waiting areas, bike racks and shelters, an STO retail outlet, etc. “De la Cité station will also have green technology with a geothermal heating system and a green roof, among other things. It will certainly be a showcase for the Rapibus from the environmental aspect!” proudly stated the chairman.


The Board of Directors also awarded the $5.3 million construction contract for Montcalm and Labrosse stations to Boless Inc. The work will be completed in spring 2013. Finally, the Board awarded Terra Location Inc. the $3.2 million contract to prepare the Labrosse incentive parking facility.

“Although De la Cité is a major station in the corridor, the other Rapibus stations also share several features that will be appreciated by riders,” said Line Thiffeault, Assistant General Manager of the STO and project co-ordinator. “All the stations will be accessible for people with functional limitations and reduced mobility. In addition to signs bearing the Rapibus colours, the stations will be equipped with enclosed and semi-enclosed waiting areas with radiant heating, a lighting system, surveillance cameras, panic buttons connected to the STO control centre via intercom and full street furniture (benches, recycling and waste recovery facilities, etc.),” she explained.

“To help people find their bearings more easily in the Rapibus corridor, the STO will name some stations after known public places that are large trip generators. Consequently, four stations will have a meaningful name that will not only make it easier to know their geographic location, but will also create a unique identity for the station in its environment. Les Promenades (formerly De l’Alliance) and Les Galeries de Hull (formerly Montclair) stations represent major commercial hubs. Since their location in the city is familiar to most people in the region, the choice of these names was very fitting,” stated STO Chairman Patrice Martin. “Du Lac-Leamy station (formerly De la Carrière) gets its name from the nearby lake. A favourite gathering place for large events and outdoor activities, this site enjoys an excellent location in the heart of the city,” added Mr. Martin. “Taché-UQO station recalls the historic character of this site, in addition to highlighting the proximity of a recognized educational institution, the Université du Québec en Outaouais.”

Several contracts to fit out the Rapibus with intelligent transportation systems (ITS) were also awarded at the Board meeting. Contractor Séguin Morris will be responsible for installing a $1.4 million telecommunications network (microwave and fibre optic links) to link communications between the STO’s intelligent transportation systems and its control centre. The same contractor will also install the video surveillance (surveillance cameras at stations and intersections) and access controls for the Rapibus buildings, at a cost of $600,000. A financial contribution of 85% of the eligible expenditures for the various ITS components installed for the Rapibus is coming from the Programme d’aide aux immobilisations en transport en commun sponsored by the Société de financement des infrastructures locales du Québec (SOFIL).

Anyone who is interested can follow Rapibus developments on the Web site dedicated exclusively to the project at www.Rapibus.sto.ca.

To see 3D imaging show.

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