The STO is celebrating its 40th birthday by opening its door to the public!

La Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) took advantage of its regular Board of Directors meeting today to present the activities for the STO’s 40th birthday that will be celebrated in May.

STO Chairman Patrice Martin also proudly unveiled the slogan that the STO will be displaying throughout its birthday year. “As a Partner in Community Mobility Since 40 Years, the STO has been contributing to the quality of life of citizens in the region by offering a sustainable, greener alternative to driving alone in a car. Over the years, the region has actively encouraged public transit use by promoting mobility for everyone,” stated Mr. Martin. “In the last 40 years, the STO has helped to shape the city of Gatineau by taking an active part in its economic and social development, and its land planning,” he added. “The STO has been a daily part of people’s lives since 40 years. This is certainly worth mentioning!”

Visit the STO
The STO will be 40 years old this May 18. To mark the event, the public is invited to visit the STO and learn about its different activities on Sunday, May 15, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. “This is a unique opportunity to see the control and dispatch centre, mechanical shops, bus garage and much more,” stated STO General Manager Michel Brissette. Activities for children, prize draws and a BBQ organized by the STO’s social club are awaiting small and big alike. Admission is free. However, the public is invited to register in advance for the day at the STO’s Web site.  

In addition to guided tours and a display of buses and archive photos, visitors can have their picture taken at the wheel of the STO’s oldest vehicle, the Vintage bus, for a small contribution that will go towards the Canadian Cancer Society.

Shave-A-Thon
About 40 STO bus drivers and a few other employees will be taking part in a Shave-A-Thon to raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society in the Outaouais.

This activity is being organized by a volunteer group of STO bus drivers to support a colleague who is battling this terrible disease. All funds raised during the day will go to the organization.

The public is invited to cheer on the bus drivers who get their heads shaved by attending the Shave-A-Thon, one of the day’s activities to take place at 11 a.m., 12 noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Starting today and until May 15, riders will also notice some bus drivers wearing a coloured band on their arm to show that they are among the employees who will be participating in the Shave-A-Thon. They will be wearing the same band on their head until June 17 after the Shave-A-Thon.

40 cent day
Furthermore, to mark the STO’s birthday, it will cost only $0.40 to travel throughout the system on May 18, 2011. In addition, to thank patrons for their loyalty, a special STO squad will be getting on different buses during the morning and afternoon rush hours to distribute gifts worth a total of a $4,000 to random riders.

“Let’s celebrate the STO’s 40th birthday together,” concluded the STO’s Chairman. “After all, we are celebrating 40 years of community history!”  

All the details for the STO’s 40th birthday activities will be available soon at sto.ca.

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