The Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) is taking advantage of Mobility Week, which starts today, to announce a partnership with the Association québécoise de lutte contre la pollution atmosphérique (AQLPA) under the "Clear the Air!" program that encourages the eco-friendly recycling of older polluting vehicles made in 1995 or earlier that are still on the roads in Quebec.

This agreement allows Outaouais residents to receive a free six-month transit pass from the STO in exchange for disposing of their old vehicle by joining the AQLPA program.

"The STO is proud to join the many partners in this program in Quebec to encourage the use of more eco-friendly transportation," stated STO Chairman Patrice Martin at the press conference. "In addition to helping reduce the pollution caused by old vehicles, this initiative also promotes public transit. Our agreement offers new riders an easy way to discover the bus and its related benefits when they dispose of their old vehicle responsibly," he added. The STO Chairman went on to recall that one of public transit's primary roles is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation. He also pointed out that the STO's different initiatives, which include this partnership, were contributing to make Gatineau a greener city!

Mobility Week, which goes from September 16 to 22, is aimed at raising public awareness of sustainable mobility by emphasizing the need to modify travel habits and reward citizens who choose public transit, cycling, walking, carpooling or car sharing. Besides the announcement of the AQLPA partnership, other STO activities are also on the agenda for this theme week, including "2 for 1" fares on all buses and an evening event to honour riders and local partners that will take place on international "In Town, Without My Car!" day on September 22.

To participate in the Clean the air! program, visit www.cleartheairprogram.org or call 1-888-819-7330.