Are you planning to take public transit for the first time but are not too familiar with the way it works? The STO has numerous information tools to make bus travel easier.

The Plani-Bus allows you to obtain a personalized itinerary and to view the timetables of all bus routes. A transit map gives you an overview of all the services provided in the City of Gatineau area. An Infobus telephone system that you can access by dialling 819 778 + the four-digit number for the bus stop gives the real time that the next two buses will be passing. The Infobus electronic information system automatically displays the real time of the next two buses serving a stop.

To obtain a smart card, go to one of the issuing centres. Cards can be recharged at one of the recharging sites. To buy bus tickets, go to one of the STO's authorized retail outlets .

You have chosen to take public transit. You have made the right choice because there are many advantages to riding the bus:

• You can save several hundred dollars a year;
• You have access to reserved lanes, which allows you to travel more rapidly and avoid traffic congestion;
• You avoid the stress related to traffic jams;
• You have a lower accident risk;
• You help reduce greenhouse gases and create a cleaner environment.

Furthermore, riding the bus gives you free access to approximately 2,000 parking spaces in 14 Park-and-Ride facilities. This way, you can pick up the kids from daycare or do some shopping after work.

Now that you have chosen public transit, you might also be thinking about getting rid of your car without losing access to a vehicle. Thanks to the Duo AUTO + BUS program, public transit riders who do not own a car can now have occasional access to a vehicle.