Vélo-bus

The Vélo-bus service is now guaranteed during the whole year as part of a pilot project, on ALL articulated and hybrid buses and on the following bus routes:

Service available 

Monday to Friday: 31 - 36- 37 - 38 - 49 – 55 – 59 - 68 - 371 - 400

Saturday and Sunday: 31 - 37 - 38 - 49 - 55 - 59 - 371 - 400

It is important to know that even if the service is now offered during the winter as well, “Fat bike” type bicycles are not accepted on the bike racks, due to the size of their wheels.

Please note that during winter the bike racks mechanism may freeze. In some cases, it may be impossible to use the bike rack.

Details

• There is no additional fee as this service is included in your fare. 
• Limit of two bikes per rack, first come first served!
• You can use the service at any time of the day.
• Bike racks can also be used outside of the official period, but their availability is not guaranteed.

How to use the Vélo-bus service

Before the bus arrives:

Remove all accessories from your bike (bag, water bottle, basket, child seat, locks, etc.) to avoid blocking the driver’s view. If you do not remove these items, the driver may refuse to let you use the bike rack.

As the bus approaches:

Signal the driver that you would like to use the bike rack.

1. Open the rack

Gently push the bike rack towards the bus and then pull on the handle to lower the rack to the horizontal position.

2. Install the bike

Lift your bike and insert the wheels into the wheel wells. The first bike should always be placed in the space closest to the bus.

3. Secure the bike

Depending on the type of bike rack:

Hook type: Extend and lift the hook arm as high as possible over the front tire of your bike. Make sure it is not touching the bike fender or frame.

Lever type: Turn the crank handle until the lever holds the front wheel of your bike.

4. Board the bus and pay your fare!

Disembarking:

As you approach your destination, let the driver know that you would like to unload your bike.

1. Disembark at the front of the bus and make sure the driver understands your intention to unload your bike
2. Lower the hook type arm to the horizontal position or turn the crank handle
3. Remove your bike
4. If no other bike is on the rack, lock the rack shut
5. Move away from the bus and signal the driver that you are finished

There is already a bike on the rack

If there is another bike on the rack, use the empty spot.

If the front spot is taken, insert your bike in the back spot. Your bike should face the opposite direction of the bike in the other spot.

Follow the same steps to install your bike.

Come try the bike rack

Safety tips and rules

• You must be able to install your bike on your own, without help from the driver
• The racks can accommodate standard bikes with wheels that are at least 20 inches in diameter. See the bikes that are not permitted 
• Bikes are not permitted on board the bus
• When you reach your destination, be sure to remember to unload your bike!

Bikes that are not permitted

Bikes with oversized wheels (fat bikes), small children’s bikes, large electric bikes, tricycles, tandems and all other bikes with non-standard dimensions are not permitted.

Below are some examples of bikes that are not permitted:

High school students and the STO’s integrated bus service 

If you use the STO’s integrated bus service, you can use the Vélo-bus service. However, for safety reasons, the Vélo-bus service cannot be used outside the school in the afternoon: you must go to the next stop on your bus route.

If you forget your bike on the support

Contact Customer Relations at 819 770-3242 to collect your bike

Responsibility

The STO is not liable for any bodily injury, theft, loss or damage that may result from transporting bikes or the handling and use of its bike racks by its customers.