Mélissa Gélinas
Local Journalism Initiative

LITCHFIELD – A new transportation hub at the MRC Pontiac headquarters was inaugurated September 16, marking an important step in improving public transit and sustainable mobility in the region.

The event brought together several guests, including MRC Pontiac Warden Jane Toller, MRC des Collines Warden Marc Carrière, and Chelsea Mayor Pierre Guénard, who is also president of the sustainable mobility and transportation commission of the MRC des Collines.

The inauguration included a presentation of the project, speeches by dignitaries, a traditional ribbon-cutting and a photo session.

Key project achievements include:
• A new safe access road linking Highway 148 to Highway 301 North, improving the site entrance and ensuring safe passage for buses on the MRC grounds.
• Installation of a bus stop with a shelter served by intercity line 910 operated by Transcollines.
• Development of a park-and-ride lot for carpoolers and transit users.
• Installation of five charging stations for electric vehicles.
• Landscaping to green the site and reduce the visual and environmental impact of paved areas.

A press release also announced that Transcollines will soon launch an on-demand transit service along Highway 148.

“By encouraging carpooling, public transit and the use of electric vehicles, this project demonstrates Pontiac’s commitment to protecting the environment while making the area more attractive for residents […]” said Rachel Soar Flandé, economic development officer at the MRC Pontiac. The project was funded by the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR).

Photo – Marc Carrière, Jane Toller and Pierre Guénard cut the ribbon at the inauguration of a new bus shelter at the MRC headquarters, served by Transcollines’ line 910, as part of the Pontiac Transportation Hub project.