Arthur Poirier-Roy, LJI Journalist
CARLETON – At Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, a quiet revolution is underway. Beyond the classrooms and labs, a shift in commuting habits is taking place, driven by a commitment to sustainability and a recognition of the power of collective action. The institution is actively encouraging employees and students to embrace eco-friendly transportation, and the results are impressive.
Annie Léonard, a Cégep employee, is a prime example. For the past two years, she’s been a regular rider of the REGIM (Régie intermunicipale de transport Gaspésie Îles-de-la-Madeleine), the regional bus service. Her employer subsidizes a portion of her bus pass, making it a financially attractive alternative to driving. But for Annie, the benefits extend beyond cost savings. She’s consistently impressed by the dedication of the REGIM drivers, who go above and beyond to serve the students, whom they also drive to the Cégep since 2014. “The drivers make an incredible effort to best serve the students,” she says. She’s witnessed them adapt their routes to accommodate students, even turning back if they’ve missed a stop. They keep lost items safe and recognize the students who’ve misplaced them, creating a sense of community on the bus. “It’s more than just an environmentally conscious choice,” Annie explains. “It’s a humane experience.”
For Cégep employees, the incentives are clear. Parking spaces on campus are expensive, designed to discourage single-occupancy vehicles. This has fostered a thriving carpooling culture, with teachers sharing rides and splitting parking costs. The Cégep has also installed electric car charging stations, which are used by a growing number of teachers. This visible commitment to sustainability creates a positive atmosphere, demonstrating that the institution is taking concrete steps to reduce its carbon footprint.
A partnership between the Cégep and REGIM has further amplified the impact. The REGIM now provides bus service for students, replacing the traditional yellow school buses since 2014, according to the bus company. This collaboration, as Annie notes, fosters a sense of shared responsibility between the municipality and the region.
Annie has also seen firsthand how raising concerns can lead to positive change. She’s previously requested improvements like better lighting at bus shelters and a crosswalk near a stop, demonstrating that the Cégep administration is receptive to suggestions.
The financial benefits of taking public transit are undeniable. Considering the wear and tear on a vehicle, the rising cost of fuel, the carbon tax, and on-campus parking fees, the subsidized bus pass, costing Annie only $60 per month (down from $100), is a “no-brainer.” Despite this, the bus service struggles to fill up its seats on some days, showing partial adoption at best from the local population.
While electric cars may not be accessible to everyone, there are always options for those wishing to lower their ecological footprint. Simply filling up your car with colleagues, instead of driving alone, is a great start. The Cégep’s efforts demonstrate that real change is possible when individuals and institutions work together. All it takes is a willingness to ask.
Do you have a story to share about commuting in the Gaspésie? The Gaspé Spec invites readers to reach out and share their experiences with public transportation, whether it’s a wish for improvement or a positive story about how the REGIM has helped them. Let’s continue this conversation and work towards a greener future for our region.
Full disclosure Arthur Poirier-Roy works for the Cegep.