Canada/Public Transportation: RÉGIM Launches Two New Mobility Services

The Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Intermunicipal Transportation Authority and the Municipality of Maria today launched two new public transit services.

Following the introduction of buses and car-sharing vehicles in six municipalities in the region, the Régie intermunicipale de transport is breaking new ground with the MaaS pilot project. It is adding two new services to its existing car-sharing platform, “SAUVéR-SiGTiC.” The concept is simple. Users of the network’s car-sharing vehicles can now offer their trips to others. Users will also be able to register their own vehicles.

“People who use cars from the network can offer their trips as carpool rides. They share their destinations. I’m leaving from point A and heading to point B for the day. People can come and use the available seats in the vehicles,” said Marie-Andrée Pichette, executive director of RÉGIM.

A ride-sharing service has also been added, operating more like a volunteer escort service than a paid chauffeur service.

“We’re more focused on volunteer transportation. So these are people who can offer to drive for various needs within the community,” said Marie-Andrée Pichette.

The pricing model remains unclear for now. But RÉGIM is relying primarily on volunteerism and community partnerships.

Behind the launch of these new services lies a very real pressure on the organization and a way to reduce costs.

“The cost of operating buses is getting more and more expensive. So we’re focusing on projects—I’d call them alternative transportation projects—that will expand the agency’s service offerings, but at a lower cost,” said Marie-Andrée Pichette.

For the municipality of Maria, the project comes at just the right time. Mayor Patricia Chartier sees it as a tool to reduce dependence on single-occupant cars while meeting transportation needs.

“We’re very concerned about reducing our transportation-related GHG emissions. We know there’s a lot of solo car use and individual transportation. People are still open to carpooling, though. But it’s really about facilitating these connections—about being able to offer community-based ridesharing. That’s the key aspect—there’s a real need for shared transportation, especially for seniors getting around,” Patricia Chartier, mayor of Maria.

A major challenge remains for RÉGIM: keeping users active on the platform.

“With carpooling and ride-sharing, the challenge is keeping users active on the network. So all this guidance, along with support from community organizations, will help us keep this wonderful platform alive for years to come,” said Marie-Andrée Pichette.

Residents are invited to sign up on the platform right now.

Source: cimtchau.ca/nouvelles/