Over the next few months, the Société de transport de Laval (STL) will be testing a new smart phone application designed to improve the independence of people with mild disabilities and pervasive developmental disorders (PDD).
Called the STL Companion, this new application was developed in collaboration with Laval's Centre de réadaptation en déficience intellectuelle et en trouble envahissant du développement (CRDITED) who also participated in the testing period. Development is progressing well and everything remains on track despite the tight schedule.
The STL is developing and adapting this application with a team from the Barcelona-based Mass Factory. Mass Factory is the team known for the "On the Bus" application, now called App & Town, which includes several guiding functions. The STL application will include several innovative functions.
David De Cotis, President of the STL's Board of Directors is overjoyed with the development of this application: " The STL Companion will help clients with specific difficulties who could not use the regular bus network to achieve greater independence. If the testing proves conclusive, the STL Companion will provide empowerment for everyone, allowing them to travel in Laval and right across the world. "
The STL Companion is easy to use and allows riders to program their trip using a web interface by themselves or with the help of a tutor. Then all they have to do is open the app on their smartphone for the trip and they will receive clear and precise audio and visual travel tips. Icons and a map will provide users information on which route to take to get to the bus stop. Their phones will vibrate prompting them on which bus to board and again when they need to get off the bus. The user can choose a text-to-speech function to give them verbal notices at any time if they prefer.
A built-in geolocation system tracks their trip and allowing for interventions where necessary. If the client encounters any service disruptions or takes the wrong path, the STL's Customer Contact Center will notify a customer service agent who will contact them to make sure everything is under control. If required, a designated person can contact the client and offer their help.
A dozen people will be recruited over the coming months by CRDITED to test the application for passenger trials. New users will be added gradually as the needs and workloads are evaluated and taken under control.
STL Companion +
The STL has also developed an application for the general public called STL Companion + to help people who aren't yet familiar with our network to travel with ease. The STL Companion + application is not connected to the Customer Contact Center however. This application will be launched over the next few months.
"Launching the STL Companion + and STL Companion applications is proof of our desire to make the STL a system that welcomes and transports the largest number people possible by gradually eliminating obstacles to the use of public transit. This is a long term commitment that dovetails with the sustainable mobility guidelines that were adopted by the STL and the city of Laval in 2011" adds David De Cotis.
