Behind the 47 bus routes and countless innovations is a team of people, over 1,100 STL employees working hard every day getting commuters to their destination.

You can now go behind the scenes and learn about all of the work that goes into keeping Laval buses rolling, thanks to a new STL podcast. It’s friendly, easygoing, and it peels back the curtain on the day-to-day operations of the STL while demystifying various aspects of public transit, such as the process of maintaining vehicles, assigning drivers to buses, etc.

Host Pierre-Luc Massey promises the podcast won’t leave you feeling indifferent: “There are funny moments, unexpected moments, and some really likeable characters.” The first episode of Prochain arrêt : le balado de la STL features Chantal, Nancy and Jonathan, all longstanding STL bus drivers. They give us a glimpse of the people they meet on their routes and share some of the key moments that have marked their careers.

As the STL nears its 50th anniversary, a milestone it will likely reach in the midst of a pandemic, the podcast is a new way for the public transit authority to continue to forge ties with the Laval population and share its day-to-day and experiences. Although a friendly “hello” when boarding the bus is always welcome, the podcast aims to add yet another personal layer to the relationship with commuters.

The other episodes focus on little-known facets of public transit, like what it’s like to operate in winter, when do buses refuel, how are bus routes and times planned, electric buses, the upkeep of bus shelters, etc. “I am eager to ask my colleagues about all of these things, and to learn about them alongside our listeners,” says Massey, who joined the STL two years ago. The podcast host is smart and funny, as he helps unveil the little-known yet oh-so-essential world of the STL and the people who drive it forward.

A podcast is a way of streaming or downloading a series of audio or video recordings that interest you on your computer or smartphone via special software. Prochain arrêt : un balado de la STL is available on all popular listening platforms: Balado Québec, Spotify, Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts.