Drummondville is reaching a major milestone in its development by adopting an ambitious public transit network. Starting August 1, 2027, residents will be able to count on a completely redesigned service offering — more accessible, more reliable, and better adapted to the city’s growth as well as to today’s and tomorrow’s mobility needs. This transformation officially takes flight with the awarding of a 10-year operating contract to Transdev Canada, a leading player in public transit on the international stage, present in more than 20 countries.
At the heart of the 2020–2040 Sustainable Mobility Plan and the 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, this project represents a major step forward for public transit in Drummondville. It will provide the population with more travel options through a higher-performing network, matching the ambitions of a rapidly growing city.
By the time the new network launches, 71% of the population will be within 400 metres of a bus stop, compared to roughly 50% today. The new network will also offer improved service to key activity hubs, doubled onboard capacity, and increased schedule reliability.
"This is one of the most significant transformations of the public transit network since its creation. Today, we are taking a structuring step for the future of our city, because public transit plays an essential role in quality of life, attractiveness, and sustainable development in Drummondville," said Jean-François Houle, Mayor of Drummondville.
"We sincerely thank the City of Drummondville for its trust. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we begin this partnership, built on listening, collaboration, and a shared ambition: to serve citizens and build with them a mobility system that is accessible, safe, high-performing, and firmly turned toward the future," added Arthur Nicolet, CEO of Transdev Canada.
A network designed around real travel patterns
Designed based on the population’s actual travel patterns, and refined in light of public consultations held this spring, the new network will improve service to growing sectors as well as to the territory’s main activity hubs, notably downtown, the CEGEP, the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Drummondville campus), the Centre de formation professionnelle Paul-Rousseau, and other schools within the Centre de services scolaire des Chênes.
In the downtown and CEGEP area, riders will benefit from increased frequency, with up to 12 combined trips per hour from three bidirectional lines, compared to 6 currently. Combined with the arrival of higher-capacity vehicles, this enhancement will translate into a 335% increase in service capacity, offering a service better suited to current and future demand.
More capacity, more comfort, and better accessibility
The new network will be operated with low-floor vehicles offering simplified access for all riders, notably people with reduced mobility, seniors, and families.
While some routes currently reach maximum capacity quickly, the future buses will be able to accommodate more than 50 people through a combination of seated and standing space. This increased capacity will offer riders greater comfort while better addressing ridership growth.
A long-term partnership to ensure the project’s success
Following a rigorous and independent tendering process involving discussion and negotiation, the City selected Transdev Canada’s proposal, which received the best final score. The 10-year contract represents a total investment of $89 million.
A transformation that will roll out gradually
Current service will remain in place until the new network comes into effect, scheduled for August 1, 2027. Over the coming months, the City will progressively unveil the various components of the project and support the population through each stage of its implementation.
Operating in 6 provinces and 1 territory across Canada, Transdev is the country's largest multimodal passenger transport company. We provide a wide range of services to communities, including urban, paratransit, school, medical, and rail transport. Our mission is to connect all Canadians and offer safe, efficient, and innovative solutions that serve the common good. With nearly 6,500 employees nationwide, Transdev Canada has also earned the Great Place to Work® certification for 2024-2025 for offering an exceptional workplace culture while emphasizing the positive impact of an inclusive environment.