The annual UTACQ congress once again brought together transportation organizations, municipalities, suppliers, and industry partners from across Quebec to discuss the future of adapted and collective mobility. Held this year in Orford, Quebec, the event focused on an important question: “And what if mobility became the key to our collective development?”
For Crestline, UTACQ is more than an industry event. It is an opportunity to connect directly with the organizations serving communities every day and better understand the realities they face on the road. From rural transportation challenges and accessibility needs to fleet reliability and after-sales support, the conversations throughout the event highlighted the essential role transportation providers play across the province.
As discussions around service accessibility, innovation, and regional mobility continue to evolve, events like UTACQ create valuable opportunities for collaboration between transportation operators and industry partners. For Crestline, being part of those conversations means continuing to listen, learn, and provide solutions that support the changing needs of communities throughout Quebec.
Customer Spotlight: Transport adapté du Témiscamingue
Anne Villeneuve, Geneal Director at Transport adapté du Témiscamingue shared her experience as a Crestline customer and highlighted the importance of strong customer support in the adapted and collective transportation industry.
A Crestline customer since 2018, Anne first purchased a low-floor vehicle before gradually expanding her fleet with several Ford Transit-based units, including medical transport configurations, 11-passenger vehicles, and larger 18-passenger buses. Many of these vehicles are still in operation today, with plans already underway to modernize and upgrade some of the earlier units.
When discussing what matters most when selecting a vehicle, Anne emphasized that customer service plays a bigger role than the vehicle itself.
"Having quick access to knowledgeable sales representatives and service technicians is essential. Whether it is a mechanical question, operational support, or troubleshooting, responsiveness and communication are key factors in maintaining confidence and minimizing downtime.
She also shared some of her future plans for the fleet, particularly her interest in integrating more technology into daily operations. Ideas such as digital mechanical inspections on tablets, built-in navigation systems, and larger integrated displays for drivers are all part of the vision she sees for the future of transportation services. As personal vehicles continue to evolve technologically, expectations for fleet vehicles are evolving as well.
When asked why she continues to work with Crestline, Anne once again pointed to the support network behind the product. She explained that issues can happen with any vehicle, but what truly matters is having a team that is available, responsive, and committed to finding solutions quickly. For her, that relationship and after-sales support are what continue to make the difference.
Customer Spotlight: Transport La Promenade
Lise Sauvageau, General Manager of Transport La Promenade, spoke with us about the growth of her organization’s fleet and the importance of reliable partnerships in the transportation industry.
A Crestline customer since 2021, Lise began working with Crestline through the purchase of StarTrans minibuses. Since then, her organization has added multiple 20-passenger vehicles to its fleet, including units delivered in 2022 and 2025, with additional quotes already being requested for future expansion. She also mentioned plans to add a minivan to better support operational needs. When choosing a vehicle, Lise explained that passenger comfort and after-sales service are the two most important factors. Ensuring riders have a positive experience while also having dependable support after delivery plays a major role in every purchasing decision.
When asked why she continues to work with Crestline, Lise highlighted the people behind the company.
"The value of having knowledgeable and responsive team members who are available to answer questions and support customers throughout the process. According to her, that level of service and expertise makes a real difference and continues to strengthen the relationship with Crestline."
Looking ahead, Transport La Promenade hopes to continue growing its services. Lise shared her ambition to increase ridership and expand operations beyond the organization’s current territory through the addition of new vehicles, potentially with larger passenger capacities. She also expressed strong interest in flexible vehicle configurations designed for the realities of rural transportation, including vehicles with adaptable interior layouts based on passenger needs.
Supporting communities through reliable transportation solutions
One of the strongest messages heard throughout UTACQ this year was the pride transportation organizations have in serving their communities. Whether operating in densely populated areas or covering vast rural territories, these services play a critical role in providing accessible mobility to thousands of people every day. The realities may differ from one municipality to another, but the mission remains the same: ensuring people can safely and reliably reach the services and destinations they depend on.
For Crestline, events like UTACQ are essential because they create opportunities to hear directly from customers about the challenges they face in the field. Open conversations with transportation operators, municipalities, and industry leaders help bring forward the real needs of communities and reinforce the importance of having a strong voice with government and transportation authorities when planning for the future of mobility in Quebec.
Across many discussions during the event, one theme consistently stood out: the importance of partnership and transparency between customers and vehicle providers. Beyond the vehicle itself, transportation organizations are looking for responsive support, clear communication, and reliable after-sales service.
For fleets operating long distances every year, sometimes reaching 200,000 km or more in demanding road conditions, reliability is not optional. Vehicles must be durable, maneuverable, and capable of performing consistently in challenging environments while minimizing downtime.
Accessibility and adaptability were also recurring topics. Communities increasingly require transportation solutions that can accommodate a wide range of passenger needs, including flexible seating layouts and accessible configurations. Partnerships with suppliers such as Freedman help Crestline offer interior solutions tailored to the realities of each service and the passengers they support.
Durability remains another key priority for operators. From wheelchair lifts to interior equipment and corrosion-resistant materials, transportation providers need vehicles built to withstand Quebec’s climate and road conditions while maintaining long-term reliability and ease of maintenance.
As a bus dealer and partner to transportation organizations across the province, Crestline understands that every fleet, whether operating one or two vehicles or managing large-scale services across multiple regions, depends on having the right support network behind them. Listening to customers, understanding their operational realities, and continuing to provide dependable solutions will remain at the center of Crestline’s commitment to the industry moving forward.
Planning your next fleet addition? Connect with Crestline to discuss accessible, reliable transportation solutions built around your community’s needs.
