SAAQ Reduces Service Hours: Key Changes for Customers
The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) recently announced significant reductions in service hours across several of its centers. These adjustments, effective from November 4, 2024, to March 21, 2025, are part of a pilot project aimed at optimizing service delivery and maintaining regional employment during periods of low demand.
According to Geneviève Côté, a spokesperson for the SAAQ, the main goal is to maximize traffic to service centers while efficiently utilizing available resources. This decision comes after a successful first phase of the pilot program, which was conducted in five centers earlier this year. During this time, a noticeable drop in customer volume—about 30%—was observed, prompting the need for adjusted operational hours.
Under the new schedule, select centers will close one day a week. For instance, in Côte-Nord, the Baie-Comeau service center will not be open on Tuesdays, while the Sept-Îles center will be closed on Wednesdays. In the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, the Alma center will cease operations on Wednesdays, and Roberval will close on Tuesdays. In Mauricie, the Shawinigan center will be unavailable on Mondays during this same period.
Also Read:- Rodri and Aitana Bonmatà Shine at the 2024 Ballon d'Or Ceremony
- Tragic Drag Racing Incident Claims Life on Bardstown Road
The Bas-Saint-Laurent region is also affected, with the Matane center closing on Wednesdays, Rivière-du-Loup on Fridays, and Rimouski on Wednesdays starting December 2. This shift means that clients will now have access to services only four days a week, a significant change from the usual five days.
Despite these closures, Côté reassures that staff will still be present at the centers on their closed days. Employees will engage in various tasks such as responding to customer inquiries via phone and email, which should help alleviate congestion at other locations that experience higher customer volumes.
The SAAQ emphasizes the importance of scheduling appointments in advance to ensure a smoother service experience. They also encourage customers to utilize online services available through SAAQclic, allowing them to handle many transactions without needing to visit a center in person. This digital shift is particularly beneficial for those who may not have easy access to in-person services.
However, not everyone is pleased with the changes. Nicolas Gauthier, president of the regional union for the Bas-Saint-Laurent, voiced concerns about the potential long-term implications of reduced services. He expressed fears that these changes could evolve into more extensive cuts, impacting the availability of services for citizens who rely heavily on them. Additionally, he pointed out that older individuals may struggle with technology and the push towards online transactions, which could lead to increased barriers for those not comfortable with digital tools.
As the SAAQ moves forward with these changes, they continue to monitor customer feedback and service performance, aiming to strike a balance between efficiency and accessibility for all Quebec residents. The goal remains clear: to ensure that vital services are available while safeguarding employment in regional areas, even in times of lower demand. The public is encouraged to stay informed about their local service hours and to embrace online options to facilitate their interactions with the SAAQ during this transition.
Read More:
0 Comments