Public transit fares will increase by 3% this year in Greater Montreal. The users of Longueuil and Laval, ulcerated by the increase which had been cashed in 2022, will however be entitled to the freezing of certain tariffs.
Unsurprisingly, the Regional Metropolitan Transport Authority (ARTM) blames inflation for this 3% increase, stronger than that observed in recent years. “That’s one percent more up than the last five years, but that said, it’s greatly limited in context. We are well aware of the reality of users. We want to keep our titles attractive, “said ARTM spokesperson Simon Charbonneau on Wednesday.
In recent years, the average rate increase has been around 1% to 2%. However, this year, the ARTM says it has to deal with a sharp rise in the consumer price index (CPI), which jumped 6.2% between January 2022 and January 2023.
Since last year, the ARTM has grouped its “metropolitan tariffs” into four zones in Greater Montreal: zone A (Montreal), zone B (Laval and Longueuil) and zones C and D (north and south crowns) . Two main titles exist: one “all modes”, which allows to use the metro, REM, bus and commuter trains, and another called “bus everywhere”, to use all bus networks.
Single “all modes” fares in zones A, ABC and ABCD will therefore increase by $0.25 from July, with a similar logic for round trips, 10 passes and monthly passes. A ticket to travel on the island of Montreal will now cost $3.75, and the monthly subscription will increase from $94 to $97.
An exception remains, however: the “all modes AB”, which allows transit between Laval, Montreal and Longueuil, will remain unchanged. Only the monthly title will increase for this title from $150 to $155.
The Authority is thus trying to buy peace with the users of Laval and Longueuil, who had denounced last year the fact of having to pay $ 5.25 for a unit title, against $ 3.50 in the past. Under the fire of criticism, the ARTM had retreated, raising the title to $ 4.50, and at the same time lowering several other titles. It is unclear, however, what decision will be made next year, with the price theoretically set to return to $5.25 by 2025.
Given the postponement of the Rive-Sud branch of the REM, a transitory pass of 10 trips, the “Transit RTL-REM”, will also be available at a cost of $35.75. Its monthly equivalent will cost $119, but will not allow connections in Montreal.
In a press release, the Association pour le transportcollective de la Rive-Sud (ATCRS) denounces, however, that a REM trip from Brossard must be made with a valid ticket for zones A and B, even if it This is a trip between Brossard stations. “The occasional user who wants to travel with the REM between two stations in Brossard will have to pay $4.50, compared to $3.75 for a bus trip. However, a trip between Île-des-Sœurs and Central Station in Montreal will cost $3.75, regardless of the mode. Two weights, two measures,” insists spokesperson Axel Fournier.
They were already available on the island of Montreal, but they will now be available throughout the metropolitan area: the ARTM “24 hours” and “three days” titles will also arrive on July 1st. In Zone AB, a 24-hour pass will cost $12.75, while a “three-day” pass will cost $27, prices slightly higher than in Zone A.
Moreover, these new titles will be available from June 1 in zone AB, in order to “accommodate festival-goers” who transit between Montreal, Laval, and Longueuil. “These are titles that will be appreciated in more atypical travel contexts. We think a lot about telecommuting, cultural outings, ”says Mr. Charbonneau.
These new titles are a new response to changing habits in public transport, according to him. “The busiest days in our networks for 18 months remain Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday”, he illustrates in this sense.
Recognizing that its tariff overhaul had caused some confusion last year, the ARTM will also launch a major communication campaign in May, 60 days before the entry into force of the new tariffs. Teams will also be on the ground to inform users.
