Around twenty mayors from municipalities in the Laurentides and Lanaudière regions north of Montreal issued a joint request on Monday for a rebalancing and increase in provincial funding for collective transportation. The officials said the rapid population growth in their areas has changed transit needs, making the current level of support insufficient.
The mayors emphasized that the shift in demographics and the expanding number of residents have placed new pressure on existing public‑transit services. They argue that a revised funding formula from the provincial government would better match the demand generated by the growing communities.
The appeal arrives as Quebec readies itself for an upcoming provincial election campaign. Transportation financing has emerged as a topic of discussion among parties and candidates, positioning the mayors' demand within a broader political context. By highlighting the funding gap, the municipal leaders aim to draw attention to the issue before the election season intensifies.
While the request does not specify exact figures, the collective voice of the twenty mayors underscores a shared concern across the two regions. Their coordinated stance reflects a common experience of increased ridership pressures and the need for more robust service provision.
Provincial authorities have not yet responded to the appeal, but the timing suggests that the matter may feature in policy debates as parties outline their platforms. The mayors indicated that addressing the funding shortfall would support sustainable growth and improve mobility for residents who rely on public transit for commuting and daily activities.
The call for additional resources underscores the broader challenge of aligning transportation infrastructure with demographic trends in rapidly expanding suburban areas. As the election approaches, the issue is likely to remain on the agenda of both municipal leaders and provincial decision‑makers.