Public transit advocates in Montreal are urging Quebec political parties to increase investment in the city’s transit system as service quality deteriorates. They point to a tripling of wait times on evening STM routes and rising ticket prices as evidence that cuts over the past decade are eroding reliability.
The advocates’ demand comes as the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) faces scrutiny for reduced service levels. Over the last ten years, the agency has reduced routes and frequencies, prompting longer waits for riders, especially after dark. Concurrently, fare increases have added financial pressure on commuters who rely on the network for daily travel.
A recent analysis by TVA highlighted the worsening performance of Montreal’s transit network, noting the sharp rise in evening wait times and the upward trend in ticket costs. The broadcaster’s report underscores the gap between service expectations and the current reality, reinforcing the advocates’ call for a funding boost.
Ahead of the upcoming provincial elections in Quebec, the advocates are pressing parties to include higher transit spending in their platforms. They argue that a committed financial plan is essential to reverse the decline and to ensure that fares do not continue to climb while service levels fall.
Quebec political parties have been asked to respond to the advocates’ appeal, with the expectation that election promises could translate into concrete budget allocations for the STM. The advocates emphasize that sustained investment is necessary to restore confidence in public transportation and to meet the mobility needs of Montreal’s residents.
The call for increased funding reflects a broader concern about the long‑term sustainability of the city’s transit system and its ability to serve a growing urban population without imposing higher costs on riders.