City of Montreal Can't Progress Transit System Without Help from Province

Following transit fare hikes at the beginning of July in Montreal, some Montrealers are unhappy, as those who live island and commute on island will be disproportionately affected – having to pay $5.25 instead of $3.50, as of July 1. This will effect those living in the South Shore and Laval.

This is the second fare hike in a row under Montreal's municipal government, Projet Montreal. Vincent Obry-Legros, civil engineering Masters student at Polytechniqque specialized in transportation, said Projet Montreal completed half of their promises. He describes this as a win for the party, adding that he believes they couldn't have done more, as the municipal government relies on funding from the provincial government.

The Réseau express métropolitain, also known as the REM, has been a contentious issue. Another delay was announced, as most of the stations will not open before the end of 2024.

Obry-Legros said many Montrealers dislike the REM, as they say it's ugly, noisy, however, he said we must do everything to work with what we have. He said the provincial CAQ government is a right wing government focused on privatization and climate crisis is here, so we can't wait for a new government to access more transit expansions.

He said the train, metro, and REM can't be created or expanded upon without help from provincial government.

With climate change worsening, could free transit be accessible to Montrealers in the future?

Obry-Legros said free transit is plausible, reminding how the CAQ gave Quebecers at a certain tax bracket $500 for doing their taxes. He said this shows how  do have extra money and they could put this towards free transit for 1 year. Obry-Legros said this would help lower income folks and help people who don't use transit to use it, adding that it's a good measure for environment, as many in suburbs don't use transit.