In Greater Montreal, an average hike will be 2% but for some areas, like the South Shore and Laval, the prices will rise almost 50 % going up from $3.50 to $5.25.
For commuters who rely on public transport every day the increase is just too steep. Many are deciding to use their cars instead since the cost of public transit is not justifiable anymore. That might have a negative effect on the STM’s operations down the line. ARTM (Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain) representative has defended the changes saying that the new transit system will reduce the fare zones from 8 to 4 and that many commuters will in fact be paying less than previously. The biggest saving can be expected on monthly passes. The organization also states that a 2% increase is lower than the inflation.
Unfortunately- the single fare users will be hit by a significant price increase the most. The single fare will now apply to all means of transport, including metro, bus, train, or soon, the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM). If you wonder how those changes will affect you, ARTM presented new fare zones and prices in this document.
Credit: Instagram @toronto_fat_man
Montrealers are not happy about the fare increases and already 4000 have signed the petition to keep the fares as they were. The petition has not been submitted to the authorities yet.
How does the increase will be affecting you? Is public transit still a better option than a car?
