Quebec Government Allocates $880 Million to Fund Public Transit Through 2029

Trois-Rivières, December 9, 2024 – Following the recent economic update, Quebec’s Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, announced a $879.6 million investment by the provincial government to support major public transit agencies across Quebec. The funding aims to establish a balanced and predictable long-term financial framework for public transit services in regions including Montreal, Quebec City, Lévis, Trois-Rivières, Gatineau, Saguenay, and Sherbrooke, as well as other local transit organizations.

The primary goal of this significant financial support is to help public transit organizations transition toward budgetary balance by 2029. The funding comes with strict conditions, including compliance with financial oversight measures and thorough accountability. Transit agencies are also expected to implement optimization strategies in response to the findings of a financial performance audit released earlier this fall.

Breakdown of Funding

• Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM): $776.2 million
• Public transit agencies outside Montreal: $75.8 million, distributed as follows:
  • Quebec City Transit Authority: $37.8 million
  • Outaouais Transit Corporation: $20.2 million
  • Sherbrooke Transit Corporation: $6.3 million
  • Lévis Transit Corporation: $4.6 million
  • Saguenay Transit Corporation: $3.8 million
  • Trois-Rivières Transit Corporation: $3.1 million
• Regional and adapted transit organizations: $3 million
• North and South Shore regions: $24.6 million

This funding builds upon the $2.4 billion allocated since 2020 to ensure continuity in public and adapted transit services, bringing the total to $3.3 billion.

Official Statement

“We are delivering a solid financial framework to support public transit agencies while optimizing the taxpayers’ investment. This partnership with municipalities, combined with a clear roadmap, ensures the sustainability of public transit in Quebec. Our goal is to provide the best possible services at the best cost,” stated Geneviève Guilbault.

Key Highlights

• The operating budget for public transit increased by 60%, from $328.7 million in 2018 to $534.7 million in 2023.
• The government’s contribution to public transit funding rose from 37% in 2015 to 48% in 2023.
• The Quebec Infrastructure Plan 2024-2034 includes $13.8 billion in public transit investments.
• The recent performance audit identified $346 million in potential annual cost optimizations across major public transit agencies.

With this substantial funding, the Quebec government reaffirms its commitment to sustainable mobility and a greener future for its citizens.