Quebec takes up 70 percent of deficit of greater Montreal transit agencies: reports

The Quebec government plans to pick up about 70 percent of the 2025 deficit of transit agencies in greater Montreal.

The province is expected to contribute about $200 million to the $284 million deficit for 2025, LaPresse reports.

Quebec Transport Minister Genevieve Guilbeau will meet with mayors from the greater Montreal area on Monday to discuss the plans.

ARTM, which includes the Montreal, Laval, Longueuil and Exo commuter train transit companies, currently has a total operating deficit of $561 million. ARTM has sent a letter to Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard asking for $421 million in aid from Quebec.

ARTM is looking at various scenarios, including raising tariffs and reducing the deficit, among others, as well as asking for help from the government. A reduction in services is also being considered.

Quebec has said it only wants to offer help for the shortage caused by the pandemic, where there has been a drop in the number of drivers, which has led to a drop in revenue.

Last year, the province struck a similar deal, agreeing to cover 70 per cent of the deficit for 2024 when it offered to cover 20 per cent of public transit companies' remaining deficit between 2024 and 2028.

Minister Gilbo called for an independent audit of the work of transit authorities, to find ways to help solve their financial problems. The results of this audit are expected in September.