Montreal-area transit fares are going up, with new rates taking effect soon. The fare hike applies to both bus and metro services operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).
New Fare Structure
Single-ride tickets will increase from $3.75 to $4.00, while monthly passes will rise from $94 to $100. Reduced fares for seniors and students will also see increases proportionate to the general fare adjustment.
Impact on Commuters
The fare increase is expected to generate additional revenue for the STM, which has faced financial challenges due to declining ridership and rising operational costs. Commuters have expressed mixed reactions, with some understanding the need for funding while others worry about affordability.
In a statement, the STM emphasized that the increase is necessary to maintain service levels and invest in infrastructure improvements, including new buses and metro upgrades.
Comparison with Other Cities
Montreal's new fares remain competitive compared to other major Canadian cities. Toronto's TTC single fare is $3.35, while Vancouver's TransLink charges $3.10 for a single zone. However, monthly passes in Montreal are still lower than in Toronto ($156) and Vancouver ($104.55).
The fare hike comes as part of a broader trend of transit agencies adjusting prices to cover costs and improve services. The STM has also announced plans to introduce more express bus routes and extend metro hours on weekends.
