As part of the 2021 election campaign, the leader of Projet Montréal and mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, announces the implementation of preferential fares reserved for young people aged 11 and under and for people aged 65 and over in Montreal. She also announced free access to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) network for seniors within two years.
As of Thursday, July 1, 2021 :
- at all times, young people aged 11 and under will have free access to the STM network when accompanied by a person aged 14 and over carrying a valid ticket. This person can accompany up to 5 children aged 11 and under at a time;
- By 2023, when the bus will have become free of charge, people aged 65 and over will benefit from a reduced fare equivalent to 50% of the previously applicable reduced fare. This represents an annual savings of $324 for seniors who purchase a pass every month.
In total, the monthly pass will cost seniors 65 and over $27 per month, the same amount as in 1985.
"While the cost of living is rising with the economic recovery, seniors' incomes are generally flat. More than ever, our seniors need a financial break. We are proud to introduce this preferential pricing for both our youngest citizens and for those who have helped build our city over the course of their lifetimes. For seniors, the potential savings amount to more than $300 per year." said Valérie Plante.
The health crisis has hit transportation companies hard, particularly the STM, which has seen its clientele and revenues drop. This exceptional situation has made it impossible to implement free transit for those 65 and older this year, but this is only temporary as we allow for recovery.
"Even if we cannot yet offer free transit for those 65 and over as we would have liked, we can confirm that it will be done by 2023. A Projet Montréal administration will ask the ARTM to implement completely free travel for those 65 and over in the STM's Montreal network within two years," said Éric Alan Caldwell, who is responsible for mobility on the City of Montreal's executive committee.
Quotes
"Projet Montréal is proud to put forward measures that make a real difference in the lives of Montrealers. Our party is proud to support Montrealers and help them reach their full potential. - Valérie Plante
"As Montreal's recovery is well underway, we hope that these new reduced fares will encourage families and seniors to take advantage of all that Montreal has to offer! And that they will do so by taking public transit!" - Eric Alan Caldwell
"The pandemic has hurt the financial situation of Montrealers. Indeed, the crisis has had an impact on the price of many essential goods, including rent and groceries. Since seniors are on fixed incomes, it became even more important to offer them this relief. - Émilie Thuillier
