Projet Montréal proposes social fares for low-income public transit users

Luc Rabouin, leader of incumbent Projet Montréal and mayoral candidate, announced that the party would implement social pricing for public transit users, if elected come November.

At a press conference Tuesday, Rabouin said the social fares would allow low-income people, earning $30,000 and under, to have access to an STM monthly pass at the same rate as students: $62.75 per month.

It would represent savings of $500 per year compared to the regular price.

The party says measure aims to ease the financial burden on low-income Montrealers, combat social exclusion, and ensure equitable access to mobility for all. They estimate the measure would help 12 per cent of the population — approximately 175,000 Montrealers.

“We want to take care of our people,” Rabouin said. “For those struggling to make ends meet, every dollar counts. With social pricing, we are ensuring that public transit remains an affordable and accessible solution. For me, Montreal must be a city where everyone can find affordable housing and travel.”

Rabouin says this measure would be implemented if Projet Montréal is given another mandate and would cost around $40 million.

Ensemble Montréal, the city’s opposition, welcomed the idea in principle but questioned its feasibility. “You can’t offer something like that without better management of our budget and finances,” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada, leader of the party and mayoral candidate, citing the STM’s deficit and recent concerns raised by the Auditor General.