Montreal municipal election: fixing our transit system

Montreal’s transit system is under strain, with REM breakdowns, STM strikes and growing traffic congestion putting pressure on how people move through the city.

As the 2025 municipal election approaches, transit and mobility advocates say the next mayor will need to think beyond cars and commit to safer, more reliable ways of getting around.

“The top priority for us will be the Metro in Montreal,” said Philippe Jacques, co-executive director and spokesperson for Trajectoire Québec. “It’s the second-oldest one, so money needs to be spent.”

Groups representing cyclists, pedestrians and commuters say Montreal’s next leader must reshape how the city uses its streets and invests in mobility infrastructure.

“You don’t need to be cycling yourself to see the benefits of more cycling infrastructure,” said Magali Bebronne, program director at Vélo Québec. “More cyclists on the road means fewer cars, fewer people fighting for the same parking spot you’re desperately trying to get.”

Pedestrian advocates say too much of Montreal’s road space still favours vehicles, even as more residents turn to active or public transportation.

“We have basically three priorities,” said Sandrine Cabana-Degani, executive director of Piétons Québec. “We want the next mayor to continue implementing the Vision Zero action plan, reduce space for cars and enhance walkable neighbourhoods.”

Each of the five parties running for mayor has proposed different approaches to improving mobility:

• Projet Montréal is promising a $62.75 monthly transit pass for residents earning under $30,000, 1,000 new BIXI stations and a 24-hour express bus network.
• Ensemble Montréal plans to audit unsafe bike paths and use artificial intelligence to improve traffic and construction planning.
• Transition Montréal is proposing lower fares for residents earning under $47,500, a vehicle-kilometre tax to fund greener options, and BIXI expansion with e-bikes and winter pilots.
• Futur Montréal says it would remove bike lanes on commercial streets, increase bus frequency and add tower parking in dense areas.
• Action Montréal wants to remove lanes that slow traffic and add more on-street parking to support drivers.

Bebronne said access to reliable, diverse options shouldn’t depend on where someone lives. “People in central neighbourhoods have many ways to get around, their bikes, buses, and metro systems. People in outer neighbourhoods also deserve these kinds of options.”

Cabana-Degani said improving safety on Montreal’s main roads must also be a top priority. “Nine out of ten deaths happen on arterial roads in Montreal,” she said. “We really want the next mayor to make those streets safer.”

For transit advocates, mobility isn’t just about speed, it’s about safety, affordability and sustainability.

“We like that idea of being able to go around in 15 minutes instead of all about the cars,” Jacques said.