Montreal Vehicle Owners to Pay More for Public Transit
Montreal-area drivers are set to see a significant increase in their vehicle registration tax next year. The Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM), representing over 80 municipalities, voted to more than double the tax, raising it from $59 to $150.
The increase stems from a funding dispute with the Quebec government concerning public transit. Mayors say the tax hike is a measure to maintain public transportation services.
“I think that today we’re faced with a choice which is very difficult, which no one wants to make, but which is necessary if we want to maintain public transport,” said Laval Mayor Stéphane Boyer.
Municipalities have been grappling with the province over transit funding for years. They cite declining ridership post-pandemic, inflation, and the revenue diversion to the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light-rail network as critical issues.
Mayors requested $421 million to cover transit agency deficits.
The province offered $200 million, which left a gap in the budget. Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault has urged transit agencies to reduce expenses and become more financially responsible.
Despite the approved increase, the CMM has left open the possibility of rescinding or reducing the tax hike if the province offers additional funding.
Laval Mayor, Stéphane Boyer, described the tax as a difficult but essential decision.
Not all municipalities support the tax increase. Some, located in areas with limited public transit, view the tax as unfair.
Lise Michaud, Mayor of Mercier, expressed concerns: “We don’t have any public transit and now we’ll have a tax increase for the cars? For us it’s nonsense.”
Advocacy groups like L’alliance TRANSIT support the CMM’s decision, urging the government to provide a stable, long-term funding plan.
The Quebec government says it intends to resolve transit agency deficits before summer.
