The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) has a plan to simplify Montreal’s public transit fare structures… It seems that Montreal will soon be divided into 3 public transit “zones” instead of 8.
The proposed change would also mean users in Montreal will pay more for public transit.
The ARTM is currently trying to decide between two systems: one would see a zone for the island of Montreal, a zone for Laval and Longueil, and a third zone for the rest of the metropolitan area.
The second system being considered would have residents of the East and West ends of Montreal in the second zone along with Laval and Longueil – they would end up paying more.
In both cases, central Montreal residents would end up paying more for a monthly pass. For zone 1 (including trains and the REM), a monthly pass would cost $98, or $89 if you exclude the trains and REM stations west of Bois-Franc. A monthly STM pass today costs $86.50. This means Montreal residents are looking at a minimum price hike of 2.9%.
However, there is good news for users outside Montreal. For example, a monthly pass for someone commuting between Saint-Jérômne and Montreal would be reduced from $273 to $177, a 35% reduction!