Seniors aged 65 and over will be able to use the bus and metro for free, in Montreal, from 1er July 2023. This “fight against inflation” measure was an election promise of Mayor Valérie Plante in 2017 and 2021.
This commitment should therefore also be included in the next budget of the City of Montreal, which will be unveiled on November 29. The measure will generate annual expenditures of $40 million, but since it will not come into force until 1er July 2023, it is not expected to cost more than $24 million this year.
Seniors currently pay $28.25 per month to have access to unlimited public transit in the “Montreal agglomeration”, that is to say in Zone A, according to the new fare schedule of the Regional Authority. metropolitan transport (ARTM).
Valérie Plante and her party, Projet Montréal, pledged to make public transit free for seniors as of the 2017 municipal election campaign. “The will has always been there, but with the pandemic, we had to make budget choices. and adapt,” Ms.me Plante, during a pre-election announcement in the summer of 2021.
This is a measure “which allows seniors to participate fully in life in society and in the ecological transition”, and a “good way to fight against inflation! » rejoiced Mme Plant, Wednesday morning, on social networks.
As of July 2023, public transit will be free for 65+ year olds in Montreal!
A measure that allows seniors to participate fully in life in society and in the ecological transition. And it’s a good way to fight inflation!#polmtl @stm_news pic.twitter.com/2RxaaPRDeI
— Valerie Plante (@Val_Plante) November 23, 2022
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