The boat that connects the Old Port to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré quay is in its third year of activity. Led by Croisières AML, the service was launched with great fanfare in 2022, for a period of three years.
For the record, the Quebec region was preparing, that summer, to host the big visit. Pope Francis announced his visit in July, which would contribute to the “tourist recovery” after years of pandemic, it was hoped.
In 2024, the river shuttle therefore arrives at the destination of the pilot project. For the years to come, the service will navigate on sight.
Before deciding on its return to the waters of the St. Lawrence next year, the Quebec government wants to analyze the repercussions. Without saying that this is the last year, Mona Lechasseur, press secretary to regional minister Jonatan Julien, is also not getting wet about what comes next.
“We will carry out analyzes of the pilot project and then we will make a decision,” she summarizes.
Behind the service, Développement Côte-de-Beaupré hopes to be able to dock for a long time.
“We are in discussions with the various partners to return next year and the following years. The experience of the third year of the pilot project, which differs from the first two years, will allow us to refine the project for the sustainability of the river shuttle,” shares the organization in a written statement to Sun.
Alternative to the car
After becoming known among tourists, the return trips of the river shuttle have since changed somewhat in purpose. Développement Côte-de-Beaupré sees them slowly becoming an active mobility service easily accessible to local pedestrians and cyclists.
To attract users, a lower price than in previous summers has been introduced. Since June 1, it has cost $5 for a one-way ticket, while the cost of a round trip has been set at $10. “The significant reduction in fares” aims to “position the region as a leader in sustainable and active mobility”.
By passing a greater number of passengers via water, we hope to relieve congestion on the very busy Route 138, between Quebec and Côte-de-Beaupré.
“The river shuttle is becoming a first choice option to promote active travel, reduce dependence on private cars, remove pressure on the road network and, ultimately, contribute to changes in the habits of tourists and residents,” praises the ‘organization.
Développement Côte-de-Beaupré hopes to be able to dock at the port of Quebec and the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré wharf for a long time to come. (Jocelyn Riendeau/Le Soleil)
In light of recent years, the regional economic development organization anticipates sustained traffic for the upcoming summer.
“With favorable weather conditions and a $5 fare, we are expecting very good attendance this summer,” we anticipate.
Last year, more than 17,000 crossings were recorded “despite unpredictable weather”. A smaller number than the previous one, when we had calculated nearly 25,000 boardings, almost twice as modest as the traffic of 45,000 people that Quebec had in its sights for 2022.
A concept under “analysis”
The Legault government has already shared its openness to providing the Quebec region with river shuttles on different routes. In the study of budgetary appropriations, last April, the Minister of Transport Geneviève Guilbault indicated that she was interested in the concept and said she was analyzing it, in conjunction with the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ).
The existing river shuttle service may not be the last to be implemented in the region. (Archives/Archives)
Regardless of whether or not the project between the port of Quebec and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré continues, the river shuttles via the Saint-Laurent route would therefore be considered a “mobility option”, according to information from the Sun.
The one currently in place was the first of its kind to be implemented in the capital, but may not be the last.
In Montreal, the six routes, which “are experiencing obvious popularity”, saw their ridership jump in 2023, noted Minister Guilbault in a press release published at the start of the season. “They demonstrate in particular their relevance as a mitigation measure for anyone who has to deal with the repercussions of the work,” she emphasized.
