Financing public transportation often remains an issue in large cities. In Montreal, a debate has been raging for some time about how to finance this necessary service.
The provincial government has committed to providing $200 million in aid in 2025, but it does not intend to absorb all the accumulated deficits. The promised aid is also lower than it was in 2024.
The city found another solution; increase taxes. Yesterday, a resolution aimed at increasing the registration tax was adopted at a meeting of the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM).
The tax will increase by approximately 150%, from $59 to $150.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, who is president of the CMM, said the organization was forced to make the change due to a lack of funding from other resources.
According to the CMM, the contribution of municipalities and public transport users has reached its maximum, while the registration tax for motorists has not increased since 2011.
Different solutions had previously been considered, including an increase in the price of passes, an increase in the gasoline tax, an increase in vehicle registration fees and taxes on vehicle registration, an increase in taxes municipal or the creation of a tax on mileage.
On the opposition side, Aref Salem, head of Ensemble Montréal, finds that the action is rapid and premature, especially since negotiations are still underway with the authorities.
“Motorists must of course contribute more to public transport, just as users do by increasing their fares. However, we must not forget that residents of outlying neighborhoods currently have very few alternatives to getting rid of their cars. This draconian increase punishes motorists who have no other choice when it comes to public transport. »
Original content from auto123.
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