The Quebec government is reportedly planning to absorb about 70 per cent of the 2025 deficit of the transit agencies of greater Montreal.
The province is expected to provide around $200 million in aid for the estimated $284 million deficit for 2025, according to LaPresse.
Quebec Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault is meeting virtually Monday with mayors of the greater Montreal region to discuss the plans.
The ARTM, which includes the transit companies of Montreal, Laval, Longueuil and exo commuter trains, currently have a total operating deficit of $561 million. The ARTM reportedly sent a letter Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard, asking for $421 million in aid from Quebec.
The ARTM is looking to different scenarios including increasing fares and more to reduce the deficit, as well as asking for government help. A reduction of services is also being considered.
Quebec has said it wants to offer assistance only for the deficit related to the pandemic, where there was a drop in ridership, which led to a drop in revenues.
Last year, the province made the same deal and agreed to cover 70 per cent of the deficits for 2024, when it had originally proposed to cover 20 per cent of the residual deficit of public transit companies for the period 2024-2028.
Minister Guilbault has called for an independent audit of the performance of transit authorities, to find ways to help them solve their financial problems. The results of this audit are expected in September.