This reduction – theARTM evoked an additional tariff smoothing measure
– will apply from 1 October. temporary, she will allow a gradual transition to full tariffs in 2025
argued the Agency in a press release Thursday afternoon.
This change is due to the entry into force of the new fee scheduleARTMon July 1, and the new paradigm imposed by it.
Because since July 1, Greater Montreal has been divided into four zones which respectively include: the municipalities of the island of Montreal (A); those of the agglomeration of Longueuil and Laval (B); other towns in the suburbs (C); as well as seven municipalities “outside the territory” with which theARTM has entered into agreements (D).
In order to simplify the fee schedule, several titles have been abolished or grouped together, and theARTM has introduced “All modes” tickets to allow users to take the means of transport of their choice, at a fixed price, whether metro, bus, commuter train or REMwhich is expected to enter service within the next year.
For residents of the suburbs who have to come to Montreal – and for Montrealers who have to go to the suburbs – “All modes” AB, ABC and ABCD passes have been introduced.
But if the price of these tickets is lower than the sum of those that users had to buy in the past to successively use several means of transport, the advantages are less obvious for residents of Laval and Longueuil who live near metro stations and who do not use any other means of transport.
For example, instead of paying $3.50 to travel to Montreal, these users must, since July 1, pay $5.25 to make the same trip.
Unsurprisingly, the introduction of the new fee schedule for theARTM aroused dissatisfaction, in particular on the part of the South Shore Public Transit Association (ATCRS)according to whom this measure is likely to discourage residents of the suburbs from using public transport.
A drop that will not solve everything
Thursday’s announcement has the effect of reviewing the prices of “All modes” AB tickets. Thus, the price of a passage will increase from $5.25 to $4.50; that of two changes from $10 to $9; and the 10 pass from $45 to $42.50. Reduced rates for 17 and under and 65 and over will also be lowered accordingly.
And this reduction will not only apply to residents who live near the Montmorency, Cartier, de la Concorde and Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke metro stations.
In its statement, theARTM emphasizes that all residents of Laval and the Longueuil agglomeration will be able to benefit from this reduction, including those who must use several means of transportation during the same trip.
The ad, however, is silent on other AB “All Modes” titles (Monthly, Unlimited Evening, Unlimited Weekend) and the RTL/REM at $105, which will be available for purchase when the Réseau express métropolitain comes into service, possibly in december.
Nor does it mention the technical limits which mean thatit is currently impossible to prevent Montrealers from buying a zone A ticket to take the metro to Laval or Longueuilwhereas they should theoretically obtain an AB “All modes” pass to do so.