STM: “Time is running out, the government must act quickly”
The STM saw its ridership drop this year due to the pandemic.
Québec solidaire opposes a reduction in the frequency of public transport in Montreal. As the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) considers a possible reduction in bus and metro passages, as revealed by Radio-Canada, the left-wing party appeals to the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy and responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal region, Pierre Fitzgibbon.
“Minister Fitzgibbon must guarantee that there will be no reduction in services at the STM and release emergency fund if needed. With the work in the Louis-Hippolyte-La Fontaine tunnel, it’s time to increase the supply of public transit in Montreal, not to reduce it,” said Etienne Grandmont, spokesperson for Transport. /p>
The STM is indeed trying to balance its budget in a “difficult economic context”. The service offer for buses could thus be reduced by 3.7% for buses, and by 4.8% for the metro. In total, this reduction would save $18 million.
“Public transit is the future. The less service there is, the less interesting it becomes to swap cars for public transit. It’s counterproductive. Time is running out for the STM, the government must act quickly,” insists Etienne Grandmont.
