Quebec commits $20.2 million to Gatineau transit expansion

Tashi Farmilo

In a move aimed at supporting public transport in Gatineau, the Quebec government has allocated $20.2 million to the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) as part of a sweeping $879.6 million provincial funding package. The announcement, made this week by Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport Geneviève Guilbault, underscores the province’s commitment to stabilising and expanding transport services across Quebec.

The funding is part of a long-term strategy to bring financial predictability to transport systems, a pressing issue for cities like Gatineau, where ridership has been rebounding and demands on the system continue to grow. Minister Guilbault described the financial framework as a blueprint for balancing transit budgets by 2029 while improving service quality. “We are ensuring a strong partnership with cities and a predictable roadmap for transit authorities,” she said. “This significant investment must be optimised to deliver the best services at the best cost to Quebecers.”

For the STO, the funding is a lifeline that ties neatly into its own financial planning. This autumn, the agency presented a balanced budget that incorporates a series of measures to increase revenue, including annual fare hikes of 3 per cent and a 4 per cent annual increase in Gatineau’s municipal contribution. New vehicle registration fees, set to take effect in January 2025, will also generate revenue, with additional funds in 2026 earmarked for service expansions.

The immediate impact of the funding will be felt as early as next month. STO officials announced the reinstatement of bus routes 100 and 200 in January 2025, restoring crucial links for commuters. Spring will bring further changes, with enhanced frequency on several high-demand routes and additional service updates expected throughout the year. Yannick Boursier, the STO’s public affairs manager, emphasised that these enhancements are part of a broader effort to meet the evolving needs of Gatineau residents. “While the government’s funding will not directly dictate our investments, it provides stability and the opportunity to reinvest savings into the network to improve service delivery,” he said.

With population growth and urban expansion putting pressure on public transport, reliable and frequent service has become a cornerstone of the region’s economic and social vitality. The STO has identified six high-traffic corridors as priority areas for service improvements, a move likely to resonate with commuters frustrated by overcrowding and delays.

Beyond Gatineau, the $879.6 million package includes allocations for cities like Sherbrooke and Trois-Rivières, as well as significant sums for the Montreal metropolitan area. Since 2020, the province has poured $2.4 billion into sustaining transport systems during the pandemic, but this latest announcement pivots towards a future-focused agenda, balancing fiscal responsibility with improved mobility.

Minister Guilbault’s announcement follows the release of a financial performance audit this autumn, which called for transport authorities to implement cost-saving measures and increase accountability. The government’s investment, she noted, is contingent on compliance with these expectations. “This is about ensuring that every dollar invested by Quebecers delivers maximum value,” she said.