Public transit users across Greater Montreal are adjusting to higher costs after the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) introduced new fare rates in July.
The adult monthly pass for the STM network, known as the “All Modes A” pass, increased to $103, up from $97 in 2024. A single ticket now costs $3.90, compared with $3.75 last year. Similar increases have been applied across other categories, including reduced-rate passes for youth and seniors, according to ARTM’s official fare chart.
The ARTM stated that the hikes are necessary to offset inflation and rising operating costs while maintaining investments in service.
Neighbourhoods with higher proportions of low-income families and newcomers — including Parc-Extension — rely heavily on public transit for work, school, and daily errands. For residents without access to cars, fare hikes leave few alternatives.
The STM reported a 9 percent increase in ridership in 2024, a sign that more Montrealers are returning to buses and the Metro after pandemic lows. With demand climbing, transit affordability has become a growing concern among community organizations and policy observers.
The ARTM has emphasized that Montreal’s fare structure remains competitive compared with other major Canadian cities. Still, with the cost of living rising across Quebec, the balance between financial sustainability and equitable access to public transit remains a pressing issue for thousands of daily commuters.
The ARTM has maintained that the fare structure remains competitive compared with other major Canadian cities. Still, Montreal’s rising cost of living continues to spark debate about how to balance financial sustainability with equitable access.
For now, commuters across the island are feeling the difference each time they load their OPUS cards — a small change in numbers that represents a significant shift in daily budgets.
