Montreal approves extra transit funding for seniors

Summary#

Montréal city council adopted a position to authorize an additional $2,294,626.74 payment to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) for the existing free-transit initiative for agglomeration residents aged 65 and older. The city’s stated goal for that initiative is to support mobility and reduce isolation; city staff say its popularity was higher than expected. As this is an orientation for the agglomeration council, that council makes the final decision at a later meeting.

  • The extra contribution covers 2025 costs above the amount budgeted for the initiative.
  • The existing initiative offers eligible residents free access in Zone A to regular transit and adapted transit, with an OPUS 65+ card and proof of residence.
  • The city’s agreement makes Montréal responsible for the fare revenue shortfall and operating costs, billed by the ARTM based on actual costs.

What it means for you#

  • Residents aged 65 and older: This decision does not create a new fare-free benefit or change its eligibility rules. The existing initiative covers agglomeration residents and requires an OPUS 65+ card and proof of residence.
  • Agglomeration taxpayers: The added expense is to be borne entirely by the agglomeration.
  • Transit agencies: The proposed contribution would pay the ARTM for the extra 2025 costs. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) handles implementation, including encoding OPUS 65+ cards and informing eligible riders.

Money#

The proposed additional contribution is $2,294,626.74.

  • City staff say a provision for this expense was recorded in 2025, so it has no impact on the city’s 2026 financial framework.
  • The agglomeration would pay 100% of the expense.

What is unclear#

  • The materials do not give the number of people using the initiative or explain how much higher use was than forecast.
  • They do not provide a forward cost estimate for the initiative.

Case for#

  • The added payment would cover the amount the ARTM billed beyond the 2025 budget.
  • City staff say the payment is needed for Montréal to meet its commitments under its agreement with the ARTM.

Case against#

  • The 2025 budget was insufficient because the initiative was more popular than expected. The materials do not show whether future budgets account for that higher use.
  • The materials do not explain what controls, if any, could limit unexpected cost increases.