Montreal says public transit trips were up between 15 and 20 per cent among people age 65 and over in the six months after it made the service free for local seniors. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Montreal's initiative providing free public transportation fares to seniors appears to be yielding positive results, according to a recent report by the city. Since its launch in July 2023, the program has seen a notable increase in transit usage among individuals aged 65 and older, with trips surging by 15 to 20 percent. These findings were detailed in a 2025 budget planning document released by the city on Tuesday.
By the end of 2023, nearly half of the eligible residents in the Montreal area had enrolled in the program, demonstrating significant uptake within the target demographic. The report highlights the dual benefits of the initiative, citing both cost savings and enhanced mobility for seniors.
Announced in late 2022, the program offers free access to public transit services—including metro, buses, commuter trains, and light rail—for seniors residing in the Montreal agglomeration, encompassing the city of Montreal and its surrounding suburbs. Additionally, beneficiaries of the program receive complimentary paratransit services tailored for individuals with disabilities.
Montreal allocated $24 million to the initiative in its 2023 budget and committed an additional $34.3 million to sustain it in 2024. Concurrently, the city's transit agency, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), has faced financial challenges, implementing budget cuts totaling nearly $140 million over the same period.
Despite these fiscal constraints, the program has been met with positive feedback from senior citizens benefiting from the fare exemption. Some riders emphasized the program's role in combating isolation among low-income individuals and providing an avenue for social engagement.
For individuals like Huguette Bergeron, 74, and Anne Chenot, 70, the initiative offers not only financial relief but also an opportunity to participate in community life. Both Bergeron and Chenot, while financially capable of paying the standard monthly fare, appreciate the program's gesture and advocate for similar initiatives to support other vulnerable groups, such as students.
Robert Martin, who plans to enroll in the program upon turning 65 next March, underscores the inclusivity of the initiative's eligibility criteria. Unlike means-tested programs, which may deter participation due to income verification requirements, Montreal's universal approach simplifies access and fosters broader participation.
While acknowledging that not everyone may require the program, Martin believes in its potential to enhance mobility and accessibility for seniors across the city. He views the program as a pragmatic solution for addressing diverse transportation needs within the community.
Montreal's Free Senior Transit Program Drives Uptick in Trips
