Cash on the line: Quebec plans to reward transit agencies for efficiency, good service

From lengthy delays to routine annoyances, Montreal commuters will be the first to point outthat public transit isn't perfect.

But a new initiative from the Quebec Transport Ministry is aimingto inspire transit authorities to shape up and improve service in exchange for cash incentives.

Rather than punishing services that don't measure up,the province intends to reward those that improve on safety, efficiency and quality of service, Radio-Canada has learned.

Quebec will dip into a $45-million pot slated for improving public transit systems, dishing out bonus money to agenciesas part of a merit-based incentive program.

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"It's not a penalty, it's a reward," said Transport Minister Andr Fortin.

"They will have to give us a three-year optimization plan and tell us how they will improve their services," he said.

"Then we will look at their data from last year. Were there fewer accidents per kilometre than the year before? Is the schedule more accurate than the previous year? Are we doing more with less?"

The idea comes from the Montreal, Sherbrooke, and Quebec City transit authorities themselves.

Right now, these agencies are given governmentfundingbased on the hours of service they deliver.

RmyNormand, the chair of the Quebec City transit authority (RTC), saidthey were tired of taking a financial hit for moving more people through the city, more quickly.

"Every timewe made improvements in terms of the number of hours of service because we were more efficient, at the end of the year, we were penalized instead of being rewarded," he said.

Bonus for the STM?

Theincentives program could mean thatagencies like the STM, which just bought 300 new buses, might get a financial return on their investment.

On the other hand, Montreal's delay-plagued commuter train system (RTM) might miss out on a share of the theoretical pot.

"This year is a perfect example," said Fortin. "It's certain that the RTM, with the performance of its commuter trains, would not get the money."

Details about just how much of the $45 million earmarked for transit would be used to incentivize improvement.

• RTM train service is plagued by delays, commuters say