STM hikes fares on Canada Day

Montreal's transit authority celebrated Canada Day by increasing the fares on some passes, but it was one of the lowest increases in many years.

As of July 1, the regularlymonthly pass will cost $83, up from $82. Last year's increase for the same pass was $2.50.

The monthly fare for youths and seniors,which usually sees the largest increases, also has a modest hike of 50 cents to $49.75. Past years saw hikes of at least $2 annually.

Single-ride passes will remain stable at $3.25.

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The Socit de transport de Montral usually hikes fares at the start of the year, but itfroze its prices for the first six months of 2016 as a reprieve to users. It was the first time in 10 years that the STM had donethis.

This is also one of the few years where fare increases have followed inflation. For the last 10 years,the STM increased rates by 2 to 3.9per cent each year on regular fares, and between 3 and 6.7 per cent for reduced fares.

The Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation, has gone up between 0.6 and 3 per cent in those same years inQuebec.