Gatineau promising transit improvements under new funding deal - Action News
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Gatineau promising transit improvements under new funding deal

Public transit users in Gatineau, Que., could soon see improvements to their local bus service, but it's going to cost them.

Bus fares to rise by 3% annually from 2025 to 2028

A city bus.
Public transit service in Gatineau is expected to improve, but it will cost the province, the city and passengers. (Francis Ferland/CBC)

Public transit users in Gatineau, Que., could soon see improvements to their local bus service, but it's going to cost them.

Starting next year, the Socit de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) plans to boost frequency and reliability, with a long-term objective of providing trips ever 15 minutes across the bus network, according to STO chair Jocelyn Blondin.

Fares will also increase by three per cent per year from 2025 to 2028.

Over the same period, the City of Gatineauwill boost the STO's funding by four per cent,according to a new financial strategy approved by Gatineau's city council Tuesday evening.

Blondin said the Quebecgovernment has asked that municipalities adopt this fourper centannual increase in order to receive more provincial funding.

A politician speaks at a podium into several microphones.
Coun. Jocelyn Blondin, who's also STO chair, said the province has asked municipalities to boost public transit funding in order to receive more money from the province. (Patrick Foucault/Radio-Canada)

The province is demanding "greater financial participation from municipalities to cover the deficits of transport companies," Blondin said.

In exchange, Gatineau will receive an additional $20.2 million from the province over the next four years to help whittle down the STO's operating deficit, which is expected to reach$6.6 million in 2025.

Blondin said a new $60 registration tax for Gatineau motorists will also help address those deficits and improve transit service.

Gatineau Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette said by meeting itscommitments, the city will continue to see more transit funding from the province, and service improvements will follow.

With files from Radio-Canada's Anne-Charlotte Carignan