Montreal

Montreal traffic woes by the numbers

A new study recommending tolls on Montreal's bridges — and eventually on some of its main autoroutes — has thrust the city's chronic traffic problems back into the spotlight.

Congestion costs an estimated $1.7 billion to the city annually

A new report suggest putting tolls on Montreal's bridges to ease congestion. (Radio-Canada)

A new study recommending tolls on Montreal's bridges — and eventually on some of its main autoroutes — has thrust the city's chronic traffic problems back into the spotlight.

Canada's Ecofiscal Commission, a think-tank headquartered at McGill University, says taxing drivers would encourage more people to use public transit.

Here's a portrait of traffic congestion in Montreal:

Facts and figures

  • Half of Montrealers spend 60 minutes or more getting to and from work.

  • 46 per cent of Laval workers commute to Montreal.

  • 36 per cent of Longueuil workers commute to Montreal.

  • Congestion costs the City of Montreal an estimated $1.7 billion annually.

  • Montreal ranks 14th in North America in terms of traffic congestion, behind only Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

  • 72 per cent of Montrealers say congestion makes it hard to get around.

  • Almost a quarter of Montrealers say gridlock is diminishing their quality of life.

  • 18 bridges connect the island of Montreal to the off-island suburbs.

  • Two highways already have tolls on their bridges: Autoroutes 25 and 30.
  • The proposed Train de l'Ouest, which would connect downtown Montreal to Hudson, got backing from prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau during the election campaign.

  • Trudeau has also promised to scrap planned tolls on the new $4.2-billion Champlain Bridge.

Sources: Ecofiscal Commission, Chambre de commerce du Montréal métropolitain, TomTom