Montreal

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.

Increase in monthly passes is the lowest in years

For the first time in a decade, STM monthly passes are going up at about the same rate of inflation. (CBC)

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 regularly monthly 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. 

The Société de transport de Montréal usually hikes fares at the start of the year, but it froze 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 done this.

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 3.9 per 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 in Quebec.

With files from Radio-Canada.