Motorists: A prime target to tap for public transit funding

Starting in 2020, motorists on Montreal’s north and south shores will have to pay $50 more per year for their car registration, as their counterparts on the Island of Montreal have been doing since 2011. The measure, which was voted in by all but one of the mayors of the member cities of the Montreal Metropolitan Community (CMM), is intended to boost public transit funding. <s></s>

In other words, for residents of Montreal and its suburbs, the simple fact of owning a vehicle means they will contribute a little more toward elected officials’ goal of developing public transit, whether or not they actually use the service.<s></s>

CAA-Quebec has always opposed the additional tax and is disappointed with the decision to move forward. The measure is simply punitive and unfair.

Already paying more than their fair share  

Motorists already contribute significantly to public transit funding—for instance through the gas tax, which adds three cents per litre. All in all, motorists contributed $1.55 billion to public transit in 2017–2018.

CAA-Quebec believes we need to change our habits and explore other avenues. Taxing car owners in this way makes it seem like we have run out of ideas for funding public transit. We do need to look at mobility differently, it’s true. But not at the expense (once again) of residents who are already paying plenty to support the network as a whole.

Transparency is key

In imposing this tax, cities will have to be as transparent as possible so taxpayers understand how the funds will be used. Where will the new monies go? If this is the direction the CMM wants to take, it will have to prove itself in the eyes of all the motorists who are being obliged to contribute more and more without necessarily getting the benefit of more efficient public transit options.