Funding collective mobility is a societal issue
On behalf of its 1.36 million members, CAA-Quebec is urging the Quebec government to review public transit funding. It’s not up to motorists to pay for the deficits of transport companies, and the 154% increase in the additional tax on vehicle registration voted in by the Montréal Metropolitan Community is the last straw.
Is the solution to public transit’s funding and performance problems really to pass the bill on to motorists, whose contribution to public transit in 2021–2022 was $1.4 billion in fees and taxes? It’s a very legitimate question to ask. Public transit is for the common good, so CAA-Quebec believes that everyone who benefits from it—directly or indirectly—must contribute to it.
“For many people, owning a vehicle isn’t synonymous with wealth, but rather, it’s the only way to get around in order to meet their daily obligations or needs. This increased contribution will not fund any additional services that could allow more drivers to leave their vehicles at home if they wish.”
Marie-Soleil TremblayPresident and CEO, CAA-Québec
Collective mobility is more than just an alternative to solo driving. In addition to being a way to reduce traffic jams, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and limit our ecological footprint, it plays a key role in social equity in terms of travel by providing reliable and accessible transportation solutions for all, regardless of income or age, including seniors, students, low-income workers, and people who choose not to own a car.
What’s more, funding sources need to be diversified. The government needs to demonstrate creativity, and vehicle owners should not be targeted by a punitive tax increase. With 59% of CAA-Quebec members against the additional tax,1 our organization sent a letter to the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility (French only), Geneviève Guilbault, to make the case in favour of more equitable public transit funding.
Following up on Chantier sur le financement de la mobilité
The Government of Quebec, aware of the many issues and challenges ahead for mobility, conducted a large-scale consultation in fall 2019, identifying several potential solutions to public transport funding. At the time, CAA-Quebec presented a position paper (French only) outlining various scenarios worth exploring in depth.
The consultation highlighted solutions such as income taxes, using the Electrification and Climate Change Fund, taxing real estate gains, and a payroll tax on businesses. CAA-Quebec believes that several of these avenues should absolutely be explored and that the sustainability of public transit in Quebec depends on it.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec provides a wide range of assistance services in a variety of areas based on a people-focused approach. The organization is committed to society and to defending its members’ day-to-day interests. It pursues its organizational values—trustworthiness and benevolence—by fostering responsible resource use and promoting road safety.
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