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 Société 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 Gatineau will 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 Quebec government has asked that municipalities adopt this four per cent annual increase in order to receive more provincial funding.
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 its commitments, the city will continue to see more transit funding from the province, and service improvements will follow.