Two additional funding announcements for public transit
Longueuil, November 26, 2021 – The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) welcomes the government’s $100 M contribution to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) for 2022-2023, announced as part of the economic update on November 25. This funding will be used to stabilize the financial situation caused by the decline in ridership due to the pandemic. It will also help to maintain services during the economic recovery.
In addition to this announcement, the Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region, François Bonnardel, and the Minister of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region, Benoit Charette, announced $327 M in funding for public transit in Québec.
“In 2020, the RTL had to slash its budget by more than 10%, resulting in 103 layoffs and service cuts. With people returning to work and the economy picking up again after months of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we maintain efficient public transit service to help reduce traffic and meet national greenhouse gas reduction goals. I hope this money will mean the ARTM doesn't need to make further service cuts in 2022, which will be a pivotal year for the success of the REM,” declared Michel Veilleux, Executive Director of the RTL.
About the RTL
The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) is the main transit provider for individuals within the five cities that comprise the Agglomération de Longueuil.
The third-largest public transit organization in Québec, the RTL operates a network of 793 kilometres. With some 1,100 employees, the RTL is a major employer that contributes to the economic vitality of the region.
Ever receptive to its users, the RTL plays a key role in the lives of the people and the communities it serves by providing solutions that are efficient, innovative, and adapted to the evolving needs
of its clientele. Improving quality of life for the citizens of the Agglomération de Longueuil is a top priority for the RTL.