Montreal transit investment could outpace car-focused growth, study says
Montreal public transit boosts GDP, jobs and household spending more than cars See why experts say transit funding could cut congestion costs and drive growth
A new study from the Metropolitan Community of Montreal says stronger investment in public transit could deliver greater economic returns than a carcentered approach. The report, produced with Montreal’s Board of Trade, argues that transit supports productivity, business activity, household purchasing power, and broader growth in Quebec.
The study says Montreal had more than two million automobiles on the road in 2024, while households spent about $24 billion on vehicles and related costs. It also estimates traffic congestion caused $6 billion in economic losses in 2023, equal to 2.1% of the region’s GDP.
Researchers say public transit generates more than triple the GDP of singlevehicle use and supports about 2.5 times more jobs in Quebec for the same level of spending. Local officials and transit experts are urging the province to make transit funding a priority, while Montreal continues working toward a 75% active transportation target by 2050.