🚨 Grosse bourde à Québec : le budget 2026 du RTC

The recent premature release of the Quebec RTC budget and capital program for 2026-2035 has sparked considerable discussion regarding the future of public transit in the region. Notably, the electric bus transition—originally a core part of the plan—has been removed due to a lack of clear government guidelines. This decision is particularly striking given Quebec’s ambitious requirement for 55% electric buses by 2030, a target that many consider overly optimistic given current infrastructure and policy gaps. Ridership data also offers important context: 2024 shows 31.5 million trips, with a dip expected in 2025 to 30.4 million largely attributed to anticipated strikes. The projected modest increase of only 1.5% in 2026 suggests challenges in regaining passenger confidence or adapting service offerings to evolving public needs. Financially, the 2026 budget has increased by 6.8% to $331.7 million Canadian dollars, driven by the implementation of the Plan stratégique 2018-2027, transitional tramway network costs, and new services such as Flexibus and àVélo. Rising debt servicing costs and wage indexations also contribute to the higher expenditures. This development illustrates a complex balancing act faced by RTC leadership: pursuing sustainable transport solutions while addressing budget constraints and uncertain policy environments. For residents and stakeholders, understanding these budgetary adjustments and program changes is crucial as they affect service quality and the long-term viability of Quebec’s public transit system. As the RTC prepares to finalize its plans, ongoing dialogue with government officials to clarify directives on electrification will be essential. Moreover, monitoring ridership trends and adjusting services dynamically can help mitigate the impact of labor disputes and evolving commuter preferences. This incident underscores the need for transparent communication and strategic planning to ensure the RTC can meet both operational demands and ambitious environmental goals in the years ahead.