Montréal, November 11, 2024 — The popularity of river shuttles is not slowing down: the number of 153,077 crossings was reached on the routes linking Old Montréal to Longueuil and Île-Ste-Hélène. This represents a 56% increase in ridership since the integration of these routes into the pilot project in 2022.
In more than 30 years of operating these river links, Navettes maritimes du Saint-Laurent has never recorded such record ridership. These results confirm that river-based public transit is making headway in the metropolitan region and that user behaviour is changing. Beyond its strong appeal, this mode of transportation promotes active travel and helps reduce dependence on private vehicles, removing pressure on the road network.
The pilot project coordinated by the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) and funded in part by the ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable returned in 2024, to the delight of soft mobility users. Fare integration under the pilot project continued to allow season pass holders, eligible monthly and weekly ticket holders, as well as children aged 11 and under to use the river connections at no additional cost.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see hundreds of pedestrians and cyclists crossing paths on the docks. Ridership and user satisfaction are continually increasing, confirming the relevance of this active mode of travel,” enthuses Yan Hamel, President and CEO of Navettes maritimes du Saint-Laurent.
From an intermodality perspective, and as a complement to existing transport services, river shuttles allow us to improve the public transit network with an option that positively impacts GHG reduction. Both efficient and safe, river shuttles provide accessible transportation for all while promoting social and economic dynamism.
“Travel habits are changing, and citizens are looking for simple, efficient and sustainable transportation solutions that meet their needs. This is exactly what a river shuttle provides,” adds Mr. Hamel.
With adequate funding, river shuttles can definitely contribute to sustainable, low-carbon living environments, serving as a collective and active mode of transportation suited to today’s realities and facilitating travel. Now is the time to perpetuate these river links!
