A group representing intercity bus carriers strongly opposes the Quebec government’s decision to slash $200 million from public transit funding, warning that local and regional routes are under threat. The Federation of Bus Carriers (FTA) has joined forces with other organizations, such as the Union of Quebec Municipalities, to urge the CAQ government to reconsider its budget cuts.
Recently, the Public Transit Development Assistance Program (PADTC) revealed a reduced budget of $998 million for the period spanning April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028, causing widespread shock and discontent. The FTA has expressed concerns that the cuts will lead to a decrease in financial aid for intercity bus routes, from $185,000 to $125,000 per year.
Nicolas Maheux, the FTA’s Vice-President of Public Sector Division and general manager of the Maheux Bus Group in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, emphasized the potential negative impact on local and regional connections. Maheux highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the future of two bus lines: Amos-Rivière-Héva and Chibougameau-Val-d’Or.
He lamented the impending service reductions, acknowledging that without public support, operational cutbacks might be unavoidable, adversely affecting users. Maheux stressed that carriers must seek approval from the Quebec Transport Commission before altering their services.
Moreover, the FTA criticized the existing PADTC terms as inadequate and inaccessible, calling for reforms to make financial assistance more readily available to communities and businesses. The group highlighted the reluctance of regional county municipalities (RCMs) to contribute financially to services that extend beyond their borders, leading to unused program funds.
The FTA’s plea for revised program terms echoes the sentiments of the Conference of Prefects of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, who argued that intercity transit falls within Quebec’s jurisdiction. The FTA, which includes six intercity transport companies like Keolis and Transdev, is advocating for a fairer and more sustainable public transit funding system.
