Shock Bill for Montreal Drivers: How Expensive It Has Become to Drive Legally

With a hike of 154% compared to last year, it has become significantly more expensive to be a legal driver in the region.

A Cry for Help from Public Transport

The steep price increase is a direct result of new legislation passed in spring 2024 by elected officials in Montreal’s regional partnership, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM). The legislation aims to raise more funds for public transportation, which authorities describe as being in a “concerning state.”

Car owners in the region must now pay $180 solely for transportation-related purposes — a fee that previously stood at $59. The total cost of vehicle registration now climbs to around $400, about half of which goes directly to support public transit.

A Fee Based on the Alphabet

Starting in June, drivers with first names beginning with G, H, or J will feel the impact. And with billing from the SAAQ — the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec — the reality is impossible to ignore.

One specific bill shared on social media shows a $150 direct fee and an additional $30 municipal surcharge — all marked as contributions to the public transportation network.

Many in the Same Boat

The increase affects a wide swath of the population and has sparked debate among Montreal’s drivers. While some view it as a necessary investment in the future of mobility, others see it as an unfair burden during a time when the cost of living is already rising on multiple fronts.

“It’s an extra strain on the budget. I support better public transit, but this is extreme,” said one driver from Laval.

Authorities maintain that the funds will help ensure a more reliable and modern transportation system for the entire region. But for the thousands of drivers who have just received this year’s bill, it’s a hard pill to swallow — no matter the intentions behind it.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.