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Public transit: a good habit to get back into

Discover the many benefits of commuting by public transit. Plan your route to make it easier to get to your destination.

Public transit has many benefits, not only on a personal and professional level, but also economically, environmentally, and socially. Because everyone can benefit from public transit, it’s time to get back on board!

Do it for yourself

To find a better balance and become more efficient

Choosing public transit is about living a more active lifestyle and taking time for yourself—two important aspects of a balanced life. Public transit can be easily combined with walking and cycling, which makes it a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine and shift away from a more sedentary lifestyle. It’s also a nice way to take a break during your day and enjoy a moment to yourself, letting your mind roam or keeping it busy.

Ten suggestions for making the most of transit time

  • Clear your mind, or relax while listening to music
  • Organize your day
  • Read a book, comic book, magazine, or newspaper
  • Browse social media or prepare your next post
  • Review course notes or respond to work emails
  • Unleash ideas and creativity
  • Listen to a podcast, TV series, or tutorial
  • Plan your next outing
  • Play a video game, do a crossword puzzle, or continue your knitting project
  • Get in touch with family, loved ones, and friends

Rethink your mobility habits

To fight climate change

Using public transit is one of the most effective choices you can make as an individual to reduce your carbon footprint. In Québec, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2018, the ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) estimated that this sector was responsible for 44.8% of Québec’s emissions This hyperlink will open in a new window.. On-road transportation alone, which includes motorcycles, automobiles, light trucks, and heavy vehicles, accounted for 79.6% of sector emissions, and 35.6% of Québec’s total.

Public transit is more energy efficient and uses less space and resources. It’s an excellent option because it allows many regions to meet people’s mobility needs while limiting GHG emissions. It also reduces the significant noise pollution associated with road traffic.

To improve the quality of life for all

Public transit not only has a positive impact on quality of life, the environment, and public health, it also contributes to economic development by reducing traffic congestion, facilitating mobility, and limiting travel costs. Unlike with a car, you’re not responsible for maintenance or fuel costs. All you have to worry about are your transit tickets or passes and, in the Greater Montréal Area, the reservation fee for a parking spot in a park-and-ride lot.

The Government of Québec is also on its way to electrifying transportation (in French only) in the province. With the implementation plan of its 2030 Plan for a Green Economy, the government wants to transfer travel toward lower-carbon transportation modes, such as public transportation. By investing to expand the availability of electric public transit in Québec, it is actively participating in the energy transition.

More public transit, less…

  • Air and noise pollution
  • Traffic congestion and accidents
  • Stress
  • Sedentary lifestyle habits
  • Unforeseen expenses

More public transit, more…

  • Jobs
  • Time for yourself
  • Savings
  • Peace of mind
  • Productivity
Advice

Are you familiar with intermodality?

Intermodality is the combination of multiple modes of transportation to get to your destination. For example, to access an express or intercity bus line or a subway or train station, some users will first use active transportation (cycling, walking) or carpooling.

Plan your route ahead

Get back on board

Public transit is an efficient travel option that can help you live a more balanced and environmentally responsible lifestyle. To make it easier to get to your destination and establish a routine adapted to your needs, trip planning is key.

Before using transit, visit your local transit authority’s website to learn more about services and routes, network conditions, fares and passes, user tips and much more.

Useful links to transit authority websites

Greater Montréal area

Greater Québec City area

Sherbrooke

Trois-Rivières

Gatineau

Saguenay

Last update: February 23, 2023

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