A recent study reveals surprising data on Montrealers’ commuting habits, and proposes innovative solutions for the future.
The daily challenges of getting around in Montreal
Montreal, Quebec’s dynamic metropolis, faces major challenges in terms of urban mobility. According to a study conducted by economist David Benatia, Montrealers spend an average of almost an hour a day commuting, a figure that has increased by 15% over the past five years.
The study reveals that residents of outlying neighborhoods are particularly hard hit, with commute times of up to 90 minutes at rush hour. This situation not only affects residents’ quality of life, but also has a significant impact on the environment and the local economy.
Marked socio-economic disparities
One of the most striking aspects of the study concerns inequalities in access to transport. The data show that low-income residents spend up to 25% of their budget on travel, compared with just 8% for wealthier households.
“Mobility is not just about transport, it’s also about social equity,” the study points out. Neighborhoods less well served by public transport are often those where the most vulnerable populations live, creating a vicious circle of precariousness.
The environmental impact of transport choices
David Benatia’s analysis also highlights the ecological footprint of urban travel. Despite the city’s efforts to promote public and active transport, the private car remains the preferred mode of transport for 55% of daily trips.
This dependence on the car translates into annual emissions of nearly 3.5 million tonnes of CO2, making the transport sector the main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the metropolitan area.
Innovative solutions for the future
In light of these findings, the study not only paints a bleak picture of the situation, but also proposes concrete ways to improve urban mobility in Montreal:
- the development of a denser, more reliable public transit network, with a particular focus on currently underserved neighborhoods;
- expansion of safe cycling infrastructure to encourage active mobility;
- the introduction of social pricing for public transport, adapted to users’ incomes;
- urban planning to promote proximity between places of residence, work and services.
According to the study’s projections, the adoption of these measures could reduce average commuting times by 30%, while reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
A vision for Montreal 2030
“Rethinking urban mobility is not only an environmental necessity, it’s also a social and economic imperative,” concludes David Benatia in his study. This vision is perfectly in line with the objectives of the Montréal 2030 plan, which aims to make the Quebec metropolis a greener, more inclusive and more efficient city.
The results of this study represent a unique opportunity for public decision-makers and citizens to work together to transform current challenges into levers for positive change.
By placing people and the environment at the heart of mobility policies, Montreal could become a model of sustainable urban development for North American metropolises.
To read other climate related news by Planetair, click here.
To consult the complete study on urban mobility in Montreal, visit David Benatia’s website at www.davidbenatia.com/projects/mobilite-montreal.
