A stimulus for our economy
In 2013, the overall activities of the transportation organizations in Quebec produced positive economic benefits, supporting 16,831 high-quality direct jobs and 4,140 indirect jobs (person years). Together, the nine organizations injected more than 2.5 billion dollars into the Quebec economy; they generated $366.1 million in tax revenue for the Quebec government and $129.5 million for the Federal government.
An important driver of economic activity for Quebec
Quebec companies such as Bombardier and Nova Bus, whose expertise is internationally recognized, attest to the economic impacts generated by public transportation investments.
Moreover, according to the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, the economic spinoffs of public transportation expenses for the Quebec economy are far superior to those of the automotive industry. Thus, $10 million spent on public transportation will help sustain 183.6 person-years of employment and create $17.7 million in added value. By comparison, the same amount spent on motor vehicle transportation generates 66.1 person-years of employment and $6.8 million in added value. Therefore, the economic impact of public transportation on the economy of Quebec is almost three times higher than it is for private motor vehicle transportation, both in terms of employment and revenue.
A value-creating endeavour
The availability of public transportation in a given area has a positive impact, as it fosters an increase in real estate values, furthers residential, institutional and commercial development, and reduces roadway congestion and its associated costs.
An accessible and affordable transportation option
According to a study conducted by the ATUQ and entitled The contribution of public transportation to sustainable development in Quebec, travelling by public transportation is nine times cheaper than travelling by car. In a context of rising gas prices, public transportation offers an affordable option to consumers and it promotes tourism, by improving accessibility to a region’s key tourist attractions.
Useful links
- A study of the economic impact of the nine public transportation organizations in Quebec, 2014 (French only)
- ATUQ’s sustainable development report, 2013 (French only)
- The contribution of public transportation to sustainable development in Quebec, 2008, 2009 and 2010 (French only)
- Studies published by the ATUQ
- Briefs published by the ATUQ
