According to a study published on Monday by the Transport Association Urban of Quebec (ATUQ), public transport not only has environmental benefits, but also has a significant impact on Quebec's economy, adding $3.8 billion to the country's GDP Province.
The study, conducted using 2022 figures, found that spending related to public transport not only supported more than 28,000 jobs, but also contributed $3.8 billion to gross domestic product (GDP). of Quebec.
“Few sectors contribute as much to sustainable development on a social, environmental and economic level as public transport. It is a real economic catalyst, contributes to social justice in the living environment and participates in the development of the urban fabric of communities,” says the ATUQ report.
In addition, the revenues of this sector amounted to almost $590 million for the Quebec government and $205 million for the federal government.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) quickly welcomed the study.
“This study reaffirms the importance of the STM in the economic ecosystem, not only in the metropolitan region, but throughout Quebec,” stressed STM board chair Éric Alan Caldwell in a press release.
The economic impact of public transport in some numbers, according to ATUQ:
– Employment: 28,322
– Salary: $2 billion
– Contribution to GDP: $3.8 billion
– Government of Quebec revenue: $590 million
– Government of Canada revenue: $205 million