Shipowners are calling for predictable, multi-year funding to maintain and expand their river shuttle services

The government’s approach significantly limits their ability to provide services.

[Press Review] In its 2025 report, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) recorded more than 543,000 trips across Montreal’s six metropolitan river shuttle routes, an 18% increase compared with the previous year.

“According to an ARTM survey, 53% of users say they would drive if the shuttle were not available. The goal is not to replace an existing network, but to complement it by providing a route that buses cannot. That is where we see significant time savings and increased competitiveness,” says Cédric Lavoie, Director, Development and Public Affairs at Croisières AML.

“The numbers demonstrate a need for this service that goes beyond tourism. It also extends to Centre-du-Québec, Mauricie and Quebec City,” says Saul Polo, President and CEO of St. Lawrence Shipowners.

No traffic jams

At a time when some modes of transportation are making headlines for reliability issues, river transportation also stands out in this regard, while avoiding traffic congestion.

“The reliability of the boats is impressive,” adds Normand Noël, President and CEO of Navark. “We are taking vehicles off the road network, but we are also reducing breakdowns and maintenance. The river is already there, and it is important to make good use of it.”

The main challenge, however, is unpredictable funding.

“Funding is non-recurring and is painfully confirmed at the last minute,” says Mr. Polo, who hopes the message will be heard during the election campaign.

“Every year, funding is confirmed at the last minute. We then have to turn on a dime to hire, train and promote the service. If funding were made permanent, it would generate savings, help build customer loyalty and allow for long-term planning. We are not asking for more money, only the assurance that we will receive it. By planning three, five or ten years ahead, there would be savings for the government,” says Mr. Lavoie.

Schedule

Funding uncertainty also shortens the operating season.

“With greater predictability, we could operate from mid-April to mid-December. This year, we started on May 20, and some shuttles stopped operating after Labour Day. Students go back to school, people return to work, and we take away a transportation option. We operate with temporary infrastructure. Boucherville is prepared to invest in a proper waiting area if the service is guaranteed for several years, but we can never confirm that,” concludes Normand Noël.

Routes

Montreal – Mercier – Boucherville

Old Port of Montreal – Boucherville

Old Port of Montreal – Pointe-aux-Trembles – Varennes

Old Port of Montreal – Île Sainte-Hélène – Longueuil

Express Old Port of Montreal – Île Sainte-Hélène

Montreal – Mercier – Île Charron

Boucherville – Île Grosbois

Pointe-aux-Trembles – Varennes – Repentigny

Lavaltrie – Contrecœur

Trois-Rivières – Bécancour

Lachine – Châteauguay*

Longueuil – Île Charron*

Quebec City – Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré*

*Not in service in 2026 due to a lack of funding

A popular route discontinued

“The pilot shuttle project between Quebec City and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré exceeded expectations for three years. Businesses were beginning to develop around the service. Unfortunately, funding was not renewed last year, even though $10 million to $15 million was invested in upgrading the wharf in Sainte-Anne.”

– Cédric Lavoie, Croisières AML

Many successful examples

“There are many examples around the world where river transportation plays a very important role. New York, Boston, Amsterdam, Washington, Toronto—we are not inventing anything; we simply need to learn from what others are doing.”

– Normand Noël, Navark

“Toronto launched a three-year shuttle project. We are fortunate to have such a network, so why not make it permanent?”

– Cédric Lavoie, Croisières AML

Year-round routes?

“There is the issue of ice, but also infrastructure. Floating docks are not ideal. To provide service for as much of the year as possible, we need to follow the example of major waterfront cities. If the other pieces fall into place and vessels are adapted accordingly, a longer operating season is possible. The Quebec City–Lévis ferry operates year-round.”

– Normand Noël, Navark

Article by Martin Lavoie — Le Journal de Québec

Unofficial translation by St. Lawrence Shipowners.

Read the original article here