Sudden management, bureaucratic heaviness, interference in the operational mission of transport companies and a relationship with CDPQ Infra will be clarified. Here are some of the findings highlighted in the “Report on the application of the Law relating to the Regional Metropolitan Transport Authority”, presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday by Transport Minister François Bonnardel.
This review report, which discusses the performance and effectiveness of the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), were compiled from interviews with general managementARTM and transit companies, chairs of the boards of directors of these organizations, representatives of public transport clients and mayors of CMM.
L ‘ARTM has been responsible for planning and coordinating all public transportation in greater parts of Montreal since 2017.
Some respondents feel thatARTM sometimes strays from its mission, particularly regarding strategic planning. Moreover, participants in the consultation mentioned that there was blur between the roles of theARTM and public transport agencies (OPTC).
For example, they say:
- The level of planning carried out byARTM is controversial;
- The inclusion of CDPQ Infra in regional planning needs to be defined;
- The duplication of certain roles and responsibilities between ARTM and the OPTCs and the lack of autonomy granted to OPTC is underlined;
- The hierarchical link with the Ministry of Transport needs to be clarified and coordination here can be strengthened.
The Montreal Transit Company (STM) points that out CDPQ Infra plays a growing role in public transport development in the region, raising questions about where the region’s planning power lies..
Not enough funds
Half of the municipalities that responded to the survey (49%) believed that public transport was not adequately adapted to the details of their territory. For example, municipalities blameARTM to block municipal investments in transportation on the grounds that the entire population of its territory must have access to equivalent services.
The Laval Transit Company (STL) considers that this search for fairness should instead be done through ascending standardization to promote one of the goals ofARTM : ensure the mobility of people in its territory.
Regarding funding, 72% of municipalities surveyed believe that current funding for public transport is insufficient. Moreover, 64% think it is not diverse enough. Reported observations include:
- The high opacity of the budget process and the difficulty of obtaining clear explanations of how to determine the amounts to be paid inARTM;
- Lack of transparency about decisions;
- Lack of consultation and coordination with public transport agencies.
The overhaul rate, which will take effect at 1eh July, is a source of concern for some transit organizations and some municipalities, it says. Respondents specifically mentioned the inequality for some sectors that the service offer was insignificant, but costs increased.
A budget to model?
Exo, the STL and the Longueuil transport network (RTL) wondering about the growing number of skilled employees hired byARTM over the past two years.
According to STLthe operating budget ofARTM should be modeled more and proportionately to transit agencies, because its mission in metropolitan planning does not justify the evolution of the number of its employees.
For his part, the RTL argues that theARTM has been recruiting operational staff for several months, despite its mission.
Exo regrets the fact that in doing so, theARTM acting contrary to its guiding principles, recognizing the role of transport organizations with respect to operation.
L ‘ARTM justifies these hiring in a context where it is responsible for certain contractual agreements with public transport organizations.
The recommendations
In the recommendations proposed by stakeholders, the mission ofARTM should be centered on strategic planning and issues of metropolitan scope.
Additionally, it is controversial, a more collaborative management style is needed to attract stakeholders. Clearer management may result by holding public meetings of the Board of Directors.
L ‘ARTM it is also necessary to evaluate the progress of its organization. This will require strict management of human resources, the report said. It will need to coordinate its payment policy with the policy of OPTCs to avoid dynamic competition between organizations.
Transport Minister François Bonnardel announced that due to the consultations conducted, a revision of certain provisions of the Act relating to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain may be needed to redraft the activities of theARTM.
Source: Radio-Canada
