Getting Around Quebec: Cars, Transit, Bikes, and Feet

Quebec's vast territory and distinct seasons shape how its 8.5+ million residents move. Here's the modal split based on recent data (2016 Census/Transport Ministry):

1. Personal Vehicles – Dominant Mode

• 5.7 million registered vehicles (1 per 1.7 people).
• Extensive highway network: Autoroutes 20, 40, 55, 15, etc.
• High car ownership outside Montreal/Quebec City cores.
• Winter tires mandatory Dec 1–Mar 15.

2. Public Transit – Vital in Cities

• 1.3 billion annual trips (2016).
• Montreal (STM): Metro (4 lines), bus network, commuter trains (exo).
• Quebec City (RTC): Bus network, Métrobus BRT lines.
• Laval (STL), Gatineau (STO), Longueuil (RTL): Suburban systems integrated with neighbors.
• REM (Réseau express métropolitain) light rail expanding in Montreal.

3. Cycling – Growing Fast

• ~1.2 million cyclists (2016).
• Montreal: 1,000+ km bike paths (REV network), BIXI bike-share.
• Quebec City: Corridor des Cheminots, Véloroute.
• Provincial Route Verte: 5,300+ km cross-province network.
• Winter cycling rising with fat bikes and cleared paths.

4. Walking – Urban Daily Life

• ~1.1 million regular pedestrians (2016).
• Dense, mixed-use neighborhoods (Plateau, Vieux-Québec, Old Montreal) encourage walking.
• Winter: underground cities (Montreal's RÉSO, Quebec's souterrain) keep feet moving.

5. Other Modes

• Taxis, Uber, Lyft, Eva (co-op rideshare).
• Intercity: Orléans Express, Intercar buses; VIA Rail (Montreal–Quebec City corridor).
• Ferries: Quebec–Lévis, Sorel–Varennes, Montreal–Laval.

Policy Direction

Quebec's Plan d'action en mobilité durable aims to reduce solo driving, boost transit/active transport, and electrify fleets. The goal: 50% of trips by sustainable modes in major regions by 2030.