Montréal, October 30, 2025 – With more than 541,000 trips—an increase of over 15% compared to 2024—ridership on the metropolitan area’s river shuttles continues to break records, according to the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), which manages the service. The routes linking Old Montréal, Longueuil, and Île Sainte-Hélène, operated by Navettes maritimes du Saint-Laurent, alone account for 39% of all trips, totaling 211,299 boardings. This figure represents an impressive 38% increase over 2024 ridership, confirming the growing success of river-based public transit in the region.
A Growing and Sustainable Option
For Navettes maritimes du Saint-Laurent, this growth reflects a genuine shift in travel habits and a growing enthusiasm for sustainable and attractive transportation alternatives. Beyond improving mobility, these shuttles help reduce automobile dependency and ease congestion on the road network.
Improved Service and Seamless Integration
Thanks to improved schedules and effective integration with the public transit network as well as major summer events, this year’s river shuttles provided a convenient, friendly, and accessible travel option for passengers.
“We are thrilled to see enthusiasm for river shuttles reach new heights this summer, along with an extremely high satisfaction rate — proof of the quality of the service and the onboard experience. Seeing so many residents and visitors embrace this active mode of transportation for their urban travel confirms the value of this service for the metropolitan area,” said Yan Hamel, President and CEO of Navettes maritimes du Saint-Laurent.
Moving Toward More Sustainable Mobility
Complementary to other public transit modes, river shuttles strengthen intermodality, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and make the St. Lawrence River more accessible to everyone. With adequate funding, river-based public transit can contribute long-term to the social and economic vitality of the region, while supporting the transition toward lower-carbon urban living.
About Navettes maritimes du Saint-Laurent
A subsidiary of Croisières AML, Canada’s largest cruise company, Navettes maritimes du Saint-Laurent inc. has been dedicated to maritime transport for pedestrians and cyclists since 1991. The company builds on Croisières AML’s long-standing tradition of excellence and professionalism — a family-owned Québec business that has been operating cruise experiences for over 53 years.
