Montreal traffic woes by the numbers

A new study recommending tolls onMontreal's bridges and eventually on some of its main autoroutes has thrust the city's chronic traffic problems back into the spotlight.

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Canada'sEcofiscal Commission, athink-tank headquartered at McGill University, says taxing drivers would encourage more people to use public transit.

Here's a portrait of traffic congestion in Montreal:

Facts and figures

• Half ofMontrealersspend 60 minutes or more getting to and from work.

• 46 per cent of Laval workers commuteto Montreal.

• 36per cent of Longueuil workers commute to Montreal.

• Congestion costs the City of Montrealan estimated$1.7 billionannually.

• Montreal ranks14thin North America in terms of traffic congestion, behind only Toronto and Vancouver in Canada.

• 72 per cent of Montrealers say congestion makes it hard to get around.

• Almost a quarter of Montrealers say gridlock is diminishing their quality of life.

• 18 bridges connect the island of Montreal to the off-island suburbs.

• Two highways already have tolls on their bridges: Autoroutes25 and 30.

• The proposed Train del'Ouest, whichwould connect downtown Montreal to Hudson,got backing from prime minister-designate JustinTrudeauduring the election campaign.

• Trudeau has also promised to scrap plannedtolls on thenew $4.2-billion ChamplainBridge.

Sources: Ecofiscal Commission, Chambre de commerce du Montral mtropolitain, TomTom