Public transit users in Quebec City often face challenging waiting conditions at various bus stops. A recent consultation with neighborhood councils and the organization Accès Transports Viables (ATV) highlighted the worst bus stops in the capital city. While not a scientific study, this effort sheds light on the common grievances expressed by residents who rely on the Réseau de transport de la capitale (RTC).
Quebec’s Worst Bus Stops Revealed
Several bus stops in Quebec City have been criticized for their unsafe and inconvenient locations. Below are some of the most notable examples:
1. Boulevard Pie-XI, Val-Bélair
Bus stop number 2576 is located on Boulevard Pie-XI in Val-Bélair. It is wedged between a busy road, a narrow bike lane, and a guardrail bordering a ravine. Local council president Francine Dion advocates for the installation of a sidewalk to improve safety. Users often need to wait for generous drivers to allow them to cross the road during rush hours.
2. Rue Franquet near the Ministry of Transport
At the park Technologique Einstein, users of bus routes 22 and 29 face a minimalistic stop on Rue Franquet. With limited waiting areas, passengers either stand in the street or on a mound of compressed snow near the bus stop sign. An anonymous regular user expressed frustration over the precarious waiting conditions.
3. Corner of Faraday and Lavoisier
This stop in the industrial parks of Jean-Talon and Saint-Malo is surrounded by grim surroundings, including a rusty recycling bin. Without sidewalks, this setup is less than welcoming for passengers waiting on route 9. Myriam Nicker-Hudon, president of the Saint-Sauveur council, calls for better facilities in the area.
4. Prominent Yet Dangerous: Bouvier Street
On Bouvier Street, bus stops for routes 64, 85, 185, and 332 are placed on a narrow concrete island amidst busy highways. The stops are potentially perilous, as users must navigate heavy traffic to access them. Myriam Nicker-Hudon highlights the harsh conditions faced by passengers.
5. Street du Marais
Located near a gas station, this stop is surrounded by busy traffic, forcing passengers to wait in the road or on the edge of a parking area. The lack of safety features at this site has raised concerns among locals.
6. Frank-Carrel: North America’s Worst Bus Stop
In 2021, Quebec City earned the title of having the worst bus stop in North America at station 2982 on Frank-Carrel. Despite this recognition, no improvements have been made. Passengers are forced to wait next to a busy street without any modern amenities, highlighting poor environmental conditions.
7. Saint-Nicolas Street
Described as uninspiring, the stop on Saint-Nicolas is simply a pole set between a brick wall and a narrow sidewalk. It serves regular bus routes, including the 11 and 107, but offers no shelter or comfort for awaiting passengers, according to council president Jocelyn Gilbert.
8. Terminus D’Youville
This terminus has been unanimously rated as the worst bus stop in the Vieux-Québec sector. Despite its prime location, it suffers from unattractive conditions, lack of maintenance, and safety concerns. Jocelyn Gilbert emphasizes the need for significant improvements to make it more user-friendly and visually appealing.
Recent Changes to the Bus Network
As of 2025, the RTC has seen a decrease in bus stops, from 4,773 in January to 4,286 by the following year, a reduction of 87 stops overall. While some stops have been added, a significant number, particularly in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, have been removed. The goal of these changes is to optimize the transit network.
Concerns Over Safety at Certain Terminus
Various terminuses within the RTC network have been evaluated for safety. According to ATV’s Rues sans peur project, locations like Marly and La Faune lack proper lighting and activity, leading to feelings of insecurity among users. Marie-Soleil Gagné of ATV notes the necessity of improved urban design to enhance the safety and usability of public transit facilities.
El-Balad invites you to share any local bus stops that deserve recognition in this dubious list. Submit photos and descriptions to help us highlight the need for better public transit conditions in the city.
