What you need to know ahead of Monday's transit strike in Montreal
By
Montrealers will be hoping for sunny weather over the nine-day period of June 9-17.
Cycling and walking will be the best ways to get around the city while the STM's transit workers engage in a limited strike that will force bus and métro service to be heavily reduced.
Buses and métro cars will probably be overcrowded, and it is expected more cars will be used, meaning there will be more congestion on the roads than normal during the nine-day period.
The STM is advising people who need public transit to get around to double the time they normally allot to travel to their destinations. Those who can work from home are encouraged to do so.
Here is what you need to know:
Pay attention to departure times
Because the métro has four different lines, their departure times vary widely.
For example, while the métro technically runs until 5:48 p.m. in the afternoon rush period, the last train departing Angrignon station during that period is at 5:02, so if you arrive at that station afterward, you're out of luck. The next departure from that station is at 11 p.m.
Here is the schedule for next nine days:
June 9-11
Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.
Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 5:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
No service outside these times.
June 12
Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.
Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 10:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 6:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Service at up to 50 per cent outside these times.
June 13-15
Normal bus and métro service
June 16-17
Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.
Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 5:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Service at up to 50 per cent outside these times.
Detailed lists of the first and last métro departures are available at stm.info.
No refunds for monthly pass
The region's transit authority, the ARTM, has said it will not give refunds or discounts for those who have purchased passes for the month of June.
The ARTM has helped make it easier for commuters in past transit interruptions, for example, when commuter train service was interrupted by construction of the REM. However, in this instance the ARTM will not put in place a plan to boost transit from other modes, like Exo trains or regional buses, as a way to mitigate the effects of the strike.
Reached this week, ARTM spokesperson Maxime Riopel declined to comment about the strike.
Bixi to add more drop-off locations
The city's bike-sharing program will more than double the number of depot sites that are available to Bixi users over the course of the strike to 24 from 10. Depot sites are large collection points that allow Bixi users to drop off their bikes without having to find an available dock. Bixi is expecting more people to be using their service over the course of the strike, so it is ensuring its staff is ready to replenish empty docks as needed.
For its part, the city's major car-sharing service, Communauto, is urging its users to share rides if possible. It can't add capacity to its fleet of 4,500 vehicles.
Adapted transit service unaffected
The STM wishes to reassure those who rely on adapted transit to get around the city that the service will not be affected by the strike.
That being said, transit lobby group Trajectoire Québec said this strike will be felt hardest by the elderly, those with reduced mobility and those who can't afford other means of transportation.
'We're worried about people who can't get around on bikes and who can't afford to pay for taxis,' group co-director general Philippe Jacques said in an interview Friday.
Jacques said he's anticipating chaos, especially if it rains.
'We saw in Quebec City's (transit strike last year), there were a lot of impacts,' he said. 'Fewer people were able to get to food banks, and a lot of doctors' appointments were cancelled.'
He found it curious that the Tribunal administratif du travail ruled service during the Grand Prix weekend was deemed to be essential, while the day-to-day routine outside of that event wasn't.
'Montrealers who have to go to work, or who have to get to appointments, they're told: 'figure it out.' But to go watch cars going around in a circle, burning gas and polluting, for that, yes, we have a complete service,' Jacques said.
He lamented a general lack of investment by the province into transit services, which has led to some of the cost-cutting measures that the STM is asking of its maintenance workers.
This transit strike could be one of several disruptions to STM services this year, as the STM is currently negotiating with four unions at the same time. Two of those unions, representing drivers and administrative workers, have also given their leaders a strike mandate. So far, those unions have not given the STM notice that they will walk off the job, and negotiations continue with management.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
10 hours ago
- CTV News
STM maintenance workers are officially on strike
Approximately 2,400 Société de transport de Montréal (STM) maintenance workers are on strike starting Monday, disrupting Metro and bus services until early next week. Until Wednesday, buses and Metro are scheduled to run only during morning and afternoon rush hours, as well as late in the evening. Outside these periods, service is set to be suspended. The Syndicat du transport de Montréal-Confédération des syndicats nationaux (CSN) justified the strike by citing the employer's 'stubbornness' in wanting to 'cut back on maintenance employees' working conditions.' It claims that the STM 'is stubbornly maintaining its demands for the creation of atypical schedules and the relocation of employees throughout its facilities.' For its part, the STM argues that its network operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which necessitates employees on all shifts. It adds that its financial situation requires it to 'operate at the right cost' and that 'this must be reflected in the current collective agreement negotiations in order to respect the ability of (its) financial backers to pay.' On Thursday, service is set to be 100 per cent during peak periods, which will be extended by one hour, and 50 per cent outside of peak periods. From Friday to Sunday, service will be maintained at its usual level for the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. On Monday and Tuesday next week, service is scheduled to be provided at 100 per cent during peak periods and 50 per cent outside of peak periods. Paratransit service will be maintained at all times. School bus service will also be maintained, but no service will be offered outside of peak hours from Monday to Wednesday this week. The provision of essential services has been approved by the Administrative Labour Tribunal. 'For those who are able to do so, we invite you to consider, whenever possible, using active modes of transportation (walking, cycling, etc.) or working from home during this period,' said the STM. No compensation is planned for users who have purchased monthly or weekly passes. – This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 9, 2024.
CTV News
2 days ago
- CTV News
Poor air quality persisting in Montreal
A cargo ship sails through the Port of Montreal on Friday, June 6, 2025. Smoke from the wildfires in the Canadian Prairies is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the Greater Montreal region. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) Montreal briefly had the worst air quality in the world again Saturday morning due to wildfire smoke coming in from the prairies. By 10:30 a.m., the city was second only to New Delhi, India, according to the World Air Quality Index. The amount of smog in the air is also reducing visibility. Environment Canada's special air quality alert is still in effect and Montrealers are encouraged to limit time spent outdoors. It warns that people aged 65 and older, pregnant people, infants, young children, people with chronic health conditions and people who work outdoors are particularly vulnerable to air pollution. 'You may experience mild and common symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches or a mild cough. More serious but less common symptoms include wheezing, chest pains or severe cough. If you think you are having a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance,' said Environment Canada. People are encouraged to keep windows and closed as much as possible to protect indoor air from wildfire smoke. However, in hot weather, staying cool should be the priority. Air filters, air purifiers and good ventilation systems are recommended. Environment Canada suggests wearing a respirator type mask outside to reduce exposure to fine particles like PM2.5. Clean air is expected to move in over the next 24 hours, according to the weather agency.
Montreal Gazette
3 days ago
- Montreal Gazette
What you need to know ahead of Monday's transit strike in Montreal
By Montrealers will be hoping for sunny weather over the nine-day period of June 9-17. Cycling and walking will be the best ways to get around the city while the STM's transit workers engage in a limited strike that will force bus and métro service to be heavily reduced. Buses and métro cars will probably be overcrowded, and it is expected more cars will be used, meaning there will be more congestion on the roads than normal during the nine-day period. The STM is advising people who need public transit to get around to double the time they normally allot to travel to their destinations. Those who can work from home are encouraged to do so. Here is what you need to know: Pay attention to departure times Because the métro has four different lines, their departure times vary widely. For example, while the métro technically runs until 5:48 p.m. in the afternoon rush period, the last train departing Angrignon station during that period is at 5:02, so if you arrive at that station afterward, you're out of luck. The next departure from that station is at 11 p.m. Here is the schedule for next nine days: June 9-11 Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 5:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. No service outside these times. June 12 Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 10:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 6:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Service at up to 50 per cent outside these times. June 13-15 Normal bus and métro service June 16-17 Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 5:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Service at up to 50 per cent outside these times. Detailed lists of the first and last métro departures are available at No refunds for monthly pass The region's transit authority, the ARTM, has said it will not give refunds or discounts for those who have purchased passes for the month of June. The ARTM has helped make it easier for commuters in past transit interruptions, for example, when commuter train service was interrupted by construction of the REM. However, in this instance the ARTM will not put in place a plan to boost transit from other modes, like Exo trains or regional buses, as a way to mitigate the effects of the strike. Reached this week, ARTM spokesperson Maxime Riopel declined to comment about the strike. Bixi to add more drop-off locations The city's bike-sharing program will more than double the number of depot sites that are available to Bixi users over the course of the strike to 24 from 10. Depot sites are large collection points that allow Bixi users to drop off their bikes without having to find an available dock. Bixi is expecting more people to be using their service over the course of the strike, so it is ensuring its staff is ready to replenish empty docks as needed. For its part, the city's major car-sharing service, Communauto, is urging its users to share rides if possible. It can't add capacity to its fleet of 4,500 vehicles. Adapted transit service unaffected The STM wishes to reassure those who rely on adapted transit to get around the city that the service will not be affected by the strike. That being said, transit lobby group Trajectoire Québec said this strike will be felt hardest by the elderly, those with reduced mobility and those who can't afford other means of transportation. 'We're worried about people who can't get around on bikes and who can't afford to pay for taxis,' group co-director general Philippe Jacques said in an interview Friday. Jacques said he's anticipating chaos, especially if it rains. 'We saw in Quebec City's (transit strike last year), there were a lot of impacts,' he said. 'Fewer people were able to get to food banks, and a lot of doctors' appointments were cancelled.' He found it curious that the Tribunal administratif du travail ruled service during the Grand Prix weekend was deemed to be essential, while the day-to-day routine outside of that event wasn't. 'Montrealers who have to go to work, or who have to get to appointments, they're told: 'figure it out.' But to go watch cars going around in a circle, burning gas and polluting, for that, yes, we have a complete service,' Jacques said. He lamented a general lack of investment by the province into transit services, which has led to some of the cost-cutting measures that the STM is asking of its maintenance workers. This transit strike could be one of several disruptions to STM services this year, as the STM is currently negotiating with four unions at the same time. Two of those unions, representing drivers and administrative workers, have also given their leaders a strike mandate. So far, those unions have not given the STM notice that they will walk off the job, and negotiations continue with management.
