The STM provides details on service during the maintenance workers' strike
A special constable from the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) explains restricted hours as users are stranded due to a strike by STM maintenance workers in Montreal on Monday, June 9, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)
As maintenance workers enter their second day of strike on Tuesday, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has provided details about its service to prevent a repeat of certain situations experienced on Monday.
On the first day of the strike, several users found themselves facing closed doors when they arrived at metro stations towards the end of the morning opening period.
For the first phase of the strike, until Wednesday, the STM had announced that the metro network would operate between 6:30 a.m. and 9:38 a.m. before closing its doors until the afternoon rush hour.
However, 9:38 a.m. refers to the end of service time, not the time of the last departure, which caused confusion among many users who had to turn back on Monday morning.
'Metro stations close as the last train makes its final run, often before the end of essential service,' the STM explained in a statement released on Monday evening.
To help users navigate these disruptions to their daily routine, the STM has added the departure time of the last train at each station on the strike information page of its website.
'We strongly recommend that you arrive at the station 10 minutes before the last train to ensure your journey,' the STM added.
Regarding the bus network, the transit agency has advised users to rely on the real-time schedules available through its customer information tools.
Empty trains?
Another situation that caused discontent among some users on Monday was that empty metro trains continued to pass through stations after the essential service period had ended, while STM employees forced people who were still on the platforms to leave.
The STM has said that this procedure is necessary so that trains can be parked gradually at the end of service.
'It should be noted that empty trains honk their horns and slow down without stopping when passing through stations. This manoeuvre ensures the safety of passengers and employees on the platforms,' the STM emphasized.
A similar procedure takes place before the start of service in order to distribute trains across the network in anticipation of opening.
'The STM is aware that the maintenance union strike is having a significant impact on the daily lives of its users. However, it asks for respect for its employees who are on the ground to provide essential services,' the press release said.
Until next Tuesday
The strike by 2,400 maintenance employees will, therefore, continue on Tuesday for a second day.
As was the case on Monday, buses and metro trains will only run during the morning and afternoon rush hours, as well as late in the evening. Outside these periods, service will be suspended. This scenario will be repeated on Wednesday.
On Thursday, service will be 100 per cent during rush hour, which will be extended by one hour, and 50 per cent outside of rush hour.
From Friday to Sunday, service will be maintained at its usual level due to the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Finally, on Monday and Tuesday, service will be provided at 100 per cent during rush hour periods and at 50 per cent outside of these periods, but rush hour periods will return to their schedule from when the strike began.
Paratransit service will be maintained at all times. School bus service will also be maintained, but no service will be offered outside of rush hours until Wednesday this week.
Discussions between the union representing maintenance workers and STM management are set to resume on Wednesday.
The union criticizes the employer for wanting to impose setbacks, particularly with regard to the use of subcontractors. Schedules related to night work are also a point of contention.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French June 10, 2025.
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