Montreal Metro Faces System-Wide Disruptions & Ongoing Challenges

Montreal commuters experienced significant disruptions to their morning commute on Tuesday as a “system communication failure” brought all four lines of the Metro to a standstill for 45 minutes. According to the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), the interruption stemmed from work being conducted at the Berri-UQAM station.

Passengers were left scrambling for alternative transportation. Sandrine Krick and Kelly Lupien, UQAM students stranded at Berri-UQAM, explained they were attempting to navigate to Côte-Vertu and then onward to Vaudreuil-Soulanges via bus and train.

Initial estimates from the STM indicated service would resume by 11:55 AM, but this was revised to 1:00 PM before ultimately being restored by 12:13 PM. La Presse confirmed the return to normal operations on all lines.

Beyond the Metro: Broader Transit Issues

The Metro disruption was just one piece of a larger puzzle of transit challenges facing Montrealers. The Vaudreuil/Hudson commuter train line experienced a second disruption in two days due to a fight onboard train 114.

Furthermore, a snowstorm is predicted to impact the Greater Montreal area, potentially creating difficult commuting conditions. The STM is also exploring ways to diversify its revenue streams to achieve greater financial independence, drawing inspiration from Asian transport models.

Infrastructure Concerns & City Updates

Several infrastructure issues are also under scrutiny. The city of Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville closed its city hall due to asbestos concerns. Meanwhile, the red bus rapid transit (SRB) lane on Henri-Bourassa Boulevard is showing signs of premature degradation, with paint flaking off after only a year and a half.

Montreal is launching an emergency pothole-filling operation to address the damage caused by fluctuating January temperatures. Concerns have also been raised about automated pothole fillers (Python 5000) which are frequently out of service. Additionally, a concrete ramp on Autoroute 15 in Mirabel has been linked to multiple accidents, prompting calls for safety improvements.

Finally, the conversion of the Royal Victoria Hospital buildings into a university campus is facing budgetary challenges, and former Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, along with other departing officials, will receive substantial severance packages.

For the latest updates on Montreal’s transit system, please refer to La Presse.