Montreal Transit Strike 2025: What Commuters Need to Know
The Montreal Transit Strike begins Monday, June 9, and will bring major disruptions to daily commutes until June 17. With more than 2,400 STM maintenance workers walking off the job, the city’s bus and métro services will operate on limited schedules during peak hours only. Overcrowding, delays, and heavier traffic are expected across the city.
Public officials are urging commuters to plan ahead, work from home if possible, and use alternatives like BIXI bikes and car sharing. While some services like adapted transit remain unaffected, students, workers, and low-income residents may face the brunt of the disruption during this critical nine-day period.
What’s Affected and When
Public transit will run on limited schedules, especially during peak hours. Expect overcrowded trains, fewer buses, and heavier road congestion as more commuters turn to cars.
Here’s the STM’s adjusted service schedule:
June 9–11 & June 16–17
- Bus: 6:15–9:15 a.m., 3–6 p.m., 11:15 p.m.–1:15 a.m.
- Métro: 6:30–9:38 a.m., 2:45–5:48 p.m., 11 p.m.–1 a.m.
- No service outside these hours.
June 12
- Bus: Extended by one hour in morning and evening
- Métro: Ends later at 10:38 a.m. and 6:48 p.m.
- Service at 50% outside these windows.
June 13–15 (Grand Prix Weekend)
- Regular service resumes temporarily.
The STM advises commuters to double their travel time and check departure times in advance—especially since last trains may leave earlier than expected. For instance, Angrignon station’s final departure is at 5:02 p.m., even though service is listed until 5:48 p.m.
Advertisement
No Refunds for June Passes
Despite reduced service, the ARTM (regional transit authority) confirmed no refunds or discounts for June monthly pass holders. It also won’t boost service via Exo trains or other alternatives.
Alternatives to STM Transit
To reduce pressure on the transit system:
- BIXI is doubling its depot stations from 10 to 24, offering more convenient drop-off spots with staff onsite from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Communauto, the city’s largest car-sharing service, urges carpooling but cannot expand its 4,500-vehicle fleet.
- Cycling and walking will be the most reliable options during the strike.
Adapted Transit & School Impact
Adapted transit will run as usual. However, students and families face serious concerns. Exams will proceed with no exceptions, according to the EMSB and other school boards. Parents are expected to make alternate arrangements for their children.
At Westmount High, final exams have been moved to mornings to align with strike-time métro service. Science labs and French oral exams will proceed as scheduled.
Advertisement
Ongoing Negotiations
The strike stems from a breakdown in contract talks between STM and its maintenance union. Workers want the STM to reduce outsourcing and end irregular work schedules. The STM says it must cut costs by outsourcing certain jobs and trimming overtime.
Mayor Valérie Plante and union leaders have pointed fingers at Quebec’s lack of transit funding, suggesting this strike may only be the first of multiple actions. Talks are ongoing, but no resolution is in sight.
How are you planning to get around Montreal during the strike? Share your strategy in the comments.
More…
- https://www.montrealgazette.com/news/article974569.html
- https://www.ctvnews.ca/montreal/article/westmount-high-school-changes-exam-schedule-due-to-stm-strike
- https://www.stm.info/en/info/service-updates/info-strike
Advertisement
