Montreal Metro Crises: STM Seeks Billions Beyond Quebec Funding

Montreal’s public transit authority warns that the Metro network requires significantly more investment than the provincial budget provides to maintain operations. Quebec’s latest budget allocates $1.2 billion for public transit across the province, but officials argue this falls short of urgent needs.

Stations in Dire Condition

Underground stations show severe deterioration. At Place-des-Arts station, concrete from the ceiling was removed due to collapse risks. Many ceilings feature green, corrugated panels to capture leaks from pipes above. The authority rates 68 stations from A to E, with 35 classified as D (bad) or E (very bad). Place-des-Arts holds a D rating.

Water infiltration recently halted the Yellow line during Monday rush hour. In 2024, structural issues at St-Michel station closed it for over a month.

Funding Shortfall Projected

Aref Salem, chair of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) board, states that at least $680 million is essential for infrastructure and maintenance by 2030. “Today the deficit of the assets maintained is around $7 billion,” he explains. Without action, this figure will rise to $9 billion by 2030. Salem urges provincial and federal governments to reach an agreement swiftly.

“We have issues with the equipment that we have. The infrastructure too,” Salem adds. “The needs are more than what you get in this budget.” He calls for double the current allocation, emphasizing, “We need double what we have.”

Equipment and Train Failures

Brian Nash from the public transit advocacy group Trajectoire Québec highlights inconsistencies in closing aging stations while extending the Blue line. Service disruptions from disrepair create ongoing delays.

While over 600 new AZUR train cars operate reliably on the Orange line, the older MR-73 trains—among the world’s oldest subway cars—fail 10 times more frequently. “That’s also an urgent matter that we need to focus on, the replacement of those trains. They are way past their cycle of life right now,” Nash says.

Provincial Response and Ongoing Investments

Quebec Transport Minister Jonatan Julien acknowledges the concerns, noting the Metro’s origins in the late 1960s. “I agree with them that this is a worrisome issue… so we need to invest money in it. We’re already investing a lot,” he states. The province continues to commit hundreds of millions to Montreal’s system.

Rising Disruptions and Lessons from Elsewhere

Interruptions exceeding five minutes have increased, signaling early warnings similar to New York City’s subway crises. Last summer, much of New York’s system shut down for emergency repairs. “We need to invest faster. We don’t have to live the crisis New York lived,” Salem warns.

In January, the STM reported deteriorating infrastructure and assets. For 2026, it proposes a $1.8 billion budget—unchanged from prior years—achieved through $56.5 million in annual savings, including hiring freezes, outsourcing, and reduced maintenance. These measures preserve current service levels.