Plan B to get around Montreal during the STM strike, starting June 9

Montreal public transit users are preparing for significant disruptions as a nine-day strike at the STM begins on Monday, forcing many to find different ways of getting around the city. One popular option is renting a bike from BIXI, Montreal’s public bike-sharing service.

“Definitely BIXI. BIXI or just walk,” said downtown resident Julia Kaur, showing support for the STM maintenance workers and mechanics on strike. “It’s definitely inconvenient, but I understand the significance of the strike.”

“For longer distances, I might have to resort to rideshares,” said Trancrède Lamort de Gail, also a downtown resident. “Communauto is still around, although I don’t have my license. The metro would have been useful.”

Ali El-Husseini also plans to use a Bixi bike, but he says “for a lot of people, that’s not going to work.”

“I know people that live in Montréal-Nord, in Laval. They depend on the metro and the STM services,” El-Husseini added.

“If it’s impossible to get there on a BIXI, or if it’s a really hot day, all you’re left with is walking or Ubering which is very expensive,” said Elizabeth Heim, riding a BIXI bike on her way downtown.

For retired Outremont residents Josette Trépanier and Andrée Dupuis, they don’t mind the walk.

“Seeing a doctor, or something like that, maybe we’re going to have problems,” said Trépanier. Her neighbour Dupuis said she would have to take a taxi or be accompanied by someone who has a car.

The STM advises users to consider active transportation options or work from home for the time being.

But for Alexis Christian, who is visiting from the U.S., she is concerned about making it to her flight that is scheduled for June 9 – the same day the strike starts. Her flight leaves in the afternoon during rush hour.

“Uber and taxis are my best of hope,” Christian said, planning to schedule a ride with the ride-hailing application Uber. “Especially since the flight is not going to wait for me, it definitely makes me a little bit stressed out going back home.”

On June 9, 10, and 11, buses and metros will only run during morning and afternoon rush hours, as well as late evenings, but there will be no service outside those periods. 

On June 12, regular service will operate during peak periods with an hour extended. Outside these periods, metro trains will run at half the frequency, and half of bus trips will be cancelled.

During Grand Prix weekend, June 13 to 15, no service disruptions.

And, on June 16 and 17, regular service will be provided during peak periods, and reduced to half outside of them.