STM provides details on service during maintenance workers’ strike

As the second day of the maintenance workers’ strike begins Tuesday, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is providing clarification on its service to prevent a recurrence of some of the situations experienced Monday.

On the first day of the strike, several commuters encountered closed doors when they arrived at metro stations toward the end of the morning opening hours.

For the first phase of the strike, until Wednesday, the STM had announced that the metro system 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. is the end of service, not the last departure time, which caused confusion among many commuters, who were forced to turn back Monday morning.

“Metro stations are closing as the last train makes its final run, often before the essential service time,” the STM explained in a press release issued Monday evening.

To help its users navigate, the STM has added the last train arrival time at each station to the strike page on its website.

“It is strongly recommended that you arrive at the station 10 minutes before the last train to ensure your trip,” the STM added.

As for the bus network, the transit authority urged its users to rely on the real-time schedules available on its customer information tools.

The situation has left commuters scrambling.

“It just makes it a lot more difficult,” one person told CityNews. “You’re having to move things around. I mean people have kids and it makes it hard to get their kids to school and then also have to get to work. I don’t know, it’s not easy.”

“I have to go home earlier from work and I can’t visit my family in the hospital and yeah I can’t hang out as much as I want it downtown… and yeah it sucks a little bit,” another person said.

Some tourists and Montrealers have resorted to walking or biking, when possible.

“I knew my sister told me that there is no subway today so I decided to take the bike,” one person said.

“A lot of people take the bike. … I like it, it’s warm,” said another.

“It was not difficult for me but I think for workers it has to be a little bit harder for them,” said a third.

Other commuters voiced their frustrations with the price surge for Ubers.

“The prices are skyrocketing,” one person said. “I mean there’s more volume so people are having to pay more. It stinks. It would be nice if they could get this together.”

Some Montreal taxi drivers told CityNews business was still slow.

“Obviously when they are on a strike, people they have to do something about to go from one point to another. So if they cannot let’s say take Uber they definitely take taxis. So it’s going to affect just a bit, but this strike is not going to go for a long time.”

Empty trains?

Another situation that sparked anger among some users on Monday: empty metro trains passed through stations after the essential service period had ended, while STM employees forced those still on the platforms to leave.

The STM stated that this procedure is necessary so that trains can be parked gradually at the end of service.

“Please note that empty trains sound their horns and slow down without stopping as they pass the platform. This maneuver 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 preparation for opening.

“The STM is aware that the maintenance union’s strike has a significant impact on the daily lives of its customers. However, it urges respect for its employees who are on the ground providing essential services,” the press release reads.

Until next Tuesday

The strike by 2,400 maintenance employees continues Tuesday for a second day.

As was the case on Monday, metro buses and trains will operate only during morning and afternoon rush hours, as well as late evening. Service will be suspended outside of these periods. This scenario will repeat itself on Wednesday.

For Thursday, service will be provided at 100 per cent during peak periods, which will be extended by one hour, and at 50 per cent outside of them.

From Friday to Sunday, service will be maintained at its usual level due to the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Finally, next Monday and Tuesday, service will be provided at 100 per cent during peak periods and at 50 per cent outside of them, but rush hours will return to their schedule at the beginning of the strike.

Paratransit service will be maintained at all times. School bus routes will also be maintained, but no service will be offered outside of peak hours until Wednesday of this week.

Talks between the union representing maintenance workers and STM management are scheduled to resume Wednesday.

The union criticizes the employer for attempting to impose setbacks, particularly regarding the use of subcontractors. Hours, related to night work, are also a point of contention.

–With files from La Presse Canadienne