Montreal metro infrastructure deteriorating rapidly, no new short-term funding in Quebec plan
Posted March 18, 2026 10:21 pm.
Newly updated data in the annual public infrastructure investment management plan confirms that the condition of Montreal’s metro system is deteriorating, while no new short-term funding has been allocated for maintaining public transit assets under Quebec’s 2026–2036 infrastructure plan.
The status quo over the next five years heightens the urgency for an agreement between the provincial and federal governments to unlock funding from Canada’s Public Transit Fund.
Nearly half of metro assets in poor condition
As the metro approaches the 60th anniversary of its inauguration, 46 per cent of its assets are now classified in poor or very poor condition. More than half of its stations — 35 out of 68 — fall into those categories.
The proportion of metro assets in poor condition has reached a new high, surpassing that of the road network for the first time.
“We are reaching a new peak in the deterioration of our assets. The impacts of this situation are already tangible: an increase in breakdowns, infrastructure closures for emergency repairs, and growing pressure on maintenance costs, which is truly concerning. We cannot allow Canada’s most important transportation infrastructure to deteriorate in this way,” said STM Board of Directors Chair Aref Salem.
No increase in short-term maintenance funding
The Quebec Infrastructure Plan (PQI) 2026–2036, released alongside the provincial budget, shows that funding available for maintaining public transit assets will remain unchanged over the next five years.
While the plan includes an increase over a 10-year horizon compared with the previous PQI, transit authorities say the lack of immediate investment risks worsening both maintenance and financial challenges.
In its pre-budget submission, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) called for a gradual increase in annual maintenance investments, targeting $669 million by 2030. According to the agency, that level would only be sufficient to prevent further deterioration and stabilize the infrastructure deficit.
Pressure mounts to unlock federal transit funding
Transit officials say solutions exist, notably through access to Canada’s Public Transit Fund, which has yet to benefit Quebec.
“Over $5 billion from the Canada Public Transit Fund has already been allocated to public transit systems across the rest of Canada. Meanwhile, Quebec and Montreal are still waiting. The status quo presented in the current PQI makes reaching an agreement between Quebec and Ottawa even more crucial. The STM urges both levels of government to accelerate discussions to release the funds,” concluded Salem.
