STM announces replacement of 58 escalators across Montreal’s metro network
Posted October 20, 2026 9:28 am.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has announced plans to replace 58 of the 298 escalators in its metro network by 2031.
The work will be carried out across 17 metro stations, with Jean-Talon station set to receive the first escalator replacements.
Officials say the replacements are necessary because of the age of the escalators, which are, on average, 40 years old.
The project aims to improve the overall experience for metro riders.
“The work will help reduce breakdowns and service interruptions, shorten travel times within stations through faster movement, and improve accessibility for customers carrying heavy loads or experiencing intermediate mobility challenges,” the STM said in a news release.
Officials say one escalator at Jean-Talon station will be taken out of service until 2032 to allow mechanics to be trained.
The first stations scheduled for escalator replacement work in the coming months are:
- Jean-Talon: Four escalators to be replaced between 2026 and 2028.
- McGill: One escalator to be replaced in 2027.
- Namur: Two escalators to be replaced in 2027.
- Fabre: Two escalators to be replaced in 2027.
- De la Concorde: One escalator to be replaced between 2027 and 2028.
In 2028, escalator replacement work is also scheduled for Iberville, Outremont, McGill, Acadie, Castelnau and Côte-Vertu stations, followed by Peel station in 2029.
About 39 escalators for stations on the Blue Line extension will also be supplied as part of a broader purchase valued at $200 million.
