Montreal transit agency urges commuters to prepare as STM maintenance strike nears

As the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) maintenance workers' strike approaches, the agency is urging commuters to plan ahead, consider active transportation options, or work from home.
The STM has said the strike, which runs from June 9 to 17, will affect traffic across Montreal.
'We're aware of the inconvenience this strike may cause for our customers, and we're doing everything we can to help ensure their trips go as smoothly as possible,' said STM general manager Marie-Claude Léonard.
'We're in a time of change, and it's important that we refocus on our core mission: moving people. Given the STM's current financial context, we need to ensure our operations remain cost-effective. This must be reflected in the ongoing collective agreement negotiations in order to respect the financial limits of our funding partners.'
An essential services schedule will remain in place, as per a ruling by Quebec's labour tribunal, the Tribunal administratif du travail.
Bus and Metro service will run normally during the Montreal Grand Prix, from June 13 to 15. Paratransit will also not be affected by the strike.
June 9 to 11
According to the STM, school routes and shuttle buses for planned outings will operate as usual, even during off-peak hours. REM replacement shuttles will only run between 11:15 p.m. and 1:15 a.m. Metro stations will be closed outside scheduled service hours.
June 12, 16 and 17
On these dates, the STM will operate at 50 per cent capacity. Metro service will run at half the usual frequency—one train out of two—and roughly half of all bus trips will be cancelled. The exact number of cancellations will vary depending on operational needs.
No refunds or compensation
The STM said no refunds or financial compensation will be offered for activated monthly or weekly passes. However, other fare types may be used at a later date or could be eligible for a refund.
he agency added that negotiations are ongoing. It has proposed the use of a third party to help find solutions and potentially speed up talks with the union.

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