Montreal Braces for Impending Transit Strike Impact
With the looming strike by 2,400 unionized STM maintenance workers in Montreal, residents and businesses are gearing up to face challenges as they prepare for limited bus and metro services commencing this Saturday.
The planned strike is set to span four weeks, with service only available during morning and evening rush hours, as well as late at night.
Oren J. Sendel, a student at Concordia University, shared his past experiences during transit strikes, expressing how being stranded downtown forced him to either wait it out or pay for an expensive Uber ride back home.
Suzanne, a Montreal resident, recounted missing appointments due to locked doors during previous strikes, highlighting the daily struggles that residents may face during the upcoming month.
Businesses like b.Cycle, which offers fitness classes near metro stations, have already felt the impact of transit strikes, experiencing significant revenue losses and client decreases. Jessica Marchand, the director of operations at b.Cycle, expressed concerns about the severe financial implications of a month-long strike.
A recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business revealed that almost half of Montreal’s small and medium-sized businesses have suffered financial losses due to transit strikes since June 2025.
The union representing bus drivers and metro operators has also voted to strike on specific dates in November, further adding to the disruption in public transportation services.
Despite the challenges, Quebec’s labour tribunal has approved a limited service schedule during the strike period, with buses and the metro operating on restricted timetables.
