Sixty years ago today, Montreal inaugurated its innovative metro system, which has since become a vital part of daily life for over 800,000 residents in the region. To commemorate this milestone, STM put together a series of engaging activities across the metro network.
The celebration kicked off at the Berri-UQAM station with the unveiling of a captivating community art installation called “Metro Moments.” This artwork, featuring around 1,000 memories connected to the metro shared by employees and passengers, set the tone for the day’s festivities.
The anniversary drew Montrealers to reminisce and share their personal stories. Eileen Sernuck, who was just 12 years old when the metro first opened in 1966, fondly recalled her early rides when the metro was a new, exciting experience. Over the years, she has collected metro tickets that reflect the evolution of the subway system, from the days of cheap fares to the current rates.
As the city marked this significant anniversary, Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlighted the metro’s transformative impact on Montreal’s landscape. Reflecting on their first metro experiences, individuals like Azel Brunet and Ronald Daymond shared how the metro has been intertwined with their lives, from childhood explorations to daily commutes.
Looking ahead, STM’s chairman, Aref Salem, shared a vision of free public transportation for all Montrealers in the future, along with plans to expand the metro network. Festivities continued throughout the day at various metro stations, including music performances, dance shows, and interactive activities for all to enjoy.
