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CTV News
20-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
As Montreal's transit system works on digital shift, critics urge focus on service over tech
Unlike other major cities like New York, Paris and London, where transit users can pay with contactless methods, Montreal riders still need a physical OPUS card to access the system. However, the Greater Montreal regional transit authority (ARTM) has been working on a digital shift called Concerto for the last few years to introduce contactless technology to its infrastructure. Since the fall of 2024, the transit agency has been developing a virtual OPUS card for smart devices. The ARTM hopes to introduce contactless payment for buses and the metro by 2026. Since April 2024, users have been able to reload their OPUS card on a mobile phone. In Laval, Exo bus riders can already pay directly with a bank card. But a transit user advocacy group argues that the multimillion-dollar project would be better spent elsewhere. Philippe Jacques, a spokesperson for Trajectoire Québec, said that while users would be very happy to have contactless payment, the priority should be improving service. He noted that Montreal has one of the oldest metro systems in the world. He said he does not believe contactless payment will increase ridership. 'It's [about] the quality of service. Maybe somebody who only takes the metro a few times a year, when they go to a Habs game or the Grand Prix, will be happy with easier payments. But for most people who take the metro everyday, I don't think it will make s difference,' Jacques said in a recent interview. 'Maybe when we will have a full set metro like in other cities in the world, and a super bus service, then it's going to be the next step, and it's interesting what you can offer to customers.' Jacques added that the most important issues that need to be addressed are the cuts and limitations to funding at the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). 'The priority should be to keep the infrastructure in good conditions, and then to have more services. That would be the best. But in Montreal there's really a big problem with the metro,' he said. Technology analyst Carmi Levy also warned that government agencies often struggle to develop and deploy technology effectively, adding that the transit agency should keep it simple. 'This is about open systems, open architectures, reusing technology that has already been proven that works and so only by having an open process that allows all vendors to participate in the discussion, and you have them compete against each other for the right, the privilege to deploy this technology, only then will taxpayers, and ultimately, it comes back to taxpayers, get the best value for their money,' Levi said. With files from Stephane Giroux
Montreal Gazette
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Montreal Gazette
What you need to know ahead of Monday's transit strike in Montreal
By Montrealers will be hoping for sunny weather over the nine-day period of June 9-17. Cycling and walking will be the best ways to get around the city while the STM's transit workers engage in a limited strike that will force bus and métro service to be heavily reduced. Buses and métro cars will probably be overcrowded, and it is expected more cars will be used, meaning there will be more congestion on the roads than normal during the nine-day period. The STM is advising people who need public transit to get around to double the time they normally allot to travel to their destinations. Those who can work from home are encouraged to do so. Here is what you need to know: Pay attention to departure times Because the métro has four different lines, their departure times vary widely. For example, while the métro technically runs until 5:48 p.m. in the afternoon rush period, the last train departing Angrignon station during that period is at 5:02, so if you arrive at that station afterward, you're out of luck. The next departure from that station is at 11 p.m. Here is the schedule for next nine days: June 9-11 Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 5:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. No service outside these times. June 12 Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 10:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 6:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Service at up to 50 per cent outside these times. June 13-15 Normal bus and métro service June 16-17 Bus service 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m. Métro service 6:30 a.m. to 9:38 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 5:48 p.m., 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Service at up to 50 per cent outside these times. Detailed lists of the first and last métro departures are available at No refunds for monthly pass The region's transit authority, the ARTM, has said it will not give refunds or discounts for those who have purchased passes for the month of June. The ARTM has helped make it easier for commuters in past transit interruptions, for example, when commuter train service was interrupted by construction of the REM. However, in this instance the ARTM will not put in place a plan to boost transit from other modes, like Exo trains or regional buses, as a way to mitigate the effects of the strike. Reached this week, ARTM spokesperson Maxime Riopel declined to comment about the strike. Bixi to add more drop-off locations The city's bike-sharing program will more than double the number of depot sites that are available to Bixi users over the course of the strike to 24 from 10. Depot sites are large collection points that allow Bixi users to drop off their bikes without having to find an available dock. Bixi is expecting more people to be using their service over the course of the strike, so it is ensuring its staff is ready to replenish empty docks as needed. For its part, the city's major car-sharing service, Communauto, is urging its users to share rides if possible. It can't add capacity to its fleet of 4,500 vehicles. Adapted transit service unaffected The STM wishes to reassure those who rely on adapted transit to get around the city that the service will not be affected by the strike. That being said, transit lobby group Trajectoire Québec said this strike will be felt hardest by the elderly, those with reduced mobility and those who can't afford other means of transportation. 'We're worried about people who can't get around on bikes and who can't afford to pay for taxis,' group co-director general Philippe Jacques said in an interview Friday. Jacques said he's anticipating chaos, especially if it rains. 'We saw in Quebec City's (transit strike last year), there were a lot of impacts,' he said. 'Fewer people were able to get to food banks, and a lot of doctors' appointments were cancelled.' He found it curious that the Tribunal administratif du travail ruled service during the Grand Prix weekend was deemed to be essential, while the day-to-day routine outside of that event wasn't. 'Montrealers who have to go to work, or who have to get to appointments, they're told: 'figure it out.' But to go watch cars going around in a circle, burning gas and polluting, for that, yes, we have a complete service,' Jacques said. He lamented a general lack of investment by the province into transit services, which has led to some of the cost-cutting measures that the STM is asking of its maintenance workers. This transit strike could be one of several disruptions to STM services this year, as the STM is currently negotiating with four unions at the same time. Two of those unions, representing drivers and administrative workers, have also given their leaders a strike mandate. So far, those unions have not given the STM notice that they will walk off the job, and negotiations continue with management.
CTV News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Authorities say delays expected during 6-week REM closure; additional bus service announced
A Réseau express métropolitain (REM) train makes its way towards downtown in Montreal, Thursday, November 14, 2024. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press) Public transit users can expect some delays getting around the Montreal region this summer as the REM will be completely shut down for six weeks. The light-rail line will be closed from July 5 to Aug. 17 as testing is done on the network ahead of the commissioning of new branches to the West Island (Anse-à-l'Orme station) and to the North Shore (Deux-Montagnes station). The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) said it is launching mitigation measures, including additional bus and exo train service, to keep people moving, in collaboration with the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) and the Société de transport de Montréal (STM). 'Users may also consider traveling outside of rush hour or working remotely when possible,' the transit agency said. Here is a breakdown of the enhanced bus service during the shutdown. Lines Directions Frequency 721 (STM) Brossard ↔ Du Quartier ↔ terminus Centre-ville 2 to 4 minutes at peak times 722 (RTL) Panama ↔ terminus Centre-ville 2 to 4 minutes at peak times 568 (STM) Île-des-Sœurs ↔ 800 rue de la Gauchetière 20 minutes 176 (STM) Île-des-Sœurs ↔ 800 rue de la Gauchetière 20 minutes Taxi collectif T72 (RTL) Panama ↔ Île-des-Sœurs 30 minutes Free transit options added The ARTM also says that shuttle buses 721, 722, 568, 176, and the T72 shared taxi will be free to use during the months of July and August. The REM will also be free for users from July 1 to 4 and from Aug. 18 to 31. Access to all other public transit services will require a valid transit pass. 'It is important to remember that no bus service can replace the frequency or capacity of the REM. Consequently, certain peak periods could result in high ridership and significant wait times,' the transit agency stated. Changes to regular bus lines were also announced. Lines Changes Secteur Île-des-Sœurs – STM 176: extension of the line Secteur Le Richelain-Roussillon – exo 550, 551 and 555: addition of 6 departures 556: addition of 4 departures Secteur Chambly-Richelieu-Carignan – exo 681: addition of 2 departures Secteur Vallée-du-Richelieu – exo 200 and 201: addition of 16 departures Secteur Sainte-Julie – exo 325, 330 and 350: addition of 12 departures 'We know that the summer closure of the REM will complicate travel this summer, and we thank users in advance for their patience,' said ARTM General Manager Benoit Gendron in a news release. 'We invite you to consult the tools we have made available to help you plan your journeys. This closure is a necessary step to allow the commissioning of the next REM branches, which will transform mobility in the metropolis. The ARTM, with all its partners, remains fully mobilized to coordinate efforts and monitor the situation as it evolves.' Sylvain Yelle, CEO of exo, added: 'It is essential to work hand in hand with our partners to maintain a reliable and efficient service for the citizens of the crowns during this temporary closure. That's why exo is adapting its summer offer by keeping more than forty trips, normally suspended in summer, to facilitate access to the Longueuil and Angrignon metro stations.' Authorities said they would provide details on the REM service schedule before it resumes on Aug. 18.
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Montreal commuters could soon tap cellphones to board public transit
Public transit riders in the Montreal area may soon be able to validate their fares using only their smartphones, as the region's transit authority begins testing a new feature in the Chrono app. This is part of an ongoing effort to upgrade payment systems so one day, users can pay with their bank card as they enter the Metro or bus, as is done in other cities. The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) says the new feature will allow users to purchase and load transit passes directly in the Chrono app, enabling fare validation using their smartphones. This digital solution operates separately from the physical Opus card, which remains in use for those not participating in the app-based system. Testing of the digital fare system will roll out in phases starting this summer and continue through the fall. In the first phase, ARTM employees will try the feature, followed by a group of selected participants from the agency's Parlons Mobilité panel, the ARTM says in an email to CBC News. These early users will be able to buy and load transit passes through Chrono and validate them on the network using their phones. WATCH | Validating transit fares with your smartphone coming to Montreal: Montrealers closer to tapping phones to pay for transit, but more testing still ahead Duration 2:08 Unlike in many other cities around the world, including Laval, Que., you can't pay for public transit directly with your cellphone or credit card in the city. But Montreal's regional transit authority is piloting a project to change that. Participants will be asked to share their feedback via a questionnaire. After the testing phase, the ARTM says this new system could roll out by late fall. "The innovation of smartphone-based validation aims to better meet the evolving needs of customers by providing new channels for ticket purchasing and validation, simplifying their public transit experience," the ARTM says in the email. While the long-term goal includes allowing direct payment by bank card through phones, ARTM says that's a separate upgrade requiring a new ticketing system. A call for tenders for that overhaul is underway, with deployment targeted for 2026. The agency emphasized that the new Chrono app feature is not a digital replica of the Opus card. At this stage, no link will exist between the app and physical cards or passes, and the Opus card will remain a valid option for fare validation. Further details will be shared as the project advances. Step in the right direction, expert says Ahmed El-Geneidy, a professor at McGill University's School of Urban Planning, said this is a small step, but a good step — especially for younger generations who pay for everything with their phone. "So it can help in retaining some of these riders longer because of convenience and make them happy," said El-Geneidy. "Open payment like London is the next step and they have to go there sooner or later. They just keep pushing it." It's not just London that allows contactless payments as users enter the tube or a double-decker bus. People using the transit service in Laval, Que., have been able to pay with their bank and credit cards for some time. In Vancouver, public transit, including the SkyTrain, can be paid for by tapping a contactless card as you enter the station or bus. When that comes along, El-Geneidy said fare capping will be important. That means you pay a small amount every day with the same card until you reach the monthly pass price and it stops charging for the rest of the month. This payment plan is particularly useful for people living on a low income who cannot afford to pay upfront for a monthly pass, he said. Group wants on-time, reliable service 1st Philippe Jacques, spokesperson for the public transit advocacy group Trajectoire Québec, said his group would like to see Montreal-area services be more timely and efficient before focusing on payment methods, but every step forward is welcome. The new system will make it easier to take the Metro and bus, but it's not as easy as it could be, said Jacques. These systems cost money to implement, he said, but "it's better to have a better subway system and bus system." He said it's been more than a year that users can recharge their Opus cards on their phones, but efforts to make it easier to access the public transit system are not going as fast as they should. "We would like it to go further and go faster," said Jacques. "But we know it's a bit complicated to have all the different types of payments. We know it's not that easy." When the ARTM unveiled its new service of allowing users to reload their Opus cards via the Chrono app in April of last year, it said the Opus card system was nearing its end. The next system, referred to as Opus 2.0, will allow transit users to use their credit and debit cards as well as the virtual wallets in their phones to pay for bus, Metro, train and REM access.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Montreal users will be able to test validating transit fares with their phones this summer
Montreal public transit users might be able to board the bus or Metro with just a tap of their smartphone later this year. The regional transit authority confirmed that it is testing the new functionality beginning this summer with a small sample of users in the Greater Montreal area. Under the 'alpha' version of the test phase, first reported by La Presse on Monday, users would be able to load their transit tickets or OPUS cards directly onto their smartphones and then scan the phone over a reader using near-field communication (NFC) technology when passing through the turnstiles. Testing will be done in waves, with the number of testers increasing gradually, Simon Boiteau, a spokesperson for the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), wrote in an email to CTV News. 'The aim is to obtain feedback from users with a variety of mobile devices and, if necessary, make the necessary adjustments to the beta version,' Boiteau added. Depending on how well the testing goes this summer, the feature could be rolled out on a gradual basis to the rest of customers by the end of Fall 2025. The ability to pay for a fare directly with a smartphone or a bank card is scheduled to launch in 2026. Since April 2024, transit users have been able to load fares onto their OPUS cards, also via NFC, by using the Chrono mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
