As of Monday, September 22, 2025, Montreal commuters should be prepared for bus and metro services to be significantly modified.
With major events happening in the city, including the Montreal Canadiens versus Pittsburgh Penguins game from 7 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Bell Centre, commuters are already anxious that there will be metro service between 5:45 p.m. and 11 p.m.—and no bus service between 6 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
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STM Montreal strike dates
The STM strike is from September 22 until October 5, 2025.
During this time, bus and métro schedules are restricted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Time Out Tip: Check the real-time schedules for the most up-to-date information here.
How to get around Montreal during the strikes?
The metro only opens at 6:30 a.m. No trains will be in service before that time and station entrances will be locked.
Métro service is only offered during these time periods:
Between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Between 2:45 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.
Between 11 p.m. and the usual métro closing time
Bus service is regular on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with restricted schedules on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays:
Regular service until 1:15 a.m.
No departure between 1:15 a.m. and 6:15 a.m.
Regular service between 6:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
No departure between 9:15 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Regular service between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
No departure between 6 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
Back to regular service at 11:15 p.m.
School service is also subject to restricted schedules from September 22 to October 5, 2025.
Make sure to take a bus that starts its route during the essential service periods mentioned above.
Paratransit service is maintained at all times during the strike.
How were the essential hours determined?
Essential services are defined as those required to protect public health and safety and must remain in place during a labour dispute. While the right to strike belongs to the union, the STM and the union negotiated which services would continue.
Their agreement was then reviewed and approved by the Tribunal administratif du travail (TAT).
On September 10, the Tribunal determined that the planned level of service would be adequate to safeguard public health and safety throughout the strike.
Why is there no service between the essential service hours when the divers and operators are not on strike?
For safety reasons, service cannot operate without maintenance crews. These employees inspect, clean, and service buses and trains to ensure enough vehicles are available, especially during rush hour.
They also handle emergency tasks, carry out real-time repairs, and maintain essential equipment like elevators. Without their work, some vehicles cannot be put into service, reducing the overall accessibility of the fleet.
What happens if I’m on a bus or train after the service ends?
Customers already on board will be driven to the destination as scheduled, and the trip will be completed.
What to do if there is no bus or metro service?
If the métro service has ended for the day, you can check the Trip Planner and untick the “Métro” option to see if there are any buses available for your route.
If a bus is not available, the STM encourages commuters to consider other transportation options such as Bixi, walking, Communauto, taxi, Uber, carpooling, or asking friends or family for help.
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