Service on the length of the Montreal metro’s Blue line will start later than usual on Saturday, Nov. 14, because of preventive maintenance work by Hydro-Québec. The Montreal transit authority (STM) says service is expected to begin around 9:30 a.m., or earlier if the work goes smoothly. Shuttles and buses available A shuttle service will follow the same route and stop at every station. Shuttles will run starting at 5:30 a.m. and continue until metro service resumes. Riders can also use the local bus network. Bus 93 runs between Saint-Michel and Parc stations, and bus 51 runs between Snowdon and Édouard-Montpetit stations. The STM is asking riders to plan their trips accordingly and to check real-time service updates at stm.info, where an itinerary planner also lists alternative travel options. Work required to keep power reliable The work involves the power line that supplies the Blue Line and is needed to ensure the quality and reliability of the metro’s electrical service, according to the STM. Hydro-Québec worked with the agency to choose a date that would limit the disruption, taking into account major events that draw crowds. To reduce the impact on riders, the work will be done overnight on a weekend. However, it will take too long to restart power to the tracks in time for the usual 5:30 a.m. start of service.
