Nearly half of Montreal Metro stations in poor condition

Nearly half of Montreal's Metro stations are now considered to be in poor shape and the STM says emergency closures could become more common if nothing is done.

Montreal’s Metro network is showing serious signs of aging, with dozens of stations now flagged for critical repairs.

According to data from the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), 31 of the system‘s 68 stations are considered to be in poor or very poor condition — and officials warn more emergency closures could be on the way if funding doesn’t come through.

Until recently, the STM believed only nine stations were in bad shape. But a new assessment method paints a much bleaker picture: 31 stations now carry a D or E rating, indicating serious structural deterioration.

Stations are graded from A to E, with an “A” rating reflecting very good condition, while “E” denotes severe wear and major defects that could eventually pose safety risks. Only two stations — Cartier and Montmorency in Laval — received top marks. Both are among the newest on the network.

Five stations earned the lowest grade possible: Saint-Michel, Peel, Champ-de-Mars, Fabre and De l’Église. Another 26, including high-traffic hubs like Henri-Bourassa, Jean-Talon and Snowdon, received a D ranking.

“Our Metro is 50, 60 years old — it needs repair,” STM chairman Éric Alan Caldwell told CTV News. “If we’re not able to readjust the money we’re investing in Metros, the network will be at risk.”

He said the STM adopted a more refined diagnostic model in its latest evaluation, shifting away from a purely financial lens to include structural elements.

“Sometimes it’s the rail [that needs repair], other times it’s the roofing or the stairs and elevators,” said Caldwell, adding that the cost still varies at time and that there are other key factors at play.

Station emergency closure last fall

In October 2024, structural concerns forced a six-week shutdown at Saint-Michel station. The STM now fears that such sudden closures could become more frequent if infrastructure continues to crumble unchecked.

“If we don’t do the needed repairs, there will for sure be more stations that close if we find there are risks,” said Caldwell.

Transport planning expert Pierre Barrieau agrees. “We’ll see more unexpected closures that last from days to weeks,” he said. “It’s a trend that will continue as long as the maintenance gap isn’t closed.”

Brian Nash, a spokesperson for transit advocacy group Trajectoire Québec, said the current state of the network could further shake public confidence.

“We’re worried about future closures of stations like we saw last fall,” he said. ”Transit users already deal with delays — these disruptions make daily trips even more complicated.”

For transit commuters, bus routes alone simply don’t cut it, he added. “The bus and shuttles are [running at] night, but they’re simply not as efficient as the Metro and they never will be.”

STM denounces a lack of funding

The transit agency says the latest provincial budget offered little hope. Caldwell points to a planned five-year reduction in asset maintenance funding for the Metro — a decision he says undermines public transit in the region.

“We were already facing a shortfall, but this pushes us even further behind,” he said.

The STM estimates it needs an additional $585 million over the next three years to stabilize the network and avoid more shutdowns.

“We were asking for that extra funding, instead, there was a $258 million reduction,” explained Caldwell.

The revised inspection methodology used to identify the condition of STM infrastructure now employs the same techniques as the ones used in evaluating road infrastructure.

It considers not only how much repairs might cost, but also how urgently specific components need attention — offering what the STM calls a clearer picture of risk and vulnerability.

“That’s why we’re making a plea again for investment,” said Caldwell. “But not in 5 or 10 years, we need it in the near future.”