![\"Passenger](\"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/stm-bus-passenger-view-strike-period-1024x627.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Strike Timeline: What You Need to Know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Everyone's asking the same question: \"What are the exact dates and times for the Montr\u00e9al bus and metro strike in November 2025?\" Fair warning\u2014it's complicated, and things keep shifting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here's the breakdown: roughly 2,400 maintenance employees (mechanics, service staff, the people who keep our buses and metros actually running) represented by the Syndicat du Transport de Montr\u00e9al\u2013CSN walked off the job on November 1st. They're planning to continue through November 28th. On top of that, CUPE Local 1983\u2014representing about 4,500 bus drivers, metro operators, and station staff\u2014held a 24-hour strike on November 1st and has more potential walkouts scheduled for November 15th and 16th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those dates\u2014November 15th and 16th\u2014are crucial. Mark them in red on your calendar. We're talking potential full shutdowns of both bus and metro services, just like what happened on the 1st. No service at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the metro specifically, here's what you're looking at from November 2-28: drastically reduced hours. The trains will only run during peak times\u20146:30 AM to 9:30 AM, then 2:45 PM to 5:45 PM, and finally 11:00 PM until regular closing. That's it. Every day, including weekends. So if you usually hop on the metro at 10 AM for a leisurely Saturday brunch? Not happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bus services during the November 2025 strike follow a similar restricted schedule: 6:15 AM to 9:15 AM, 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and 11:15 PM to 1:15 AM daily, weekends included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I cannot stress this enough\u2014check the STM website or app before you leave home. Every. Single. Time. I know it feels tedious, but trust me, it beats standing in the cold at an empty bus stop wondering where you went wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Why Are STM Workers Striking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
So why are STM workers striking in Montreal? It comes down to what a lot of labour disputes come down to: money and working conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The maintenance crews want better wages and they're pushing back hard against the STM subcontracting their work to outside companies. Meanwhile, bus drivers and metro operators are fighting for improved pay and better working conditions. These aren't unreasonable demands\u2014the cost of living in Montr\u00e9al has skyrocketed, and these workers feel like their contracts haven't kept pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The negotiations have been dragging on forever. We're talking over 115 bargaining sessions since the collective agreement expired back in January 2025. That's nearly a year of back-and-forth with no resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There's also this thing called Quebec Bill 89 floating around in the background. It's legislation that could limit the right to strike for workers in essential services (which definitely includes transit). Both the unions and even McGill faculty associations are challenging it, adding extra tension to an already strained situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When is a resolution expected for the Montr\u00e9al transit strike? Honestly? Your guess is as good as mine. As I'm writing this in early November, there's no finish line in sight. Negotiations continue, but progress has been painfully slow. The smart money is on preparing yourself for this to drag out rather than banking on a quick fix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Rethinking Your Commute: Practical Strategies for Getting Around<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Alright, enough doom and gloom. Let's talk solutions. This Montr\u00e9al public transport disruption doesn't mean your life grinds to a halt\u2014it just means getting creative and maybe stepping outside your comfort zone a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The secret to navigating Montr\u00e9al without metro or full bus service? Flexibility, forward planning, and keeping an open mind about how you get from A to B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here's some actually good news: Are commuter trains like Exo and REM running normally during the STM strike? Yes! The Exo train service operates independently from the STM, so if your route involves lines like Vaudreuil-Hudson, Saint-J\u00e9r\u00f4me, or Mont-Saint-Hilaire, you're golden. Same goes for the REM\u2014the R\u00e9seau express m\u00e9tropolitain is chugging along unaffected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The catch? Once you arrive at major hubs like Lucien-L'Allier or Bonaventure, you'll need a plan for getting to your final destination. That's where the other alternatives come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I know what you're thinking\u2014\"It's November, are you serious?\" But hear me out. For short to medium distances, especially if you're near bike paths, BIXI bike availability in Montr\u00e9al might save your sanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can I still use BIXI bikes in November? Absolutely. The STM strike has actually pushed BIXI to expand service, keeping 234 stations open year-round across Montr\u00e9al, Montr\u00e9al-Est, and Westmount, with extra drop-off points added in high-traffic areas. Just be aware that seasonal memberships wrap up on November 15th, after which rentals are limited to those year-round zones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look, I won't lie to you\u2014November biking in Montr\u00e9al can be brutal. I once BIXIed from Plateau to Old Montr\u00e9al during a late October cold snap, and by the time I arrived, my fingers were basically icicles and my nose wouldn't stop running. But you know what? I made it, I felt accomplished, and I didn't have to deal with traffic. Layer up, throw on some gloves and a toque, and you might surprise yourself. The electric BIXIs are particularly nice for tackling Mont-Royal without arriving at work completely drenched in sweat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just check the app constantly for bike and dock availability\u2014popular stations empty out fast these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where your wallet starts crying, but sometimes you just need to get somewhere and alternatives aren't cutting it. How reliable are ride-sharing services like Uber during the Montr\u00e9al transit strike? Mixed bag, honestly. During peak hours, demand spikes and so do wait times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Price-wise, taxis have implemented a flat $50 rate to downtown during daytime hours. Uber says they're capping dynamic pricing during the strike, which is decent of them, but demand is still intense so expect some increases and longer wait times regardless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Car-sharing services in Montr\u00e9al\u2014specifically Communauto and Leo\u2014are fantastic alternatives if you've got a driver's license. If you haven't signed up yet, do it now. You can rent by the minute, hour, or day, and if you're splitting costs with coworkers or friends, it often works out cheaper than constant Uber runs. Just book ahead because availability during peak times is tight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don't underestimate the power of your own two feet. If your destination is within 30-45 minutes away, walking routes downtown Montr\u00e9al can actually be pretty enjoyable when you're not fighting wind chill. You notice things you'd normally miss\u2014cool shop windows, interesting architecture, the rhythm of different neighbourhoods. Plus, it's free exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And then there's carpooling\u2014probably the most underutilized solution. Carpooling solutions in Montr\u00e9al really shine during strikes. Reach out to coworkers, classmates, neighbours who work or study near you. I've seen entire WhatsApp groups spring up overnight during previous disruptions, just people coordinating rides. It's genuinely heartwarming how Montrealers band together when things get tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let's address the situations that are probably keeping you up at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n November means hockey season, and Montr\u00e9al Canadiens home games pack the Bell Centre. How does the strike impact travel to games in November? It's tricky. Normally, thousands of fans descend via metro. But with metro and bus services suspended from 5:45 PM to 11:00 PM on game nights (including November 4, 8, 11, 13, 15, 20, and 22), you've got a problem getting home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your best Montr\u00e9al Canadiens game transport alternatives: walk from Bonaventure or Lucien-L'Allier if you're taking Exo or REM, budget for ride-sharing (and its potential surge pricing), or organize a carpool with fellow fans. For taxis and ride-shares, the corner of Saint-Antoine West and Sainte-Cecile is your pickup\/drop-off spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pro tip: grab dinner nearby after the game to let the post-game chaos die down before trying to snag a ride. Better yet, find someone driving and offer to chip in for parking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The impact of the Montr\u00e9al strike on students hits particularly hard. When you're relying entirely on public transit to get to classes, labs, exams, and part-time jobs, this kind of disruption turns your whole life upside down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My advice? Communicate with your professors\u2014most are understanding during transit strikes and might offer flexibility. Form study groups with people nearby and share rides. Check your university's resources too. For example, McGill's student-run DriveSafe provides late-night campus transportation Thursday through Saturday, 11 PM to 3 AM, and they're exploring daytime shuttle options within a certain radius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider temporarily staying closer to campus if possible, or invest in a decent used bike for shorter commutes. This is survival mode\u2014do what you need to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Critical question for many: Are paratransit services continuing during the Montr\u00e9al strike? Yes, thankfully. Paratransit operation in Montr\u00e9al isn't affected by these strikes since it's designated as an essential service for people with mobility challenges. However, double-check directly with STM's paratransit division for any updates or potential delays from general traffic congestion. Always better to confirm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flying out or picking someone up? The Montr\u00e9al airport transport situation gets complicated during strikes. The 747 bus\u2014our main direct link to Montr\u00e9al-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport\u2014will be hit by service disruptions. If you've got a flight during the November 15th-16th potential shutdown or other limited service periods, plan ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Commuter trains run to the airport station for just $3.75 (regular fare), but the station is about 25 minutes on foot from the terminal, and midday inbound departures are sparse. For peace of mind, pre-book a taxi or private shuttle, even if it costs more. Build in extra travel time, especially if you're mixing Exo\/REM with a final ride-share leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The question everyone's asking: Am I eligible for a refund on my STM monthly or weekly pass? Unfortunately, no regular compensation is being offered for service disruptions. Only unused monthly passes qualify for refunds, while other fare types may be exchanged per ARTM policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It stings, I know. Paying full price for partial service feels deeply unfair. But that's where we're at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In situations like this, good information is everything. To effectively navigate daily routine changes in Montr\u00e9al and make your commuter strike strategy work, you need real-time updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best source for Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de transport de Montr\u00e9al updates is their official website (stm.info) and social media\u2014Twitter\/X usually has the fastest alerts. Download the STM app and turn on push notifications if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I learned this lesson the hard way. Once, I relied on an old schedule I'd seen posted somewhere, assuming it was current. The route had been altered for construction and I completely missed it. Ended up late for a family dinner feeling like an idiot. Now? I check before every single trip, no exceptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Montr\u00e9al bus metro strike in November 2025 is tough on everyone who lives here. It really drives home just how essential our public transportation system is\u2014it's the circulatory system of this city, connecting neighbourhoods, workers, families, students, everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the current situation is frustrating as hell, the underlying issues matter. Fair wages, reasonable working conditions, proper maintenance\u2014these things affect the long-term health of our transit system. We all want this resolved yesterday, but we also want it resolved properly so these workers are treated fairly and our system works better for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So there you have it\u2014your comprehensive survival guide for navigating this transit mess. The core strategy is simple: plan ahead, stay flexible, and pack your patience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Walk more than you usually would. Give BIXI a try even in the cold. Organize carpools with coworkers. Make peace with delays and detours and last-minute plan changes. Is it ideal? No. Is anyone pretending it is? Also no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But here's the thing about Montrealers\u2014we're tough. We've survived ice storms that knocked out power for weeks. We've endured construction detours that made no logical sense. We've navigated orange cone seasons that lasted entire summers. We'll get through this too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look out for each other. Offer rides when you can. Share information. Check on neighbours who might be struggling with limited mobility. Help students who look lost trying to figure out alternative routes. That's what makes this city special\u2014not just the bagels and poutine, but how we show up for each other when things get hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay warm out there, bundle up for those BIXI rides, and remember\u2014this too shall pass. Eventually, we'll be back to complaining about regular metro delays like the good old days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Happy (alternative) commuting, Montr\u00e9al. We've got this.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Here we go again, Montr\u00e9al. Just when you thought your morning commute couldn't get more interesting, November 2025 arrives with the Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 de transport de Montr\u00e9al (STM) strike throwing a serious wrench into everyone's daily routine. I've been riding the metro and buses in this city for years now, and honestly? I feel your pain. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":20277,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20275","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20275","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20275"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20275\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20282,"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20275\/revisions\/20282"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20277"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20275"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20275"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20275"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Passengers](\"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/passengers-waiting-metro-station-montreal-strike-2025-1024x683.jpg\")
Alternative Transportation Options That Actually Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exo Trains and REM: Your New Best Friends<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
BIXI: Not Just for Summer Anymore<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Ride-Sharing and Taxis: The Expensive But Necessary Option<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Old School: Walking and Carpooling<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nTackling Specific Strike Challenges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Getting to Bell Centre Events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Students: You're Not Forgotten<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paratransit Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Airport Connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Practical Stuff: Passes, Refunds, and Staying Updated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Iconic](\"https:\/\/montrealdiaries.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/montreal-snowdon-metro-elevator-chandelier-november-2025-1024x612.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat About Your Transit Pass?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Staying Informed: Your New Daily Habit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Looking Forward: When Will This End?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFinal Thoughts: We've Got This, Montr\u00e9al<\/h2>\n\n\n\n