Montreal, if you're like me, your day is built around the STM. That daily ritual of swiping your OPUS card, waiting on the platform, and navigating the city has become second nature. But that routine is about to change dramatically. The Montreal STM strike September 2025 is officially underway, and the impacts will be felt across the entire city.
This isn't a small-scale protest; it’s a full-on labour dispute that has been brewing for months. The union representing the STM’s maintenance employees has walked off the job over long-simmering contract issues with the Société de transport de Montréal. With no new talks scheduled before the walkout, commuters are now left to navigate a city with sharply reduced metro and bus service.
I’ve spent the past few weeks following the back-and-forth between the union and the STM, and as someone who has lived through previous walkouts, I know how frustrating this can be. That’s why I've put together this comprehensive guide to help you get through the next two weeks. Below, you’ll find the exact STM bus strike schedule and Montreal metro strike service hours, along with a breakdown of your best alternative options.
The strike, which was mandated by the union after a last-minute offer from the STM was rejected, is scheduled to run from Monday, September 22, 2025, to Sunday, October 5, 2025.
During this two-week period, public transit service will be restricted on specific days:
For the latest updates on the STM strike schedule, check the official STM strike information page.
The Montreal metro strike service hours are limited to three specific time windows on strike days. The Tribunal administratif du travail has ruled that these limited hours constitute "essential services" that must be maintained for public safety.
[Info grève] ⚠️‼️ Si aucune entente n'est conclue, la grève du personnel d’entretien aura lieu du 22 septembre au 5 octobre.
— STM (@stminfo) September 11, 2025
⚠️ Durant cette période, les horaires bus et métro seront restreints les lundis, mercredis et vendredis.
Pour plus d'info ⏩ https://t.co/zSbp5hMqwr pic.twitter.com/8c07a6DUsG
If you’re traveling outside of these restricted hours, the metro stations will be closed, and trains will not be running.
The STM bus strike schedule follows a similar pattern. On strike days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), bus service will be limited to these specific time windows:
The STM has made it clear that while buses on route will complete their trips, no new buses will be dispatched during the off-peak hours. So, if your trip isn't planned around these windows, you could be left waiting. The STM's official website is your best source for real-time schedule information.
If you’re one of the thousands of Montrealers who will be affected by these public transit disruptions, it's time to find a backup plan. As someone who has been here before, I can tell you that a little foresight goes a long way. This is your chance to embrace the city in a new way.
Montreal's public transit system has faced its share of labour strife over the years. The root of these issues is often a lack of funding from both the provincial and federal governments. According to a recent Ricochet Media report, the STM's funding has been reduced by hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years, forcing the agency to find savings where it can—often through outsourcing and cuts to services.
The economic impact of a strike like this is real. It's estimated that a full shutdown of a transit system can cost a city millions of dollars per day in lost productivity and sales. Seniors, students, and low-income individuals are disproportionately affected, often having to pay for expensive alternatives or simply missing out on critical appointments and work.
For now, the STM strike from September 22 to October 5 is our new reality. As commuters, our best strategy is to stay informed, be patient, and adapt. Let’s hope that a resolution is reached quickly and Montreal’s public transit can get back on a normal schedule soon.
The strike by maintenance employees is scheduled from September 22, 2025, to October 5, 2025. Services will be disrupted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during this period.
On strike days, the metro will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., and 11:00 p.m. to just after 1:00 a.m. On other days, service will be normal.
On strike days, buses will run from 6:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and 11:15 p.m. to 1:15 a.m.
Commuters can use alternatives like Bixi bikes, carpooling, walking, taxis, and ride-sharing services. It's highly recommended to plan your trip in advance.
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