Montreal’s public transit authority, the STM, announced that its aging Metro system requires substantial maintenance funding, but the necessary finances are lacking. The STM stated in a recent press release that its infrastructure and assets are in a deteriorating state each year.
Aref Salem, the president of the STM’s board of directors, expressed concerns over the insufficient investments in asset maintenance, highlighting the mounting pressure on the Metro system. The current asset maintenance deficit is estimated at $7 billion and could rise to $9 billion by 2030 if the trend persists. As a result, there are more frequent interventions in stations and extended project timelines.
The STM disclosed its lack of secured financing commitments to address the financial gap. The agency is hopeful that prompt agreements between the Quebec and Canadian governments will facilitate the transfer of funds allocated for public transit infrastructure.
Concurrently, the STM unveiled a $1.8 billion budget for 2026, mirroring last year’s budget. Cost-saving measures amounting to $56.5 million annually were identified, primarily through a hiring freeze, outsourcing adapted transport services, and reducing certain maintenance activities. Despite these adjustments, the STM assured that service levels would be maintained.
However, this budget announcement follows a series of labor disputes, some of which are still ongoing, involving the STM and various unions representing maintenance workers, drivers, and other employees.
