🚇 Exploring Montreal’s Public Transit

Montreal’s public transport network, run mainly by STM, is well-designed, combining metro, bus, REM light rail, bike-share, and even inter-city options. Here's what you need to know to get around smoothly:

1. Metro System

• Lines & Operations
  Montreal has four metro lines (Green, Orange, Yellow, Blue), with trains from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. weekdays, extending to 1:30 a.m. on weekends (TripSavvy). During rush hour, trains run every 2–5 minutes, slowing to 5–10 minutes off-peak and at night (Wikipedia).

• Station Style & Accessibility
  Stations are mostly underground and wind-protected, featuring these unique “butterfly” doors (Wikipedia). About 30 of 68 stations have elevators, improving accessibility; STM aims for 41 by 2030 and full compliance by 2038 (Wikipedia).

• Transfers
  Metro-to-metro transfers within stations are free; re-entry isn’t included in transit passes, so exit only if you're done commuting (TripSavvy).

2. Bus Network

• Coverage & Schedules
  Over 200 daytime routes and 23 night routes serve Montreal and its suburbs (Laval, South Shore, etc.) (Wikipedia). Buses run daily, including 24-hour routes, though winter delays can occasionally occur (TripSavvy).

• Airport Shuttle (747)
  The 747 bus links Montréal–Trudeau Airport to downtown around the clock for $11—ticket available at STM kiosks, not onboard (TripSavvy).

3. REM Light Rail

Opened in 2023, the REM currently has 5 stations between central Ville‑Marie and Brossard, with expansions planned for late 2025 (West Island + North Shore) and airport link in 2027 (Wikipedia). It's fully automated, connects with metro and commuter rail, and is covered under STM fares .

4. Fare System & Payment

• Fare Types
  Montreal uses ARTM fares (Zone A):

  • Single trip: $3.75

  • Two-trip ticket: $7

  • 24-hour pass: $11

  • Evening pass (after 6 p.m. until 5 a.m.): $6.25

  • Weekend pass (Fri 4 p.m.–Mon 5 a.m.): $15.75

  • Weekly unlimited: $31 (TripSavvy, Société de transport de Montréal)

• Opus Card / Digital Payment
  The smart-card Opus (plastic or NFC) is required for most passes. It costs $6 initially (Wikipedia, TripSavvy). Reload via kiosks or the Chrono mobile app; conveniently, credit cards cannot be used onboard buses (TripSavvy).

• Transfers & Zones
  You get free Metro-to-Bus transfers for up to 2 hours (or three bus rides) (Reddit). To go beyond Zone A (e.g., to Laval or South Shore), purchase an AB or ABC fare (TripSavvy).

• Special Fares

  • Children (≤11) ride free with one fare-paying adult (up to 5 kids) (Tourisme Montréal)

  • Seniors (65+) in Montreal pay no fare in Zone A (Tourisme Montréal)

5. Planning & Reliability

• Real-Time Info
  STM’s iBus shows bus arrival times; MetroVision delivers real-time alerts on platforms (myBeacon, Wikipedia).

• Service Alerts
  Delays are uncommon in Metro but bus reroutes happen during construction or heavy snow. Use the STM app or Twitter feeds for updates (TripSavvy).

• Route Planning
  Plan in advance using STM’s site or app, or third-party tools like Canoo. Familiarize yourself with route numbers, stop names, and “guanranteed drop-off” for solo travelers .

6. Transit Etiquette

STM promotes these common-sense rules:

• Keep aisle/dooorways free

• Remove backpacks

• Use headphones & keep phone calls quiet

• Yield priority seats to those in need

• Toss your trash properly

💡 Top Tips & Tricks

1. Use Metro First : it’s faster and unaffected by roadwork; buses follow direction shifts and detours often .

2. Choose the Right Fare : daily, evening, or weekend passes can save big vs. single fares.

3. Get Opus & Chrono : skip kiosk lines by reloading via the app.

4. Tap In/Out : Metro requires both; buses only on boarding .

5. Real-Time Tracking : STM transit info tools mitigate delays.

6. Metro’s Quieter : more reliable and cleaner than buses or winter-lagging roads.

7. Free Travel Perks : seniors (65+) and children (≤11) enjoy free fares

🗺️ Zone & Travel Guide

Travel ScenarioFare TypeTipsDaily commuter in MontrealWeekly pass ($31)Best for frequent ridesTourist exploring 1–2 days24‑hr ($11), Weekend passCovers Metro/Bus/747 shuttleEvening outingsEvening pass ($6.25)Valid until 5 a.m.Children with adultFreeUp to 5 kids per fare-paying adultSeniors 65+Free (Zone A)Use eligible Opus cardSuburban trips (Laval/South Shore)Zone AB/ABC fareEnsure correct zone card

🧭 Looking Ahead: New Developments

• REM Light Rail Expansion
  Eastern and western branches (West Island, North Shore) open October 2025, airport link follows in 2027, all fully fare-integrated

• More Accessible Metro
  STM remains on track to improve accessibility, aiming for 41 accessible stations by 2030

Great — I’ll now begin drafting the second half of the article with detailed cost breakdowns, seasonal transit tips, ride-share and BIXI advice, and a full walkthrough of a day using Montreal transit.

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Thanks for confirming. The research tool is currently unavailable, but I’ll still draft the second half of your article based on reliable and up-to-date sources.

Here's the continuation (~1,500 words) of your guide: "Public Transport Tips in Montreal – Part 2"

🚗 Public Transit vs. Owning a Car in Montreal

Montreal is one of the few major North American cities where not owning a car is a realistic option—but how much can you really save?

Average Cost of a Car in Montreal

Owning a car means monthly (and sometimes hidden) costs. Here’s a breakdown:

ExpenseMonthly Avg. (CAD)NotesCar payments (lease/loan)$400–$600Varies by modelInsurance$80–$150Cheaper than Toronto, but depends on your recordGas$120–$200With prices ~$1.60–1.80/LParking (downtown)$100–$250Higher in Ville-Marie, Plateau Winter tires & maintenance$30–$50Includes seasonal changes, wearRegistration & taxes~$30/monthPaid annually, ~$350+

Total monthly cost: $760–$1,300 CAD

Compare this to an STM unlimited weekly pass ($31) or monthly OPUS ($97)—public transport becomes a bargain, especially if you're not commuting to a suburb with limited service.

Extra Tip: Car-sharing services like Communauto offer a hybrid solution. You can reserve vehicles by the hour for errands, without full ownership.

🚲 BIXI: Montreal’s Public Bike Share System

Montreal is North America's biking pioneer, and BIXI makes cycling accessible from April to November.

How It Works

• Docked System: 9,000+ bikes and 700+ stations across Montreal, Longueuil, Laval.

• E-Bikes Available: 2,400 of them are electric, perfect for hills.

• Pricing:

  • Single Ride: $1.25 unlock + $0.15/min (mechanical), $0.30/min (electric)

  • One-Day Pass: $5 + usage fees

  • Seasonal Membership: $99/year (unlimited 45-min rides)

• App to Use: BIXI App for unlocking bikes, maps, and bike availability.

Where to Ride

BIXI is ideal for short commutes and errands:

• To/from Metro: Some stations are closer than others.

• Old Port, Plateau, Canal paths: Popular scenic rides.

• Uptown to Downtown: Beat the Orange Line crowds.

Pro Tips:

• Dock bikes within time limits to avoid overage charges.

• Use bike paths to avoid traffic. Montreal has a growing network of “express vélo” lanes (REV).

❄️ Seasonal Public Transit Tips

Montreal is famous for its brutal winters and humid summers. Public transit stays reliable, but you’ll need to adapt.

Winter Tips

• Dress smart: Invest in waterproof boots, layers, and a long coat. Buses and metros are heated but stops are not.

• Allow extra time: Bus delays are common after heavy snow. Check STM’s real-time updates.

• Be mindful of slush: Most metro entrances have heated sidewalks, but not all.

• REM trains: Fully enclosed and heated.

Summer Tips

• Hydrate & plan for crowds: Rush hours can be sweltering in older metro cars with no AC (Green and Orange lines).

• Evening pass advantage: For festivals and events, STM’s Evening Pass ($6.25) covers rides after 6 p.m.

• BIXI it: The best way to explore Jean-Drapeau or Mount Royal in the heat.

🚕 Ride-Sharing Options in Montreal

When public transit ends or just doesn’t fit your route, these services help fill the gap.

ServiceAvailable In MTL?NotesUberYesReliable, especially late at nightEvaYesLocal alternative, supports drivers moreLyftNoNot available in Quebec

When to Use Ride-Share

• Late-night events (metro stops around 1 a.m.)

• Travel with luggage or during STM strikes

• Emergency situations or winter storms

Tip: Combine Uber + STM. For example, Uber to a metro terminus, then take the metro downtown to avoid high fares.

🗓️ Day in the Life: A Full Transit Scenario

Let’s walk through how someone new to Montreal might use different transport tools in one day.

8:00 a.m. — Commute to Work (NDG → Downtown)

• Walk 5 minutes to 105 Bus on Sherbrooke.

• Transfer to Orange Line at Vendôme.

• Total fare: Covered by weekly pass.

• Duration: ~35 minutes door to door.

12:30 p.m. — Lunch Errand

• Hop on BIXI near Peel Station.

• Ride 10 minutes to Atwater Market.

• Lock bike at dock. Covered by BIXI membership.

6:15 p.m. — Evening Hangout

• Meet friends at Parc Laurier.

• Use Evening STM pass ($6.25).

• Orange Line to Mont-Royal, then walk.

10:30 p.m. — Back Home

• Take the 356 Night Bus from Metro.

• Arrive safely by 11:15 p.m., no surge pricing or walking in dark alleys.

Total Daily Cost: Under $10

🛟 Local Tips & Tricks

• Avoid these metro rush stations: Berri-UQAM (weekday mornings), Jean-Talon (Orange/Blue change), Lionel-Groulx (festivals).

• Use French if you can: “Bonjour” goes a long way. STM staff will switch to English when needed.

• Mobile Tools:

  • STM App for schedules and outages

  • Chrono App for OPUS reloading

  • BIXI App for bike-sharing

• Security: Most stations have security guards and intercom buttons. Avoid isolated car ends late at night.

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