Anyone who has visited Montreal probably remembers the metro—the rubber-tired trains, the distinct station architecture, the clean blue-and-white signage. But behind that daily commute is a public corporation that manages one of the most integrated transit systems in North America. The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) operates the metro and bus network for the entire Island of Montreal, serving roughly 400 million riders annually in pre-pandemic years. This article separates verified facts from the noise, using official sources to give you a clear picture.

4 related posts

Official name: Société de transport de Montréal (STM) ·
Year established: 2002 ·
Service type: Public transit (metro and bus) ·
Employees: Over 9,000 ·
Headquarters: Montreal, Quebec, Canada ·
Annual ridership (pre-COVID): Approximately 400 million

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact post-pandemic ridership figures not publicly updated (STM – About the STM)
  • Future fare increases beyond already announced changes (STM – About the STM)
  • Detailed financial breakdown of operating costs and subsidies (STM – About the STM)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Blue line extension project ongoing (STM – About the STM)
  • Continued deployment of AZUR trains on metro lines (STM – About the STM)
  • Service reliability improvements planned (STM – About the STM)

Six key facts about the STM, one pattern: the numbers are stable, but the details of post-pandemic recovery remain opaque.

Label Value
Official Name Société de transport de Montréal (STM) (STM – About the STM)
Established 2002 (STM – About the STM)
Service Type Public transit (metro, bus, paratransit) (STM – About the STM)
Network Size 4 metro lines, 68 stations; 200+ bus routes (STM – About the STM)
Employees 9,000+ (STM – About the STM)
Annual Ridership (2019) Approx. 400 million (STM – About the STM)

What is the latest verified information about société de transport de Montréal?

Recent operational updates

  • The STM continues to operate its metro and bus network with adjusted service levels post-pandemic. The agency’s official website states it serves Montreal as “the city’s public transit enterprise” (STM – About the STM).
  • As of 2023, the STM has fully deployed the new AZUR trains on the metro network, replacing older rolling stock.
  • Service reliability remains a focus, with the STM publishing on-time performance data on its website.

New projects and expansions

  • The Blue line extension project, which will add five new stations, is ongoing (STM – About the STM).
  • Paratransit services continue, with a dedicated phone line at 514 280-8211 (STM – Contact us).

COVID-19 related changes

  • The STM adjusted service levels during the pandemic and masks were mandatory on all vehicles until 2023.
  • Ridership recovery data beyond 2020 has not been publicly updated in a detailed format on the STM’s official pages (STM – About the STM).
Bottom line: The STM operates as an efficient transit enterprise for Montreal. For riders: current services and projects like the Blue line extension are underway. For policy watchers: the lack of updated ridership data makes recovery assessment difficult.

Which official sources confirm key claims about société de transport de Montréal?

STM official website and press releases

  • The STM is a public corporation under Quebec law, established in 2002 from the merger of STCUM and other agencies (STM – About the STM).
  • The STM operates the Montreal Metro (4 lines, 68 stations) and over 200 bus routes.
  • Over 9,000 employees work for the STM.

City of Montreal municipal page

  • The City of Montreal portal (Montreal.ca) describes the STM as the municipal transit authority responsible for public transportation on the Island of Montreal (City of Montreal – Transport portal).
  • The STM is owned by the City of Montreal and reports to the city’s executive committee (STM – About the STM).

Wikipedia entry for STM

Why this matters

For Montreal residents, the STM’s public status means it is accountable to the city’s administration, but the same law that guarantees public access to documents also protects personal information—a trade-off that shapes transparency (STM – About the STM).

What should readers know first about société de transport de Montréal?

Basic facts about the STM

  • The STM is the sole public transit operator for the Island of Montreal (STM – About the STM).
  • The metro has 4 lines (Green, Orange, Yellow, Blue) and 68 stations.
  • The bus network covers over 200 routes.

How to use the metro and bus systems

  • Purchase an OPUS card or tickets at metro stations or authorized retailers (STM – Fares).
  • Check schedules on the STM website or app, or use Google Maps integration.
  • The metro operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily.

Where to find official information

  • Official website: stm.info (STM – About the STM).
  • Customer service: 514 STM-INFO (514 786-4636) (STM – Contact us).
  • Safety line: 1-888-786-1119.
The trade-off

For first-time riders, the OPUS card system is reliable but requires a small upfront deposit. The catch: visitors who only need a few trips may find single-use tickets simpler, though they cost slightly more per ride (STM – Fares).

What is still unclear or unverified about société de transport de Montréal?

Controversies or disputed claims

  • Some riders report inconsistent cleaning schedules on buses, but no official data confirms this pattern.
  • Claims about reduced safety on certain metro lines lack independent, verified statistics.

Unconfirmed expansion plans

  • Beyond the Blue line extension, no further metro line expansions have been confirmed by the STM’s official website (STM – About the STM).
  • Future fare increases beyond already announced changes are not officially confirmed (STM – Fares).

Missing data points

  • Ridership numbers post-2020 are not fully public in a detailed breakdown (STM – About the STM).
  • Some maintenance cost figures lack independent verification beyond STM’s own reports.
What to watch

For Montreal taxpayers, the STM’s future fare policies could shift as the Blue line extension costs materialize. The implication: without updated public ridership data, the agency’s financial health is harder to assess independently (STM – About the STM).

What are the most common user questions on société de transport de Montréal?

Fares and payment methods

  • The OPUS card system is the primary fare medium, available at metro stations and authorized retailers (STM – Fares).
  • Monthly passes cost $94 for adults (2024), with reduced fares for seniors and students.
  • Single tickets cost $3.75 per ride.

Schedules and routes

  • The metro operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM, 7 days a week.
  • Bus schedules vary by route; check the STM app or website for real-time departures.
  • Bus schedules can also be accessed by phone at 514 A-U-T-O-B-U-S (514 288-6287) (STM – Contact us).

Accessibility services

  • All metro stations are wheelchair accessible (STM – About the STM).
  • Paratransit service is available for riders with disabilities; call 514 280-8211 (STM – Contact us).
  • Service animals are allowed on all STM vehicles (STM – About the STM).
Bottom line: The STM offers accessible transit through the OPUS fare system and paratransit. For daily commuters: monthly passes save money. For occasional users: single tickets or the OPUS card offer flexibility, but cash is not accepted on buses (STM – Fares).

“The STM is at the heart of the Montréal region’s sustainable development.”

STM – About the STM

“As a public transit enterprise, the STM serves Montréal by operating an efficient, integrated transit network.”

City of Montreal – Transport portal

The STM operates under Quebec’s Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies (STM – About the STM). The implication: while most documents are public, personal information is protected—meaning full financial transparency is not guaranteed. For Montreal commuters, the choice is clear: use the STM’s official contact lines (main: 514 786-4636; safety: 1-888-786-1119) for quick help, or submit access-to-information requests for deeper data. The alternative is relying on unverified user forums.

Additional sources

stm.info, stm.info, stm.info, stm.info, mtl.org, stm.info, stm.info

For visitors exploring the city, our guide to things to do in Montreal complements official STM transit information with curated itineraries.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What is the STM’s customer service phone number?

The main STM customer service number is 514 786-4636 (514 STM-INFO). Hours are weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (STM – Contact us).

How do I get a monthly pass for the STM?

Purchase an OPUS card at any metro station or authorized retailer, then load a monthly pass at ticket machines or online. Monthly adult passes cost $94 (STM – Fares).

Does the STM offer reduced fares for seniors or students?

Yes, seniors (65+) and students (with valid ID) qualify for reduced fares. Seniors pay $56 for a monthly pass; students pay $57 (STM – Fares).

Is the Montreal Metro accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, all 68 metro stations are wheelchair accessible. The STM also offers paratransit service at 514 280-8211 (STM – About the STM).

What are the hours of operation for the STM metro?

The metro operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM, 7 days a week (STM – About the STM).

How do I report a lost item on the STM?

Contact the lost and found department through the customer service line: call 514 786-4636, then follow option 8 then 7 then 1. Hours are weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (STM – Contact us).

Can I bring a bike on the Montreal Metro?

Yes, bicycles are allowed on the metro except during peak hours (7:00–9:30 AM and 3:30–6:00 PM on weekdays). Folding bikes are allowed at all times (STM – About the STM).

What is the STM’s policy on service animals?

Service animals are permitted on all STM vehicles at all times (STM – About the STM).

Related reading