The Montreal Transit Authority (STM) is facing a pressing issue with its aging subway fleet, specifically the MR-73 trains, which are at the end of their useful lives. These trains, put into service in the 1970s, are among the oldest subway trains in the world and break down 11 times more often than the newer Azur trains. The situation highlights the urgency to replace these aging trains, with the STM confirming that it will take at least a decade and a half to replace them. In the meantime, the STM plans to transfer the oldest trains to the Green Line, which is the second busiest line on the network, to avoid compatibility issues with the Blue Line's control software when its extension is completed in 2031.
The cost of replacing the MR-73 trains is estimated to be between $8 billion and $10 billion, with the study phase alone expected to cost $46 million. This is a significant investment, but it is necessary to ensure the reliability and safety of the transit system. The STM has two pressing priorities: catching up on delayed maintenance projects and replacing the MR-73 cars. The transit authority has already allocated $11 million to begin studies, and a pre-project study is expected to be tabled by 2028.
Public transit lobby group Trajectoire Québec believes that replacing the old métro cars should be the province's top public transit priority. However, the province has been dragging its feet on this file, and the city's main opposition party, Projet Montréal, is hoping to get the public to pressure the province to act. The group Trajectoire Québec's spokesperson, Brian Nash, urged the province to urgently earmark the funds to replace the old trains, as most of the federal funds dedicated for public transit will be spent on maintenance of the aging métro network.
The urgency to act is emphasized by the fact that the MR-73 cars will be 60 years old in 2036 and will have exceeded their useful life by 20 years at that point. The Azur train fleet will also have to be transferred to the Blue Line when the extension project is completed, which will concentrate all the MR-73 trains, which are less reliable, on the Green Line. This highlights the need for a swift and comprehensive replacement plan to ensure the reliability and safety of the transit system.
In my opinion, the STM's decision to transfer the oldest trains to the Green Line is a strategic move to avoid compatibility issues and ensure the reliability of the transit system. However, the province's delay in funding the replacement project is concerning and could lead to further delays and safety issues. The public and the city's opposition party should continue to pressure the province to act and allocate the necessary funds to replace the MR-73 trains.
As a transportation reporter, I have seen the ups and downs of the city's transit system, and I understand the importance of reliable and safe public transportation. The replacement of the MR-73 trains is a critical project that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Montreal metro system.
