The Montreal Metro's aging MR-73 trains, a relic from the 1970s, are reaching the end of their operational lifespan, prompting a critical question: How will the city address this impending crisis? The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has confirmed that it will take at least a decade and a half to replace these trains, a delay that raises concerns about the reliability and safety of the transit system. This delay is particularly concerning given the frequent breakdowns of the MR-73 trains, which are 11 times more prone to malfunctions compared to the newer Azur trains.
The urgency of the situation is underscored by the need to transfer the oldest trains to the Green Line, the second busiest line on the network. This transfer is necessary because the MR-73 trains will not be compatible with the control software on the Blue Line when its extension is completed in 2031. The STM's chairperson, Aref Salem, emphasizes the dual priorities of addressing delayed maintenance projects and replacing the MR-73 cars, with an estimated cost of $8-10 billion.
The complexity of the project is evident in the study phase alone, which is expected to cost $46 million. In contrast, the replacement of the MR-63 trains with the Azur-model trains cost $2.4 billion. The process of replacing the MR-73 trains is a lengthy one, typically taking 15 years from the initial studies to the completion of the project. The STM aims to table a pre-project study by 2028, followed by a business case that requires provincial approval.
The public transit lobby group Trajectoire Québec advocates for the replacement of the old metro cars as a top provincial priority, criticizing the lack of progress on the project. The group's spokesperson, Brian Nash, urges the province to allocate funds urgently, especially given the potential reallocation of federal funds for tramway projects in Quebec City and Gatineau. The city's main opposition party, Projet Montréal, has launched a petition to pressure the province into action, aiming to replace the trains by 2036.
This crisis highlights the challenges of managing an aging transit system and the need for proactive planning and investment. The STM's delay in replacing the MR-73 trains raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the metro network and the potential impact on commuters. As the city grapples with this issue, the question remains: How can Montreal ensure a reliable and safe transit system for its residents in the years to come?
