STM Halts Yellow Line Service
Service on the STM’s Yellow Line between Longueuil and downtown Montreal was interrupted during the Monday morning commute due to a technical issue. The outage was attributed to water accumulation caused by a problem with a pumping station, affecting the tunnel between the Jean-Drapeau and Berri-UQAM stations.
STM Yellow Line Service Resumption
The service disruption began at 7:38 a.m. and lasted for over an hour. Renaud Martel-Théoret, a spokesperson for STM, announced that power had been restored by approximately 9 a.m. “The yellow line has been repowered. Our trains will make a complete trip without passengers. If all goes well, service will resume shortly,” he stated.
Impact on Commuters
The interruption prompted concerns and complaints from commuters. Ilias Chad, a student in Montreal, expressed surprise at the sudden closure. Meanwhile, Longueuil resident Yassine Ferid remarked on the inconvenience, stating he would arrive late to a 9 a.m. meeting due to the disruption.
- Service Announcement: 7:38 a.m.
- Restoration Expected: 9 a.m.
Temporary Solutions
During the outage, STM deployed temporary buses to assist affected passengers. The buses operated between:
- Longueuil-Université-de-Sherbrooke and Papineau stations
- Jean-Drapeau and Bonaventure stations
Concerns About Aging Infrastructure
This incident raised broader concerns about the aging infrastructure of Montreal’s metro system. Philippe Jacques, co-general manager of Trajectoire Québec, noted that Montreal operates some of the oldest subway cars globally, second only to those in Mexico City.
According to Étienne Grandmont, MNA for Québec solidaire, the Montreal metro requires around $10 billion for maintenance over the next five years. Aref Salem, chairperson of the STM board, emphasized the need for collaboration between the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada to secure necessary funding, stating, “There is close to $25 billion waiting on the table.”
Public Opinion on Metro Service
Despite concerns about future investments, some riders expressed satisfaction with the metro’s current service. Yucca Toanen, a UQAM student from Rimouski, described his experience as positive. Jo-Ann Lauzon, another Montreal resident, said, “I don’t use it often, but when I do, it’s very good.”
Steven McElligott shared a similar perspective, recalling a time when the subway frequently disrupted service. He noted that recently, the system has improved notably.
Additional Service Disruptions
On the same day, another service disruption occurred on the new REM branch, causing delays between Deux Montagnes and Sainte-Dorothée stations. Philippe Jacques highlighted the need for improvements in communication and contingency planning for such incidents.
