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Montreal’s public transit authority, the STM, says its aging Metro system needs billions of dollars worth of maintenance — and it doesn’t have the money.
In a news release on Friday, the STM said its infrastructure and assets were in poor condition and deteriorating every year.
“Investments in asset maintenance have remained below requirements for several years, putting increasing pressure on infrastructure, particularly in the Metro system,” said Aref Salem, the president of the STM’s board of directors.
“The asset maintenance deficit is currently estimated at $7 billion and could reach $9 billion by 2030 if the trend continues. This situation is resulting in more frequent interventions in stations and longer timelines for certain projects.”
The STM said it currently lacks firm financing commitments to help it deal with the cash shortfall. The agency said it hopes the Quebec and Canadian governments come to an agreement quickly to allow the transfer of funds earmarked for public transit infrastructure.
Also on Friday, the STM presented a $1.8 billion budget for 2026 — essentially the same budget as last year.
The STM said it had found $56.5 million in annual spending reduction, largely due to a hiring freeze, outsourcing some adapted transport services and scaling back some maintenance activities.
The STM said that despite these cost-saving measures, the agency would be able to maintain service at its current level.
The budget, however, comes in the wake of multiple labour disputes, some of which are still ongoing, between the STM and multiple unions representing maintenance workers, drivers and other workers.