Urgent Closure of Metro Stations on the Blue Line: What We Know So Far
In a significant development affecting public transport in Montreal, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) announced the emergency closure of three metro stations along the Blue Line: Fabre, Iberville, and Saint-Michel. This decision was made following the discovery of substantial degradation in critical structural beams above the pedestrian walkway at the Saint-Michel station. The STM stated that these closures are necessary for the safety of both passengers and employees.
The announcement came late Thursday night, and the situation has understandably raised concerns among the commuting public. To address these issues, STM’s General Director, Marie-Claude Léonard, and Mayor Valérie Plante will hold a press conference on Friday morning to provide further details and updates. The STM is currently conducting thorough assessments to determine the extent of the repairs required, a process that is expected to take several days, if not weeks. During this time, the stations will remain closed indefinitely.
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As part of their immediate response to the disruption, STM has introduced a shuttle bus service, line 809, which will operate in both directions, stopping at the closed stations. Employees will be stationed on-site to assist passengers who are affected by this sudden change, ensuring they can redirect their travel plans accordingly. The STM is urging commuters to utilize their online route calculators to plan their journeys while factoring out the metro options.
Mayor Plante expressed her commitment to restoring service as soon as possible, assuring the public that the STM teams are working diligently to resolve these safety concerns. However, this incident has caused ripple effects beyond just the metro stations. An unrelated press event, initially scheduled for Friday to discuss the extension of the Blue Line, has also been canceled in light of these developments. The presence of Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault was expected at this announcement, but it has now been deemed inappropriate given the current circumstances.
The closure has left many passengers frustrated, with some reporting encountering locked doors at the affected stations. The STM is doing its best to mitigate the impact of these closures, but commuters should prepare for potential delays and consider alternative routes. The focus now remains on ensuring the safety of all involved, with plans for structural evaluations and necessary repairs to follow in the coming days.
Overall, this situation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance in public transportation systems. Safety must always come first, and while the closures are inconvenient, they are necessary steps to prevent any possible risks to the community. As further updates emerge from STM officials and the city’s administration, it is essential for commuters to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly.
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