Montreal’s public transit authority, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), is preparing to implement a significant overhaul of its bus network in the Centre-Nord and West Island areas of the city. The changes, slated to take effect in at the earliest, are designed to integrate more seamlessly with the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light-rail line and improve overall connectivity for commuters.
The redesign will impact more than 80 bus routes across six boroughs and nine municipalities, affecting over 375,000 people. According to the STM, the changes will result in more direct routes, simplified connections, improved service coverage and expanded service hours, particularly during evenings and weekends. The STM anticipates that approximately 29,000 additional residents will gain access to frequent bus service within a 750-meter walk of their homes.
The impetus for the network redesign stems directly from the arrival of the REM. The STM has stated that the new bus service is specifically designed to provide more direct connections to the REM as a whole, and cannot be fully implemented until both branches of the REM are operational. The STM is prepared to begin rolling out the changes starting , as agreed upon with the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM).
The changes will involve alterations to existing routes, including name and number changes, as well as the cancellation and replacement of some lines with new ones. One example already identified is the anticipated evolution of the 214 bus line as part of the broader network revision. The STM is also addressing service to the airport, with the 204 bus no longer stopping at YUL airport as of .
To aid commuters in navigating the changes, the STM is rolling out a series of tools. An online route simulator is available on the STM website (https://www.stm.info/en/about/major_projects/major-bus-projects/bus-network-redesign) allowing users to plan and visualize both current and future trips. The STM is also planning local activities, including open houses, information kiosks, and targeted meetings with residents, to facilitate the transition. An information campaign for citizens is also underway.
The current bus network already provides connections to the 14 new stations on the REM’s Deux-Montagnes branch. Customers can already plan their trips using the STM’s digital tools, taking into account these existing connections. The STM has been working with boroughs and cities to prepare for the rollout of the redesign, recognizing the significant impact on local communities.
This redesign is not an isolated event. The STM initiated a collaborative process in to redesign the entire surface network, aiming to improve efficiency and attractiveness, and to better align with the evolving mobility needs of Montrealers and the city’s urban development. The process was guided by five key principles and involved extensive data analysis and consultation with stakeholders, the public, and residents.
Key figures released by the STM highlight the scale of the changes: the network will encompass over 3,411 stops, including 246 new ones, and will simplify approximately 14,000 transfers, reducing the need for commuters to take multiple buses. The STM estimates that 67,000 trips will be shortened by at least five minutes as a result of the redesign. The project represents a substantial investment in Montreal’s public transportation infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to providing a more efficient and user-friendly transit system.
The STM’s proactive approach to integrating the bus network with the REM underscores the growing importance of multi-modal transportation systems in modern urban environments. By streamlining connections and improving service, the STM aims to encourage greater ridership and reduce reliance on private vehicles, contributing to a more sustainable and accessible city.
