What will Montreal public transit look like post-quarantine? - Action News
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What will Montreal public transit look like post-quarantine?

If you've been on the Metro during rush hour lately, odds are you've noticed just how quiet it is. That's going to change. Here's what you can expect.

Restarting 'normal life' comes with new measures and conditions

metro car
Mayor Valrie Plante says her administration is working with the STM to ensure public transit is safe to use as Montreal's economy slowly rebuilds from a near-complete shutdown. (Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada)

If you've been on the Metro during rush hour lately, odds are you've noticed just how quiet it is.

That's going to change.

PremierFranois Legaulttalks about graduallyreopening the economy and hints at kids going back to school before June, butreturning to "normal life"won't happen in a flash.

The easing of restrictions will come hand in hand with new recommendations, including on how to take public transportation.

"People who will be on transportation will have to use a mask," said Dr. Horacio Arruda,Quebec's public health director.

"It isn't obligatory, but it is a strong recommendation."

Sarah Leavitt walks you through the changes:

What will Montreal public transit look like post-quarantine?

4 years ago
Duration 2:13
CBC journalist Sarah Leavitt takes a look at what life will be like once COVID-19 measures begin to loosen and Montrealers start to commute again.

Staggering commute times

Philippe Schnobb, the chair of Montreal's transit authority, the STM,says ridership on both buses and the Metrowent down more than 90 per cent at one point during the pandemic.

Physical distancing wasn't even an issue with so few people around, but as more commuters return topublic transit, it will become impossible.

"We calculated, and if there were a maximum of 15 people per bus, we'd need 8,000 more buses to maintain regular service," said Schnobb.

So Schnobb says the STM is hoping to work with businesses to stagger work hours.

"We need to see if it's a possibility to prolong our peak hours," he said.

(CBC Graphics)

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