The Société de transport de Montréal announced that, beginning in 2031, the Green line will be operated solely with the older MR‑73 subway cars. The decision marks a shift from the current practice of running a combination of MR‑73 units and newer train models on the line.
According to the STM, the MR‑73 cars are eleven times less reliable than the newer models that presently share service on the Green line. The reliability gap is based on the agency’s own performance assessments of the two vehicle types. The agency did not provide additional quantitative data beyond the stated reliability ratio.
The Green line, one of Montreal’s principal rapid‑transit routes, currently utilizes both the MR‑73 fleet, which has been in service for several decades, and more recent rolling stock introduced in recent years. The upcoming change will eliminate the newer cars from the line, leaving only the older MR‑73 units to carry passengers.
The STM indicated that the transition will be implemented in 2031, giving the organization several years to adjust operations and maintenance plans. No further details were released regarding the reasons for the shift or how the agency intends to address the noted reliability concerns associated with the MR‑73 fleet.
The announcement adds a new dimension to ongoing discussions about Montreal’s transit infrastructure and the future of its subway equipment. Stakeholders will likely monitor how the exclusive use of older cars impacts service quality and rider experience once the change takes effect.
The STM’s plan reflects a definitive timeline for the Green line’s rolling stock composition, setting 2031 as the target year for the full transition to the MR‑73 cars.
The agency has not disclosed any additional measures or timelines related to maintenance upgrades or replacement strategies for the older fleet.