The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) announced that, beginning in 2031, the Green Line will be operated solely with MR‑73 subway cars. The decision marks a shift from the current practice of running a mixed fleet of older MR‑73 units and newer rolling stock across the network.
At present, the STM’s subway system combines the legacy MR‑73 cars, first introduced in the 1970s, with more recent train models that have been added to improve capacity and performance. The Green Line, one of the city’s primary rapid‑transit routes, will see the older vehicles replace the newer ones for all its services once the 2031 timetable takes effect.
The MR‑73 cars have been identified as considerably less reliable than the newer trains, with reliability measurements indicating they are eleven times less dependable. This figure reflects the comparative frequency of service interruptions and mechanical issues recorded for the older fleet versus its modern counterparts.
The STM’s plan does not include the introduction of additional MR‑73 units; rather, it involves reallocating the existing inventory to serve the Green Line exclusively. No further details on the operational timetable or maintenance adjustments were released in the announcement.
The upcoming change will result in the Green Line becoming the only line in Montreal’s subway system to rely entirely on the older MR‑73 cars. The STM has indicated that the transition will be completed in line with its broader network management strategy, aligning the Green Line’s rolling stock with the agency’s long‑term planning horizon.
The move underscores the STM’s ongoing efforts to balance fleet composition across its routes while managing the lifecycle of its vehicles. The Green Line’s exclusive use of MR‑73 cars will commence in 2031 as part of the agency’s scheduled service plan.