The Montreal Metro's aging MR-73 trains are set to be relocated to the Green Line by 2031, as they are incompatible with the Blue Line's upcoming extension. This move highlights the urgency of replacing these trains, which are among the oldest in the world and break down 11 times more frequently than the newer Azur trains. The STM estimates the replacement project, including the study phase, will cost between $8 billion and $10 billion, with the study phase alone costing $46 million. This is a significant investment, considering the $2.4 billion spent on replacing the MR-63 trains with Azur models. The project's complexity and cost underscore the need for swift action, as the MR-73 trains will reach their 60th birthday in 2036, well beyond their intended lifespan. The STM's chairperson, Aref Salem, emphasizes the need to prioritize maintenance and replacement, with the transit authority facing two critical tasks: catching up on delayed maintenance and replacing the MR-73 cars. The province's role is crucial, as it must provide permission for the STM to develop a business case and secure funding. Public transit lobby group Trajectoire Québec advocates for the province to make replacing the old trains a top priority, urging them to allocate the necessary funds. However, the province's reluctance to act on this issue is concerning, especially given the recent federal funding announcement. The city's opposition party, Projet Montréal, is pushing for public pressure to expedite the project, aiming to replace the trains by 2036. This situation raises questions about the efficiency of public transit management and the allocation of resources, particularly in a city like Montreal, where the metro system plays a vital role in daily transportation.
