The Montreal métro

a source of pride

Setting the pace in Montreal since 1966

T

he Montreal métro is still the pride and joy of Montrealers, more than 35 years after it was first inaugurated on October 14, 1966. Fast, pleasant and environmentally-friendly, the métro played a crucial role in the city’s recent evolution. Its arrival contributed widely to the expansion of downtown Montreal, particularly along De Maisonneuve Boulevard, pieced together when the initial network was built. The métro also accelerated development of the " indoor city, " a widespread underground network accessible year-round. Montrealers waited a long time for their métro, for more than half a century in fact. From 1910 to 1960, several underground transit projects were considered, without success. The Depres-sion of the 1930s, the belated municipalization of public transportation, as well as excessive caution by certain elected officials delayed its arrival. It was only in 1961, with the support of Mayor Jean Drapeau and Lucien Saulnier, that the project finally materialized. Its undertaking was entrusted to the City and its Bureau du métro, headed by chief engineer Lucien L’Allier. In no time, the basic principles that would forge the métro’s reputation were set forth: the first métro to use only rubber tires, along an entirely underground network, featuring a unique architectural concept for each station. Construction began May 23, 1962, along Berri St., south of Jarry St. Three lines were planned: an east-west line, Line 1 – Green; a north-south line, Line 2 – Orange; and a line under Mount Royal, Line 3. In 1963, plans for Line 3 were set aside in favor of a new one running below the Saint-Lawrence River: Line 4 – Yellow, that would provide access to the 1967 Expo site. When construction was at its peak, nearly 5000 workers labored throughout the huge worksite. To avoid hindering commercial activity and circulation along the city’s busy streets, construction was mostly