The Montreal metro will mark 60 years of service on Wednesday, October 14, with a day of activities across the Société de transport de Montréal network.
The anniversary date corresponds to the system’s official opening on October 14, 1966.
The STM says the main launch event will take place at Berri-UQAM station, where it will unveil a collective installation built around memories from passengers and employees.
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Montreal Metro: What is planned for October 14
The Berri-UQAM event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. and will feature an installation centred on “metro moments.”
The display brings together about 1,000 written memories connected to the Montreal metro.
Media access at the station is expected to begin at 6:15 a.m., ahead of the official unveiling.
The STM has also announced a broader programme involving cultural and community partners.
The list includes Montreal arts and cultural organizations, sports teams, music performers, libraries, museums and other institutions connected to the city’s public life.
The anniversary will give riders an opportunity to encounter performances and commemorative activities while using the system.
The STM has not described the day as a change to regular fares or operating rules, so passengers should continue to check the agency’s service notices for their specific route.
From 20 stations to a citywide network
The Montreal metro opened with 20 stations in 1966.
The original stations were located on the Green and Orange lines, while the network’s initial expansion was completed in time for Expo 67 with the addition of the Yellow Line.
By spring 1967, the initial network had grown to 26 stations across three lines.
The first weekend drew about one million people who wanted to try the new system.
The metro was designed as an underground network using rubber-tired trains, with each station given its own architectural character.
That design approach helped turn the system into both a transportation network and a distinctive part of Montreal’s urban identity.
The STM’s historical record says the network recorded more than 130 million trips during its first year, as Expo 67 brought tens of millions of visitors to the city.
A network still central to Montreal
Today, the Montreal metro consists of four lines, 68 stations and about 71 kilometres of tunnels.
Its stations also function as public art spaces, with works integrated into the architecture and circulation areas.
The system has continued to evolve through station extensions, accessibility projects, new trains, communications upgrades and major maintenance work.
Some of the oldest infrastructure is now being renewed while the region debates future transit expansion.
The anniversary comes as public transit remains a major issue in Montreal and across Quebec.
Questions about funding, service reliability, maintenance and new connections have featured prominently in discussions about the region’s transportation future.
Why the anniversary matters
For passengers, the milestone offers more than a historical marker.
The metro has shaped where people live, work, study and spend time across the island and nearby communities.
Its stations connect downtown offices, universities, hospitals, shopping districts, cultural venues and residential neighbourhoods.
The system also remains one of the most visible examples of how major public infrastructure can influence a city’s growth over several generations.
The STM’s anniversary programming is intended to recognize that history through the personal experiences of the people who use and operate the network.
What passengers should know
- Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
- Main location: Berri-UQAM station.
- Installation unveiling: 7:30 a.m.
- Media access: From 6:15 a.m. at Berri-UQAM.
- Theme: Metro memories shared by employees and passengers.
Passengers planning to attend should allow extra time at Berri-UQAM and follow any directions from STM staff.
The station is one of the busiest interchange points in the system, and special activities may affect pedestrian flows inside the station.
The STM is expected to provide further details about the day’s activities through its official channels as the anniversary approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Montreal metro open?
The Montreal metro officially opened on October 14, 1966, with 20 stations.
When will the Montreal metro’s 60th anniversary be marked?
The 60th anniversary will be marked on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Where is the main anniversary event taking place?
The main event will take place at Berri-UQAM station, where the STM plans to unveil a commemorative installation.
What will the Berri-UQAM installation feature?
The installation will bring together about 1,000 written memories from STM employees and metro passengers.
How many stations are in the Montreal metro network?
The network has 68 stations across four lines, covering about 71 kilometres of tunnels.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, anniversary programming, historical milestones and network figures were checked against STM information and the STM’s official historical record. ([newswire.ca](https://www.newswire.ca/fr/news-releases/60e-anniversaire-du-metro-de-montreal-le-14-octobre-une-journee-a-celebrer–846460735.html?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Event details and passenger access arrangements may change, so riders should confirm the latest information with the STM before travelling.