STM Hacks That Every Local Montrealer Should Know
- Montreal's STM has numerous ways to help keep clients as happy as possible, and I'm here to share those with you.
- Did you know you get exclusive offers at multiple stores just by having an OPUS card?
- Find out more in the list of STM hacks below!
- Visit MTLBlog for more headlines.
Montreal's sometimes beloved sometimes hated STM network has been around since 1861, and its improvement since then is incredible. Although our vision on the STM can occasionally be tainted by witnessing bad bus behaviour or terrible metro etiquette, there are still many positive things that can be said about this transportation system. Knowing that we should always embrace the positive things in life, I'm here to let you know all about the ways you can make the most of Montreal's STM.
The STM, although cheaper than other Canadian cities' public transport networks, can still be on the rather pricey side. So, we've found ways for you to save money — and more.
This list includes how to get STM updates, the different versions of OPUS cards, and exclusive offers you probably had no idea you get when you have an OPUS card... Or at least I didn't know until now, anyway.
I chose not to write about the student fare discounts, since I think the majority of us already know about it. But, if ever you need more info on such, you can read about it here.
And now, without further ado, MTL Blog's list of STM hacks:
OPUS à L’Année
OPUS à l'année is a subscription program for people paying full fare. When you subscribe to it, you will get automatic monthly payments from either your credit card or bank debit, so you never have to worry about the hassle of going to a machine to pay for every new month. It'll automatically be done for you. You also get a new OPUS card for free, so that's a plus.
You can also cancel the subscription at any time — in case you decide it's not for you.
To read more about OPUS à l'année, click here.
OPUS & Cie
Only the lucky ones can take advantage of this STM hack. When I say "lucky," I mean anyone who works for the almost 300 employers who have chosen to participate in OPUS & Cie.
"As the employee of a company taking part in the OPUS & Cie program, you’ll receive a discount of at least 8.33%, the equivalent of one free month of transit use."
So, take the time to tell your employer about this program and maybe, just maybe, you can convince them into taking part! That means more money saved for you and all of your colleagues.
Maestro Status
The STM Maestro Status is like the black card of OPUS cards.
"If you have subscribed to either the OPUS à l’année or the OPUS & Cie program for more than twelve months (regular fare), you could be entitled to Maestro status as of January 2013 and enjoy even more transit-related benefits."
The benefits of getting a Maestro Status include:
- Getting to bring a friend on the metro with you for free after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Your OPUS card will also work for Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC), the transportation system in Québec City.
Not too shabby, right?
STM Update Texts, Emails & Tweets
There are two perfect ways to stay up to date on the current state of the metros.
1. You can sign up here to receive an email or text message whenever the metro has a delay of 10 minutes or longer.
2. If you're a Twitter user, you can follow the official Twitter accounts for the Green Line, the Orange Line, the Blue Line, and the Yellow Line.
STM Exclusive Offers
So, I always knew it was a blessing to have an OPUS card since it makes getting almost anywhere in Montreal so simple. But, I only recently found out just how much of a blessing having an OPUS card truly is.
With an OPUS card, or even simply a valid STM fare ticket, you can receive all of the following exclusive offers:
- 10% off of a list of purchases at Uniprix Henri-Bourassa–Millen on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- 20% off Zoo Ecomuseum entry fees.
- 2 for 1 admission to St. Joseph's Oratory.
- 10% off tickets and snacks at Cinema Beaubien.
- 2$ off tickets for Montreal's MAC museum.
- And more!
You can check out the full list of exclusive offers here.
STM Jobs
The real hack? Getting a job with the STM. Just to put things into perspective: the starting pay for bus drivers is $25.72/hour, which is quite a solid earning if you ask me.
So, not only will you be getting a salary from the STM, but you'll also be getting free transportation with the following networks:
- Transport company of Montreal (STM)
- Transport company of Laval (STL)
- Longueuil transport company (RTL)
- Commuter trains and bus service formerly operated by CIT (EXO)
- Transportation network of the capital (Quebec)
And that's not all — STM employees also get a pension plan, reimbursement on a percentage of school tuition for certain essential careers, vacation benefits, benefits for their partners and children, and more!
If you'd like to learn more about working for the STM, take a look at its website.
READ ALSO:The STM Is Hiring 500+ Bus Drivers With Amazing Benefits & You Don't Need Much Experience
La Boutique STM
Maybe this doesn't exactly fall under the category of a "hack," but if you're a fan of the STM and the major influence it has on our city, you'll be happy to know that there is an official STM boutique — located at 9494 blvd. St-Laurent #900.
This store has everything your Montreal heart has ever desired, from metro station tote bags to model buses.
I hope this list has taught you a bit more about how to take full advantage of all that the STM has to offer, my fellow Montrealers!
This article has been updated.