Public Transportation Guide: How to Get Around Montréal Like a Local (and Not Freeze to Death)

okay, so montréal. it’s… an experience. right now, it feels like someone cranked the freezer up to eleven - the kind of cold that seeps into your bones even with layers. the sky’s this perpetually grey thing, like a watercolor painting left out in the rain. if you're thinking of escaping the chill, a quick flight to somewhere sunny like the Bahamas is calling your name. but hey, you’re here, navigating the city. let’s get real about the T-ram.

i’m sarah, and i’m a freelance photographer trying to survive (thrive?) in this frozen wonderland. i’ve been living here for a couple of years now, and the metro is basically my lifeline. it's not perfect - let's be honest, it’s got its quirks - but it's efficient and way cheaper than taking a cab every time.

*the MTL Transport System: a primer

the metro is definitely your friend. it’s got four lines (orange, green, red, and jaune - yeah, yellow), and they intersect at some major hubs. you can grab a titre (ticket) at any station. single tickets are expensive (like, 3.55 CAD each - ouch!), but if you’re going to be riding a lot, a carnet (book of 10 tickets) might be better value. plus, you can get an OPUS card - a reloadable card that works on the metro, buses, and even some commuter trains. it’s a bit of a hassle to get initially, but it pays off.

the buses are decent too, though they can be slow, especially during rush hour. they cover a lot of ground, so they're good for getting to neighborhoods the metro doesn't reach. just be prepared to wait - montréal buses aren’t exactly known for their punctuality.

Pro tip #1: download the STM app. trust me on this one. it’s a lifesaver for planning routes and checking for delays. i've learned to live and die by it.

Pro tip #2: don't be afraid to ask for help. montréalers can seem a little… reserved at first, but most people are happy to point you in the right direction, especially if they see you struggling with a map.

Cost of Living - The Lowdown (as of late 2023/early 2024)

Okay, so the cost of living here is…substantial. Rent is the big one. A one-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood (think Plateau Mont-Royal, Mile End) will easily set you back $2000-$2500 CAD a month. Food is relatively affordable if you cook at home - groceries aren’t outrageous. Eating out? prepare to loosen your belt. A beer at a local pub will run you around $6-8 CAD, and a decent meal could easily be $20-30+ CAD per person. The job market is pretty competitive, but there are opportunities, especially in tech, healthcare, and tourism. Check out Indeed.ca for job postings.

Neighborhood Intel (aka, where to go - and where to avoid on a first date)

*Plateau Mont-Royal: Cool vibe, lots of cafes and restaurants. Good for people-watching.
*Mile End: Hipster central. Expect to see a lot of beards and vintage clothing.
*Old Montreal: Tourist trap central, but it is pretty.
*Little Italy: Great food, especially Italian.
*Griffintown: Up-and-coming, lots of new condos.

Overheard Gossip (aka, things people actually say)

>“Dude, the metro was packed today. I swear, I was breathing other people’s sadness.”

>“Don't even think about wearing sandals in the metro in winter. You'll be the laughingstock of the city.”

>“The best poutine? That’s a debate for the ages. Just…don’t get into it with anyone.”

H2: The BIkes Situation (and Why You’ll Need a Good Lock)

Montréal is trying to embrace cycling, but it’s not always sunshine and roses. The city has a pretty extensive bike path network, which is great. However, bike theft is a real problem. Seriously, you have to invest in a really good lock if you want to leave your bike unattended for even a few minutes. I’ve heard rumors about a secret bike-locking society that operates in the underpasses - but i’m not sure if that’s true or just a local legend.

H2: Navigating the Street Art Scene (and Avoiding Getting Arrested)

Montréal has a thriving street art scene. You can find incredible murals all over the city, especially in neighborhoods like the Plateau and Mile End. But be warned: graffiti is illegal, so don’t go around tagging walls. It's seriously frowned upon (and you'll likely get a ticket, or worse). Check out this guide to street art in Montréal for some organized tours.

Safety - A Quick Note*

Montréal is generally a safe city, but like any major urban center, it’s not without its share of petty crime. Watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the metro and tourist attractions. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. According to this report from Statistics Canada, crime rates have been relatively stable in recent years. But always be aware of your surroundings.

so yeah, that's montréal in a nutshell. it’s cold, it’s expensive, it’s chaotic, and it’s totally worth it. just pack a good coat, learn a few basic French phrases (even if it’s just “bonjour” and “merci”), and be prepared to embrace the weirdness. and for god's sake, don't forget your hand warmers. you can find some decent deals on Amazon.

seriously though, if you need recommendations or just want to vent about the weather, drop me a line. and maybe send some sunshine.

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