Public Transportation Guide: Navigating Montréal's Transit Like a Camera-Toting Freelancer

so you’re a freelance photographer in montréal, huh? good luck lugging your gear across this concrete jungle without knowing how the stm works. first thing’s first: forget your car. parking costs more than a vintage leica lens and the potholes could swallow a whole tripod.

*current weather update: it’s that weird montréal moment where the air smells like wet asphalt and someone burning last night’s poutine. layers are mandatory-pack a thermos of strong coffee because you’ll freeze at 5 am waiting for the first metro and sweat by noon chasing light at the Jean-Talon Market. ottawa’s a 2-hour drive if you need to escape the bagel wars, and boston’s a quick flight for when you crave actual urban chaos.

here’s the real talk: rent for a 1-bedroom in montréal? around $1,200 CAD if you’re lucky. safety-wise? the metro’s fine at night except for that sketchy Berri-UQAM connector at 3 am-locals call it ‘the limbo tunnel.’ job market? competitive as hell but the festivals and indie music scene keep me shooting gigs weekly.

pro-tips from the trenches:
- metro: buy a TRAM card at any dépanneur. $3.50 per ride, but the monthly pass ($94) is worth it if you’re schlepping gear between gigs. avoid rush hour unless you want your elbow stuck in someone’s armpit.
- bus: the 80 bus is a street photographer’s wet dream-it crawls through the plateau, catching golden-hour light through apartment windows. bring a fanny pack for your lenses; pockets = theft bait.
- bixi: rent those blue bikes for $5/day. perfect for escaping downtown traffic when your deadline’s looming.

overheard at a NDG bar: ‘avoid the 165 bus after 10 pm unless you want to hear three different languages arguing about hockey. also, the guy who cleans the STM? he’s a secret painter. saw his work at the sous-mtl gallery.’

drunk advice from a rando at SuWu: ‘the orange line’s haunted. true story. once saw a ghost conductor checking tickets during the blackout. just… carry extra metro fare. for safety.’

reviews you didn’t ask for:
- something a local warned me about: ‘never, ever trust the STM app’s real-time arrivals. it lies more than a politician during an election. just show up and hope.’
- overheard rumor: ‘the 24 bus driver? he’s a retired jazz musician. plays saxophone on his breaks. ask him about the 70s.’
- drunk tip*: ‘for the best light at the Olympic Stadium, take the 76 bus at dawn. the mist makes the tower look like it’s from Blade Runner.’

real talk: montréal’s transit won’t win awards for speed, but it’s chaotic and weird and alive-perfect for capturing unscripted moments. just don’t lose your TRAM card. replacing it involves more paperwork than a visa application.

for more local chaos: check out r/Montreal for transit rants, Bagel Head’s Yelp for fuel, and STM’s TripAdvisor if you’re masochistic.

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