Montreal Transport

Will I need to drive my own vehicle to conduct my everyday life (work/school/shopping) at my destination?

While driving in Montreal is easy and handy, it is not your only option for getting around. Montreal has one of the finest public transport systems in Canada. Within the city, you can travel by taxi, commuter train, metro (subway), bus, bicycle and on foot through the city's vast network of underground passageways (nearly 30 km) for pedestrians.
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How can I legally drive a vehicle in this city?

As a new resident of Quebec with a valid driver’s license from another province or country, you can use your license for 90 days. If you wish to continue to drive after 60 days, you must obtain a Quebec driver’s license from the SAAQ (Provincial government Ministry). For further information, please contact your Crown representative.
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What side of the road do people drive on?

Similar to the United States, people drive on the right side of the road.
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Describe typical public transportation an expat might use to get around the city.

The most popular forms of transit are the bus and Metro (subway). The Montreal Metro has stations spread out along four lines on over 65 km of track; the transit authority also owns and maintains over 1,500 buses and commuter trains that arrive downtown from suburban areas.
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Could an expat also use public transportation to get out of the city—to surrounding towns, recreation areas or suburbs? If so, list options.

There are extensive bus services connecting to just about anywhere in North America outside the Montreal area via Voyageur and Greyhound bus routes, from the Berri de Montigny Metro station and by Rail.
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In regards to transportation, are there any safety issues I should be aware of?

The STM (Montreal Transport Society) is one of the safest transit systems in the world. All STM employees contribute to safety and security on the transit system and in the community by reporting such things as personal safety incidents, accidents or fires.

Designated waiting areas are located on all subway and rapid transit platforms for your safety and convenience while you are waiting for your train. These areas have brighter lights as well as intercoms, closed-circuit television cameras, public telephones and benches to sit on while you wait. Passenger assistance alarms are the black and yellow strips located above the windows and at the ends of subway/RT cars. Press the alarm strip immediately if you see or experience an incident that should be reported or stopped. There is also a special police task force that has an active presence in most Metro stations.
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Where do I buy tickets/tokens/etc. for the major public transportation?

If you pay cash to ride the STM, ensure that you have the exact fare. Drivers don't sell fares or make change. It's less expensive and more convenient to buy tickets or monthly passes than to pay cash for every trip. You can buy tickets and passes at any subway station or a store displaying the Ticket Agent sign.

Transfer tickets allow you to pay once for two rides by way of STM when used for a continuous trip. They will only be accepted at designated transfer points on day of issue for a one-way continuous trip. Transfers are free and must be obtained when you pay your fare. Ask for a transfer from a driver or get one from an automatic transfer machine in the subway/Metro station, after you pay your fare.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:

Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.