Possible train strike: exo users should think of plan B

If a train strike affecting Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is confirmed Thursday, users of certain Exo Commuter rail lines may have to consider another way to travel to and from Montreal.

The union representing the railway company's employees has filed a 72-hour strike notice if talks over the renewal of collective agreements do not progress.

In addition to freight trains, line 11 Vaudreuil/Hudson, line 12 Saint-Jérôme and line 14 Candiac may be affected by the strike, as they operate on the CPKC network, explained Erik Edström, transport manager.

“It should be noted that trains running on the CN network (Line 13 – Mont-Saint-Hilaire and Line 15 – Mascouche) are not affected and are operating normally according to CN officials,” he said, noting that CN rail controllers were not affected by the conflict.

Exo is therefore working to set up bus services on lines 11, 12 and 14 in case of service disruption. These options will also be specified in the exo website, Chrono application or X accounts of each line in the coming days.

However, the carrier fears that it will not be able to accommodate everyone.

““The bus shuttles that will be provided cannot replace the full service of the three affected rail lines, especially at the beginning of the school year,” Mr. Edstrom pointed out.

“We recommend that the affected customers start thinking of an alternative route using regular Exo Bus service or STM STL,” he said.