Guide for accompanying persons in wheelchairs

Welcome to the first three accessible stations

The new Cartier, de la Concorde and Montmorency stations, which opened their doors in April 2007, are equipped with elevators that allow persons with limited mobility to access the métro, particularly those who use a wheelchair. These are the Montréal métro’s first three accessible stations.

Five other stations – Lionel-Groulx, Berri-UQAM Henri-Bourassa, Côte-Vertu and Bonaventure – will also have elevators by 2010.

How to accompany someone

The STM has developed a procedure for persons who accompany wheelchair users so that the latter may travel safely and securely between Cartier, de la Concorde and Montmorency stations.

Why do they need to be accompanied?

While testing boarding manoeuvres with the help of wheelchair users, it was apparent that some wheelchair models cannot be properly wheeled onto the train because of a structural gap between the station platform and the métro car floor. As a result, the STM established a procedure for those accompanying wheelchair users and acquired an access ramp to make it easier for wheelchairs to board the train.

For peace of mind during your transit trip

Throughout your trip, from first entering the station down to the train platform, accessibility was facilitated by implementing measures aimed at removing all obstacles: access ramps, automatic doors and elevators.

Fare collectors

The first elevator will take wheelchair users to the lower level where the fare collection booth is located. Head there first to advise the employee that you need to be accompanied to board the metro. The fare collector will immediately forward your request and inform you of your expected waiting time. The wait could vary depending on how long it takes for the person who will accompany you to reach your departure station.

The companion

The companion’s role is to accompany you from the fare collection booth in your departure station to the fare collection booth in your destination station. This person will take the elevator with you to the designated boarding point, that is, the first car at the front of the train.

As soon as the métro arrives, the companion will deploy the access ramp allowing the wheelchair user to board and will accompany the disabled passenger to their destination station. There, the companion will once again deploy the access ramp to let the wheelchair user exit the train, before accompanying the passenger to the upper level where the fare collection booth is located.

Boarding the métro on your own

If you do not want a companion to assist you, you must follow this procedure:

• Head to the front of the train and board right behind the operator’s cab. You may board the metro if the reserved space is not already occupied by another wheelchair.
• Even if several métro cars have a reserved space for wheelchairs, you are strongly advised to board this first car. For safety reasons, metro operators must be able to see you from their front cab.
• Position yourself with your back to the wall, and remember to lock your wheelchair’s brakes.
• Avoid moving while the train is in motion.

Stations Maps (PDF documents )