Sports events in Montreal faced significant challenges due to public transportation strikes on a recent Saturday. This situation impacted fans attending matches by various local teams, including the Canadiens, Alouettes, Carabins, and others.
Challenges Posed by Public Transit Strike
On that day, over 65,000 seats were available across different venues, but no buses or metro services operated. Consequently, many fans struggled to reach their destinations. At the Percival-Molson Stadium, attendance appeared low with only 19,785 tickets sold. Some fans entered the venue well after the game started, which is unusual for such events.
- The Alouettes faced the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a Canadian Football League (CFL) match.
- Fans reported heavy traffic and lengthy delays. Sarah Gomis, a die-hard Alouettes fan, mentioned using Lyft for transportation.
- Nathalie Leclerc noted significant delays while using a taxi after parking at Viau station.
Alternative Transportation Options
Despite the chaos, some fans found solutions. Guillaume Charon and Alexandre Di Pisa traveled using the REM, a commuter train service. They were grateful for this option and noted they would not have driven downtown otherwise.
Others adjusted their travel plans, opting for cars instead of public transit to attend the Alouettes game, followed by the Canadiens later that evening. Fans generally indicated they were less affected by the transportation strike compared to those residing in Montreal.
Venue Conditions and Attendance
At the Centre Bell, conditions were relatively smooth. A logistic manager reported successful traffic management, including designated drop-off zones for taxis and Ubers. The police were present to facilitate better flow in surrounding areas.
- Seven upcoming events at the Centre Bell will be impacted due to limited public transit.
- The venue remained almost full, with most upper-level seats occupied.
In other locations, like Côte-des-Neiges, attendance for the Carabins’ playoff match was lower than usual, with only 3,605 fans present. This number contrasted sharply with previous games that had drawn crowds of 5,100. Similarly, the Roses drew 2,377 fans, under their seasonal average of 3,700.
Mixed Reactions to Transportation Disruptions
While many faced inconveniences, some fans turned the situation into an opportunity. Aimée Michaud-Morin received a last-minute ticket due to a friend’s cancellation, which occurred because of the transit strikes. Without the strike, she would likely not have had access to those seats.
Overall, the public transit strike in Montreal significantly affected sports enthusiasts, impacting attendance and creating logistical challenges while also prompting some fans to explore alternative travel options.
