Travel Advisory

We look forward to welcoming you to Montreal later this week. As we prepare for our annual meeting, we want to make you aware of several transportation issues that are likely to complicate your travel.

First, the US Federal Aviation Administration recently ordered airlines to reduce their total number of flights over the next week. This will cause widespread cancellations and delays. Likewise, staffing shortages for air traffic controllers could further reduce the number of flights airports are able to safely maintain.

Second, Syndicat du transport de Montréal (maintenance employees) is in the midst of a month-long strike, which will continue until November 28, unless an agreement is reached. This means public transportation is operating on a limited schedule (Metro operating only between 6:30am-9:30am, 2:45pm-5:45pm, and 11pm-close and buses operating only between 6:15am-9:15am, 3pm-6pm, and 11:15pm-1:15am). Furthermore, the Syndicat des chauffeurs, des opérateurs et des agents de station (bus drivers, Metro operators, and station agents) has filed a strike notice for November 15 and 16, which would shut down all Metro and bus service on those dates.

The Société de Transport de Montréal is hoping to reach an agreement before November 15, however, we should be prepared in the event public transportation is not available. Private transportation options like taxis or popular ride share apps will still be available. The Téo Taxi app can be used to order a regular taxi, though be aware the prices provided are estimates. You can find information on getting a taxi from the airport here. Please note, there is a fixed rate for taxis between the airport and downtown (between 5am-11pm - $49.45 and between 11pm and 5am - $56.70).  

To assist with the issues posed by the Montreal transit strike, the NACBS is taking the following steps: 1) organizing a shuttle for Sunday, November 16 to help with airport transfers (more below), and 2) setting up a Google Doc where attendees can find and coordinate rideshares and carpools throughout the conference. You can find the shared google doc here.

The NACBS has arranged for a shuttle to make several trips from the Delta Hotel to the Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL) on Sunday November 16. Attendees must sign-up in advance to secure a spot, and we are requesting payment of $10 USD each to defray the cost of arranging this transportation. Shuttle will depart on November 16 at the following times: 8:15am, 9:30am, 10:45am, 12pm, 1:15pm, 2:30pm and 3:45pm. Each trip can accommodate up to 25 passengers. You can register for a spot here. If you are unable to secure a spot because that time slot is full, please email digital@nacbs.org. If there is enough demand, we will try to secure an additional shuttle.

These circumstances are far from ideal, but also far beyond our control. We ask for your patience as we adapt to these challenges.