Montreal bids farewell to MR-63 rail cars

The Societe de transport de Montreal (STM) last week marked the final day of service for its original MR-63 train.

The train's builders took their last ride aboard the train on the Blue Line on June 21. The Mr-63 cars also ran on each line in the system during the morning and evening rush hours, agency officials said in a press release.

Built by manufacturer Canadian Vickers in the 1960s, the MR-63 units have been gradually phased out of service as STM takes delivery of new Azur cars.

The MR-63 units' parts are being reused, with some cars fully dismantled and recycled and others repurposed for special projects.

The rail cars were part of a 369-unit order designed by Jacques S. Guillon & Associates in 1963.

"The MR-63 is an original and authentic product of successful contemporary industrial design: pleasant, comfortable, efficient and durable cars, and much more," said architect and urbanist Guy Legault, adding that the units marked a "breakthrough in the wall of conformism of the time."