Montreal authorities and the city’s newly elected mayor are taking action to address rising safety concerns on the public bus and Metro systems in response to data indicating an increase in transit-related assaults in major Canadian urban areas. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada highlighted the multifaceted nature of safety issues in the city, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions.
Recent analysis by CBC News revealed a doubling in reported assault incidents on transit in eight of Canada’s largest census metropolitan areas between 2016 and 2024, including Montreal. While transit-related violent crime rates peaked in 2023 in several cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge, there was a slight decrease in 2024, although rates still surpass those from a decade ago.
Mayor Martinez Ferrada acknowledged the sentiment of insecurity among residents, despite not significant numerical increases. She outlined plans to enhance Metro security by increasing the presence of constables but stressed the need to address broader issues such as homelessness and drug-related challenges affecting the city streets.
The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) expressed concerns over the social context impacting public transit, exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to increased instances of substance use, loitering, misconduct, and vandalism in transit facilities. To address safety and operational challenges, the STM reinstated a policy on June 18 requiring individuals to maintain movement within stations, providing constables with a tool to manage unwanted behaviors effectively.
Furthermore, the STM is implementing various safety measures for the well-being of employees and passengers, including a text messaging service for non-urgent safety concerns. The network is monitored by approximately 180 special constables, 30 safety ambassadors, and over 2,500 cameras for real-time surveillance in critical areas, enhancing overall security within the Metro system.