STM implements new measures to enhance security across metro network

Credit: Société de transport de Montréal

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has announced new measures to address security and maintenance issues on its public transit system, in order to enhance the travel and work experience for its customers and employees.

“Although the Montréal metro is safe, we must act in the face of social issues that are increasingly present on our network,” said Marie-Claude Léonard, CEO of STM. “These measures are designed to increase the visibility of staff, keep stations clean, adequately protect critical locations and strengthen the STM’s ability to intervene. To this end, in addition to increasing the number of staff in key positions, we are thinking outside the box and creating a new team of safety ambassadors, a first in the history of the Montréal metro.”

Inspired by successful programmes in major North American networks, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco and Philadelphia, STM will create a team of around 20 safety ambassadors. These ambassadors will receive 80 hours of specialised training to handle various situations, including identifying safety issues, supporting major events and providing customer assistance. They will wear a distinctive uniform and be present on the metro network starting in Summer 2023 to offer guidance, assistance and tailored support to customers and employees.

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In addition, STM will increase the number of special constables, who play a crucial role in ensuring a safe and pleasant travel experience. The agency plans to add around 20 more constables through new cohorts in 2023 and 2024. This increase in personnel will allow STM to have a stronger presence in key areas and improve its ability to intervene across the network in collaboration with the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).

Furthermore, STM will also address the impact on custodial employees responsible for station cleanliness. Around 20 new positions will be filled to update the methods and routines used for cleaning metro stations. With the increased presence of special constables and additional staff, custodial employees will be able to perform their duties more efficiently, particularly in problematic stations downtown during the day, evenings and weekends.

The agency has also been actively working on measures to support vulnerable people and promote peaceful co-existence as part of its winter plan. In recent months, STM has made targeted improvements, such as increasing the number of constables in problem areas like Berri-UQAM and installing network-wide surveillance cameras to enhance monitoring.