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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/a-staircase-within-montmorency-metro-station.jpg?id=57162010&width=1200&height=400&coordinates=0%2C112%2C0%2C112"/><br/><br/><p>If you regularly take the Montreal metro, you might notice some changes (and possible detours) over the next few weeks.</p><p>On Thursday, the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/stm-montreal" target="_blank">Société de transport de Montréal (STM)</a> announced new temporary measures to improve <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/stm-montreal-safety" target="_blank">security in the metro,</a> including a ban on loitering and the closure of certain station entrances.</p><p>These changes, in effect until April 30, come in response to a growing sense of insecurity among riders and employees.</p><blockquote class="rm-embed twitter-tweet" data-partner="rebelmouse" data-twitter-tweet-id="1900240133384802688">
<div style="margin:1em 0"></div> — (@) <a href="https://twitter.com/stm_nouvelles/status/1900240133384802688"></a>
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<h2>Why is this happening?</h2><div>Back in February, the STM published a lengthy <a href="https://www.stm.info/en/press/press-releases/2025/stm-testifies-on-the-impact-of-the-homelessness-crisis-on-its-mission" target="_blank">memo</a> regarding a sharp uptick in crime and violent incidents within metro stations. The transit system published the stats as an open letter to the <a href="https://ocpm.qc.ca/fr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Office de Consultation Publique de Montréal (OCPM)</a>, pushing for immediate government intervention before things get worse.</div><p>According to the STM, reports of disruptive behaviour in the metro system jumped by 40% in a year, from 14,540 incidents in 2022 to over 26,000 in 2024. </p><p>Officials say the homelessness crisis has put additional strain on the transit system, but the metro “cannot be a last-resort refuge” for those in need.</p><h2><span></span>What's changing?</h2> <p>To address concerns about safety, crime, and cleanliness, the STM is implementing the following measures:</p><p><strong>Loitering ban</strong> – Riders must keep moving inside STM facilities. Special constables will have more authority to intervene when people occupy metro spaces without the intent to travel.</p><p><strong>Closure of four metro entrances</strong> – Certain access points at Place-des-Arts, Atwater, Square-Victoria-OACI, and De Castelnau stations will be temporarily shut. Officials say these locations have been identified as trouble spots due to safety concerns like criminal activity and large gatherings.</p><p><strong>Increased police presence</strong> – The SPVM will deploy more officers in metro stations, especially downtown, to combat drug-related incidents and support STM security teams.</p><p><strong>Fenced-off areas in nine stations</strong> – Charlevoix, Peel, Place-des-Arts, Beaudry, Pie-IX, Bonaventure, Place d'Armes, D'Iberville, and Côte-Vertu will see new barriers and partitions to limit disorderly behaviour and make cleaning easier.</p><p><strong>Extended homeless shelters</strong> – The City of Montreal is keeping its winter warming shelters open until the end of April to provide alternatives for people seeking shelter in the metro.</p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
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