Montreal ensemble criticizes STM plan aimed at appeasing metro users

The Montreal ensemble does not believe that the Société de Transport de Montréal's (STM) plan to concentrate part of its workforce in ten problematic metro stations will really convince users. “We are undressing Paul to dress Pierre,” says opposition leader Aref Salem, who instead proposes increasing the number of special constables and creating a helpline system by phone or text so customers can get quick help in the event of an incident. about the emergency.

The STM confirmed on Wednesday that it will increase the visibility of special constables and security ambassadors at certain metro stations to counter feelings of distrust among users following several violent incidents. The tenth was assigned to Jollette, Papineau, Baudry, Frontenac, Lionel-Groulks, Atwater, Bonaventure, Jarry, Jean-Talon, Mont-Royal.

The plan, called Reliability, will see a special constable paired with two security ambassadors to ensure presence from morning until stations close. The STM is not adding staff but is asking its special constables to work overtime. However, STM does not know how much this measure will cost.

“This year at STM, we cut 232 positions and created 60 safety and sanitation positions,” recalled STM Board Chairman Eric Alan Caldwell. “But we shouldn't talk to ourselves. Our network is at the bottom of the problem. If we don't address the issues of housing, clinical supervision, mental health and substance abuse, people will take refuge in the subway when they can't find a place elsewhere. »

“False Advertising”

Aref Salem called this plan a “false announcement”. He said the STM and the city of Montreal must do more to counter the sense of insecurity felt by metro users. The measures proposed by the Montreal Ensemble propose to increase the number of special constables to 230, in addition to creating an assistance service. The STM currently has 160 special constables, but 20 extra constables and another 20 staff will be deployed by the summer. will be in training next fall.

“We cannot ask police officers to work overtime. There will be professional fatigue, says Aref Salem. These people don't work behind a desk. They come in contact with vulnerable people. »

He said the STM should also improve station lighting – which it has already undertaken – staff all subway ticket offices and install toilets outside stations for the vulnerable population.

Aref Salem fears that if the metro is not user-friendly, public transport will decrease. “It's a no-brainer for Papineau to say that if we're not safe, fewer people will use public transit. »

Neither the STM nor Aref Salem believe that arming special constables with firearms or stun guns, as proposed by the Brotherhood of Constables and STM peace agents, is justified. “It's not planned and it's not needed,” said Jocelyn Latulippe, STM's director of security and fire safety. “We're in an overcrowded situation with mental health issues. Yes, it causes aggression, but we are not at that level. »

Asked about the STM's tolerance of homeless people or people under the influence of drugs or alcohol in stations, a source of safety for users, Mr. Latulippe explained that loitering is not prohibited on the subway, but staff are. intervention in cases of indecency or mischief.

The STM plan is due to undergo changes in May due to the summer season.

Although he called for more hiring, STM Brotherhood of Constables and Peace Officers president Kevin Grenier welcomed the employer's proposed plan. ” That's a good idea. It will certainly have a short-term effect, but I'm afraid it won't be part of the long-term plan. Security 365 days a year. »

Mr. Grenier also says he is concerned about burnout, which could affect his troops in the long run.

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