‘Step closer to normalcy’: Musicians slowly return to Montreal metro, to delight of riders

At least one thing about the metro commute for Montrealers is slowly getting back to pre-pandemic levels: the return of musicians.

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) got the green light from public-health authorities to allow artists to perform at authorized locations while keeping COVID-19 safety protocols in place for riders and employees.

That means the world to musicians like Simon Blais.

“Everybody try to make a happy ending to that situation, and it’s something happy,” said Blais. “So for me, I’m really happy to come back.”

Other than getting permission from health officials, the STM also needed a high enough metro ridership to make the return of musicians a success. They are now at 56 per cent of pre-pandemic ridership levels – roughly 557,000 daily trips.

“It’s amazing that people want to share,” said Blais. “Even if sometimes it’s a nickel, whatever, it’s like they are happy with you.”

Credit: CITYNEWS/Pamela Pagano

The STM told CityNews they conducted a survey where most customers had a favourable view on the possible return of musicians. They have been making a gradual return since Nov. 29.

“I’m really happy that they’re back in the metro because I feel like it brings this atmosphere to the metro that was lacking during the pandemic,” said metro rider Guzal Riskulova. “It was very gloomy during the pandemic. But now, it’s kind of more like, I don’t know, heartwarming in a sense.”

Even before the pandemic, performances in the public transit network were only allowed at designated locations. Five spots are currently open: three at Berri-UQAM station, one at Guy Concordia and one at Jean Talon.

As of Dec. 13, another five spots will be added.

“Even if it’s background noise, it’s very nice to hear it,” said metro user Cassandra Giron Hernandez. “It’s nice to see people doing the things they like, and it’s the smallest thing but it’s like a step closer to normalcy.”

Safety measures are in place for artists, like wearing a mask even while singing, unless playing a wind instrument.

The STM developed an online platform for the musicians to book their spaces and timeslots. One hundred and 66 musicians are already registered. The STM estimates 200 artists performed in the metro before the pandemic.

Credit: CITYNEWS/Pamela Pagano