Physical and verbal violence against Montreal’s STM employees increases

Violence against Montreal public transit workers is on the rise. This according to recent information provided to La Presse by the STM.

At least 348 attacks – especially against bus drivers and special constables – were recorded last year, an increase of six per cent compared to 2022. And among some public transit users, feelings of insecurity are also increasing.

Montreal’s public transit agency says that is just the tip of the iceberg, since this data only represents assaults recognized by the Criminal Code, such as assaults, threats, and harassment. Verbal attacks have also increased drastically.

Three-quarters of the reports concern bus drivers and special constables who are often subjected to violence while trying to de-escalate situations taking place in and around metro stations with cases involving homelessness and drug addiction.

Berri-UQAM station generates the most cases, around 30 per year for the past two years, with Jean-Talon and Joliette following, a distant second and third place.

These incidents have been increasing even though ridership is only 80 per cent of what it was before the pandemic, indicating that mental health issues are a concern after three years of a global pandemic.

The situation is so concerning that the STM will soon launch an awareness campaign to ask customers to respect its staff and remember that they are dealing with human beings.

The campaign will be launched on April 15, but the STM will not give any details until it is presented to its employees in the week of April 8.