The Montreal Metro system has implemented a ban on loitering that will remain in effect until at least April 30, 2027. This decision is meant to address the ongoing issue of homelessness within the subway system. The Montreal Transit Corporation (STM) claims that this regulation has positively impacted the safety and security of its passengers. However, homeless outreach organizations argue that their resources are being strained as a result.
Background of the Loitering Ban
The prohibition against loitering in the Montreal Metro has been in place since March 2025. The original intention was to curb the growing number of homeless individuals sleeping on subway platforms and in corridors. Under the current regulation, transportation officers can request that individuals leave the Metro without needing to witness a criminal act.
Impact on Safety and Service
The STM reported that the enforcement of this loitering ban has significantly reduced service interruptions. In a monthly report, it stated that such interventions occur approximately 2,500 times. Between November 2025 and March 2026, instances of service stoppages lasting five minutes or longer due to vandalism decreased by 22% compared to the previous year.
Furthermore, the STM noted a 36% decline in the number of people that needed to be escorted out of the Metro when it closed. Incidents involving transit officers dealing with disruptive behavior also saw a slight drop of 2%.
Community Concerns
Despite these statistics, the loitering ban faces significant criticism. Community aid workers indicate that the distress among homeless individuals has intensified since the policy’s implementation. Andrew Marrocco, director of the Mission St-Michael, highlighted that during the colder months, the lack of winter tolerance exacerbates the hardships faced by these individuals.
Calls for Alternatives
- Over 180 people were accommodated in a single day at Mission St-Michael, exceeding their capacity of 60.
- Critics from the Montreal Help Network for Single Persons and the Homeless (RAPSIM) emphasized that individuals are expelled from the Metro without being given realistic alternatives.
- The ban has led to a cycle of displacement without addressing the fundamental question: where should these individuals go?
Official Responses and Safety Measures
Aref Salem, the chairman of STM, acknowledged that the loitering ban cannot be the only solution. He confirmed that it is part of a broader strategy to bolster safety within the Metro system. The administration has committed to collaborate with STM and community organizations to assist homeless individuals.
In early April, the STM also shuttered several subway entrances to manage issues related to homelessness and public disturbances. They introduced a text messaging service for riders to report misconduct and increased surveillance in multiple stations. Currently, only 52% of users feel safe while using the Metro, a drop from 62% two years ago.
Statistics on Homelessness in Quebec
As of now, over 12,000 individuals are homeless in Quebec, marking a 20% increase since October 2022. Montreal remains the most affected area, with 230 homeless individuals per 100,000 residents, an increase of 6.7%. In contrast, rural regions have witnessed an even sharper rise, averaging a 30% increase in homelessness.
This situation highlights the pressing need for comprehensive measures that ensure the safety of all individuals, both users of the Metro and those experiencing homelessness.
