STM users can now text to report safety concerns
Montreal Metro passengers can now flag a safety concern by texting a new phone number launched by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) on Monday.
The number is 1-888-786-1119, and is meant to be used for non-urgent matters.
After receiving a report, employees in a control room will analyze it and assign the appropriate resources from STM safety ambassadors, members of the intervention group known as the Équipe mobile de médiation sociale (ÉMMIS), special constables, Montreal police officers or maintenance workers.
STM control room. (STM)
"This text messaging system will also provide our security teams with more information, enabling them to intervene quickly to defuse situations that could adversely affect the experience of our users," said STM Director General Marie-Claude Léonard in a news release.
The phone line is the latest safety measure in the Metro, joining the red telephone on station platforms and intercoms on trains to reach the operator.
The TTC in Toronto launched a similar texting service for its subway system last year.
More patrols in Metro stations
The STM also says it has increased staff patrols in certain stations.
There has been an increased presence of safety ambassadors and special constables in 13 Metro stations since Nov. 4: Joliette, Frontenac, Papineau, Beaudry, Berri-UQAM, Mont-Royal, Jean-Talon, Place-des-Arts, McGill, Atwater, Lionel-Groulx, Place d'Armes and Bonaventure.
More safety ambassadors and special constables are being deployed at 13 Metro stations. (STM)
The STM says it added a new team of 15 special constables in the field since June, for a total of 180 constables.
About 20 are currently in training and are expected to be deployed in the network by the end of the year, while 14 safety ambassadors undergoing training will be deployed later this month, for a total of 30 ambassadors.
Metro managers sporting yellow vests are also present during morning and evening rush hours.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian
One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger.
A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him
A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls.
Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas
A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada.
Lotto Max jackpot hits $80M for second time ever
The Lotto Max jackpot has climbed to $80 million for just the second time in Canadian lottery history.
'Very disturbing': Deepfake videos appear to target Canadian immigrants for thousands of dollars
Artificially generated videos of a Toronto-based lawyer asking for money appear to be just one way some try to exploit newcomers to Canada during a time of confusion around new immigration rules.
Nova Scotia Tories appear safe with close battle for second between Liberals and NDP
With two days left before Nova Scotians elect their next government, polls suggest Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston's decision to call an early vote will pay off and the real battle will be between the Liberals and NDP for second place.
Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest
Montreal's police chief says he expects more arrests stemming from a Friday anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal.
Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA
Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device.
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theatre debuts
With a combined US$270 million in worldwide ticket sales, 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' breathed fresh life into a box office that has struggled lately.