Attacks, splashes of blood, syringes used, people who behave like zombies: a horror film seems less scary than the Montreal metro.
Several physical attacks have occurred in the Montreal metro in recent weeks and unfortunately, it does not surprise me that it has come to this.
I’ve been taking the metro for 10 years and I’ve never felt less safe than now in 2024.
Too much paid
I think of all those victims who have developed trauma and who have to live with fear in their stomachs and who, often, have to pay out of their own pockets to get the necessary psychological help.
I think of all those women who do not feel safe taking the metro in the evening or at night and who also have to pay substantial amounts to compensate for the lack of security by taking a taxi, for example.
When the necessary money is not invested to ensure the safety of metro users, it is the latter who pay the price.
Need a game plan
For me to start taking the metro regularly again, some things would have to change.
I think there should be one or two security guards at each of the entrance doors to metro stations. With the right tools, these people constantly on the ground could offer adequate help to people who need it and could, I think, prevent many unfortunate situations.
Also, a metro train car identified as being safer with a security guard permanently inside could help people feel safer.
Finally, it would reassure me to know that street workers and the organizations for which these people work have all the resources they need to offer help and resources to the people who need it.