The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) announced a partnership with a Montreal‑based startup to introduce artificial intelligence into the surveillance system of two metro stations. The new AI tool will scan live video feeds to flag individuals who appear to be loitering, allowing station staff to act more quickly and close stations when necessary.
The collaboration, revealed on Friday, September 4, 2026, focuses on applying machine‑learning algorithms to existing camera footage. By automatically highlighting suspicious lingering, the technology is intended to reduce the time it takes for operators to identify potential safety concerns and initiate station shutdowns. The STM said the aim is to improve both passenger safety and overall operational efficiency across the network.
While the specific stations involved have not been disclosed, the pilot will run in two locations as a test of the system’s reliability. The startup, founded in Montreal, supplied the software that processes video streams in real time, detecting patterns that suggest loitering behavior. When the AI flags a possible issue, an alert is sent to control rooms, where staff can verify the situation and decide whether to suspend service.
The STM’s move reflects a broader trend of transit agencies turning to advanced analytics to manage crowded urban environments. By leveraging AI, the agency hopes to shorten response times and minimize disruptions caused by security incidents. The partnership also underscores the city’s growing ecosystem of tech startups contributing to public‑sector projects.
Officials emphasized that the AI solution complements, rather than replaces, human oversight. Trained operators will still review flagged footage before any action is taken, ensuring that decisions are based on both automated detection and professional judgment. The STM plans to assess the pilot’s performance before considering expansion to additional stations.
The initiative represents an effort to modernize the metro’s safety protocols while maintaining smooth service for commuters throughout Montreal.