The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has launched a trial of artificial‑intelligence software designed to identify passengers who appear to be loitering on subway platforms. The initiative began without a public announcement and is being overseen by STM official Catherine Dupont-Gagnon.
The AI system monitors platform activity and flags individuals who meet criteria associated with loitering behavior. When the software detects a potential case, it generates an alert for further review by transit staff. The trial aims to assess the technology's effectiveness in maintaining safety and order within the metro system.
The lack of prior notice about the experiment has drawn attention from experts in cyber‑crime prevention, who have expressed ethical concerns. The expert highlighted issues related to privacy, the potential for bias in algorithmic decisions, and the broader implications of deploying surveillance technology in public spaces without transparent communication to riders.
STM representatives have indicated that the trial is a preliminary step to evaluate whether AI can support existing security measures. The agency has not released detailed information about the software's technical specifications, the criteria used to define loitering, or the duration of the test period.
Public reaction to the unannounced rollout remains limited, as the STM has not issued statements addressing the concerns raised by the cyber‑crime expert. The agency’s approach reflects a growing trend among transit operators to explore advanced technologies for crowd management, though it also underscores ongoing debates about balancing safety initiatives with civil liberties.
As the trial proceeds, the STM is expected to gather data on the system's performance and its impact on passenger experience. The outcome may inform future decisions about broader implementation of AI surveillance tools across Montreal's public‑transport network.