The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) launched a trial in September 2026 that uses artificial intelligence to identify passengers who loiter on subway platforms.
The pilot program deploys AI‑driven video analysis across selected stations, scanning platform activity to flag individuals lingering without a public service announcement.
STM spokesperson Catherine Dupont‑Gagnon explained that the technology is intended to help the agency detect behavior that could indicate safety or security concerns, including potential cyber‑crime activity.
The initiative has prompted discussion about privacy and the ethical limits of surveillance, with observers noting that the system operates without prior public notice of its presence.
Montreal’s transit authority, which oversees the city’s extensive subway network, has not disclosed the full scope of the AI deployment, leaving details of data handling and retention unclear.
Critics argue that continuous monitoring of passengers raises questions about how personal information is collected, stored, and used, while the STM maintains that the trial is a precautionary measure.
The agency says the test will be evaluated for effectiveness and compliance with existing privacy regulations before any broader implementation is considered.
As the pilot proceeds, the STM has indicated that results will inform future decisions on whether AI surveillance becomes a permanent feature of Montreal’s subway system.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some commuters expressing concern over constant monitoring while others welcome measures aimed at improving security on the network.