Safety in Montreal’s metros has become increasingly at risk as new data shows that the number of physical assaults has reached a record high in 2025.
Data from the Montreal police (SPVM) show assaults climbed to 726 incidents in 2025, the highest level recorded in the past six years and a sharp increase from 631 in 2024 and 652 in 2023.
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Overall violent events in the metro system also rose, with total police interventions reaching 859 in 2025, up from 811 the previous year. The spike comes despite slight declines in other crime categories. Reported robberies dropped to 85 in 2025 from 122 in 2024, while sexual offences fell to 47 from 58. There was one attempted murder reported in 2025, compared with none the year before.
Police say the rise in assaults was particularly noticeable at the beginning of 2025. In response, authorities doubled police operations in the metro network targeting drug-related activity, which they believe is linked to the increase in violence.
In June 2025, the STM made permanent a ban on loitering in metro stations following a six-week pilot project. The transit agency said the measure led to a greater sense of safety among riders and a drop in crime during the trial period.
