COVID-19 – The STM remains vigilant

Press release

The STM wants to remind everyone that the métro and bus networks remain open and are operating normally. The risk of transmission on public transit remains low.

Following the announcement regarding the City of Montréal’s decision to close its public places, the STM wants to remind everyone that the métro and bus networks remain open and are operating normally. The risk of transmission on public transit remains low.

In accordance with the recommendations of authorities issued today, the STM is requesting, whenever possible, that its customers ask for greater flexibility from their employers in organizing work schedules to allow trips to take place outside of peak periods. It is important that anyone experiencing symptoms contact 1 877 644-4545 and avoid using public transit. Frequent handwashing and cough etiquette are the best individual protection strategies.

Increased cleaning
As a precaution, the STM has reviewed and accelerated its cleaning procedures, ensuring increased cleaning frequency of trains, buses (including paratransit vehicles) and stations. The following new measures have been implemented:

  • Daily cleaning of the most used surfaces in stations (e.g., handrails, fare vending machines, elevators)
  • Daily cleaning of grab rails and poles on trains in operation 
  • Disinfection of poles, straps and handles on buses, with dedicated resources at each bus garage and on all shifts (day, evening, night)

A special page regarding COVID-19 is available on our website (stm.info/coronavirus), and the SIRTA system for paratransit users also specifies the measures in place.

Measures for employees
Employees are asked to follow the same health protection guidelines as customers. The STM will also distribute individual disinfecting solutions to its employees in close contact with the public. Moreover, the STM is requesting that large staff meetings be avoided as much as possible. Large internal corporate events are cancelled until further notice. Also, the STM is prohibiting all business and personal travel outside Quebec.

Teamwork
The STM is taking the situation seriously. It continues to work closely with Quebec public health authorities and is actively taking part in the City of Montréal’s civil security CCMU. The STM is urging customers to follow the applicable prevention measures and to work with it in an effort to deal with the situation.

Photos of cleaning operations

Download all photos in high-resolution (Credit : Julien Perron-Gagne)