Melançon: Time to make public safety a priority in our métro and streets

I was on the métro last Thursday when a man stepped onto the train, sat down, pulled out a cigarette and lit it up.

Just like that — as if it were normal behaviour in a crowded public space like Montreal’s métro.

On its own, the incident may sound trivial. But it speaks volumes about how some people no longer feel bound by basic rules.

Why? Because they know the odds of facing consequences for their actions are slim to none.

I’m a frequent rider of Montreal’s public transit. Like many commuters, I’ve witnessed a troubling rise in mischiefs and incidents over the past few years.

Drug use, overdoses, crises, shouting, fights — the list goes on. Compared to that, lighting a cigarette almost feels like nothing.

And every time I witness something like this, the same question comes to mind