STM delays prompt class action lawsuit

A class-action lawsuit has been filed with the Quebec Superior Court against the STM for delays and service interruptions.

The lawsuit seeks compensation for pass holders who've been inconveniencedby service delays.

A refund of15 per cent is being sought onthe fees paid on monthly and annual passes since March 1, 2014.

The principle plaintiff in the lawsuit is MarionCroteau, a Metro user who usestheBlue and Orange lines at least 10 times per week.

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She wants compensation for the impact frequent delayshave had on her life.

The law firm representing Croteau, Legal Logik, stated that the damages sought, multiplied by the number of public transit users affected, could mean that the STM will have to reimburse tens of millions of dollars.

"The STM's repeated delays can have serious consequences on users' personal and professional lives and when a service is unreliable the user should be able to obtain compensation," says Legal Logik attorney Michael Simkin.

At this stage, they are still seeking approval by the courts for the class action lawsuit to move forward.

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Users divided on service

Metro and users are divided as to whether the service interruptionsare severe enough to warrant a partial refund on passes.

Gabriel Olivieri said that he's been in Montreal for a year and half and thinks the Metro service isfine.

"I'm always working onetoninebut I never experienced any bad delay," he said.

CatherineMonteirodistributes the24Heuresnewspaper outside a Metro station.

She said Metro delays often leave her acting like an impromptu STM information agent.

"Last time[a delay]happened I asked if someone could come up because I couldn't give out papers and information at the same time," she said.

She said the situation is often stressful and frustrating, especially when delays hit in the morning rush.

"It gets congested,and people are pushing to get in and one time there was almost a fight because there was no space."

MichelMnard said the Metrohas hadsome problems lately which inconveniencepassengers.

"[The lawsuit's] a good idea," he said, adding that he would take part in it.

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