Montreal

Montreal transit users with disabilities file human-rights complaint

Montreal's transit system is being accused of systemic discrimination against users with physical disabilities.
A group of disabled people has filed complaints with the Quebec Human Rights Commission over accessibility to Montreal's public transit system. (CBC)

Montreal's transit system is being accused of systemic discrimination against users with physical disabilities.

Some frustrated passengers are filing a complaint with the province's human-rights tribunal and are demanding a clear plan to improve public transit access for all Montrealers.

The group of 11 complainants says that, under a transport plan adopted in 2008, three metro stations per year were supposed to have been renovated for easier access.

But so far, only four have been converted — leaving the project far behind schedule.

Complainant Laurence Parent says she believes it's time to speak out about Montreal's public transit accessibility "because it's a political" issue.

The group is encouraging all fellow citizens to join in its fight.

The human-rights complaint also asks for $20,000 in damages per complainant.