Relief for commuters as washroom restrictions lifted at station

Some transit users are probably relieved that the region’s train authority reversed course on restricting access to the washroom at the Lucien L’Allier station.

Last week, Exo came under fire for a new policy to lock its washrooms at the downtown station to all but monthly OPUS pass holders. A sign near the door told people they needed to fill out an online form, type in the numbers on the backs of their passes and then wait up to five business days before being granted access.

Exo spokesperson Louis-André Bertrand told the Montreal Gazette that the train authority closed the washroom in July at the behest of CP, which owns the building. CP had complained of rampant drug trafficking, discarded needles and prostitution.

However, after several news reports highlighted the issue last week, the train authority reversed course.

On Friday, unfettered access was granted to the washroom, and Bertrand said Monday the washroom will remain open indefinitely.

A security guard hired by Exo will be stationed outside the facility in hopes of preventing illegal activity.

CP and Exo are working to come up with a permanent solution to the washroom access problem, Bertrand said.

The decision to close the washroom was criticized by a patients’ rights group that advocates for better access to washrooms.

Jason Singh, a spokesperson for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, said people with illnesses, pregnant women and young children often need urgent access to a washroom.

He called Exo’s decision to restrict access “disappointing.”

“Washroom access at the time of need has to be available,” Singh said, adding that people often avoid public transit because they worry about finding a washroom.

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada has developed a mobile app called GoHere that is free to download and maps out the nearest public washrooms to allow people to better plan their outings, Singh said.