It’s official: originally expected to be completed in 2023, and then pushed back to 2024, the completion of the REM—linking Montreal's West Island and the North Shore to downtown—has been delayed again.
In more high speed train news, the Caisse de Dépôt is now aiming to launch the Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme branches of the REM by fall 2025.
The complexity of work in the Mont-Royal tunnel is a key factor behind the delays.
Specifically, the deterioration of the tunnel structure under McGill College Avenue, and unexpected detonation of century-old explosives, has contributed to significant delays.
When will REM train services be interrupted?
Testing for the new branches will also cause service interruptions on the current line from downtown Montreal to Brossard in the coming months.
Service to the South Shore will be suspended on some weekends in January and February, and on select weeknights in April.
Planned service interruptions starting in January, 2025, will include:
Saturday: Closure of the network at 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: Opening of the network at noon
When will REM train services be shut down?
In February and March, 2025, a complete closure of the network will occur on Saturdays and Sundays.
From April through the summer, the network will close at 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and a complete closure on Saturdays and Sundays.
Will a bus service be provided?
A temporary bus shuttle service will provide travel to riders during service interruptions, with costs covered by CDPQ Infra.
What is it like to take the REM?
We took the REM to the opening of a new tiki bar that serves some of the best cocktails around:
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For more information about the REM, click here.
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