The newest line of the Greater Montreal light-rail train officially launched Monday morning, taking passengers along the Réseau express métropolitain’s (REM) 19 stops between Deux-Montagnes and Brossard, 14 of which are new.
Despite morning snow, service ran smoothly, starting at 5:30 a.m. and moving from the North Shore through western Laval into Pierrefonds-Roxboro, through the Mount Royal tunnel into downtown Montreal and finally to the South Shore.
While there were no service interruptions, the Canora and McGill station elevators were out of service.
Passengers can sign up for text alerts for service updates and elevator conditions.
Trains were also available to the public for free throughout the weekend to kick off service.
Offering high-frequency service, the REM is set to eventually operate seven days a week, 20 hours a day, connecting Montreal’s three main Metro lines, the downtown core, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore and Montreal-Trudeau Airport.
Because REM teams are continuing dynamic testing toward the Anse-à-l’Orme station in preparation for the next service launch scheduled for spring 2026, the last REM train heading to Deux-Montagnes in the evening will leave Brossard at 8:30 p.m. and Côte-de-Liesse station at 9 p.m.
Shuttle buses will be available to cover the various routes during the REM closure.
The REM launch is also accompanied by a revamp of local bus networks, aimed at improving service across the region and encouraging new travel habits.
There will also temporarily be free parking spaces at the du Ruisseau, Bois-Franc, Sunnybrooke, Pierrefonds-Roxboro, Île-Bigras, Sainte-Dorothée, Grand-Moulin and Deux-Montagnes stations.
Those spaces will become paid spots at a later date, the timing of which is yet to be disclosed.
‘It’s a revolution’
“We’re very happy. People are showing up. It was a big success this weekend for the opening. Around 250,000 people showed up to try the REM,” said Maxime Laliberté, spokesperson for Pulsar, the new REM operator. “This morning, the system is going well. All the teams are in place and we’re ready to welcome everyone.”
While Pulsar doesn’t have exact numbers of riders available just yet, Laliberté said many people were lining up as of the first train.
“It’s a revolution for people on the North Shore and living in Montreal. Now it’s a major change. It’s a game-changer for people. Now to go from Deux-Montagnes to Gare Centrale, it’s going to take you 37 minutes,” he said.
“Last week it would take you more than an hour with a lot of commutes, a lot of transit, so that’s why we’re very happy. People will save a lot of time.”
‘Absolutely stunning’
Shane Seguin from Ottawa was an eager REM rider on Monday morning.
After attending the inauguration on Friday, he returned to Montreal early Monday morning to check out the system at full capacity.
“Absolutely stunning, just phenomenal. Smooth, quiet, fast, and it goes through the Mont Royal tunnel,” he said.
“It’s automated, and you get a clear view right out of the front of the train when it’s going. Just going through the mountain is like an unbelievable experience. Whizzing by, going through five kilometres of underground tunnel through the mountain of Montreal. Beautiful.”
Fare information
An “All Modes A, AB, ABC, or ABCD” transit pass (depending on the zones you travel in) is required to access the REM.
Passengers can also upgrade a monthly bus pass to an All Modes pass for use on the REM at metropolitan ticket offices, STM counters, and exo sales points by paying the fare difference between the two passes.
REM workers protest
As service on the new line began, REM employees staged a small protest on Saturday against their working conditions.
The employees unionized about six months ago and are preparing to discuss their first collective agreement, but the union said it is already concerned about the upcoming negotiations.
With files from CTV News’ Marisela Amador and The Canadian Press.
