Montreal, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is now on the cusp of a transportation revolution with the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM). This groundbreaking project is set to redefine how residents and visitors traverse the metropolis. With an extensive network spanning 67 kilometers, the REM is poised to become the longest automated metro system in the world.
The REM is an ambitious initiative that aims to connect various regions of Greater Montreal, including the North Shore, South Shore, West Island, and the airport. It comprises 26 universally accessible stations, making it an inclusive and convenient transportation solution for all. By operating 20 hours a day, seven days a week, the REM will accommodate over 170,000 passengers daily. Presently, the South Shore branch, spanning five stations, already serves 30,000 commuters.
Beyond the transportation benefits, the REM has created over 1,000 permanent jobs and has stimulated economic and real estate development along the network. During its construction phase, the project contributed $3.7 billion to the GDP and generated 34,000 jobs, further underscoring its economic significance.
Historic Milestones
The REM stands as Quebec’s first fully automated metro line, setting a new standard for modern transportation systems.
The two years leading up to the REM’s South Shore branch opening were filled with crucial preparations. Major infrastructure work, testing of cars and systems, and the electrification of the branch were among the milestones achieved. The final phase involved simulating future services, ensuring that the REM was ready to deliver a reliable and efficient commuting experience. Completion of the 16.6 km South Shore branch, the successful crossing of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge, and intensive testing during three consecutive winters were integral steps in this process.
The REM’s journey to its official launch was a monumental feat. The inaugural segment opened July 31, connecting Brossard station on the South Shore to Gare Centrale Station in downtown Montreal. The event was not just historic; it was also an emotional moment for the dedicated teams who had invested years of hard work into the project. The inaugural ceremony marked the beginning of a festive weekend during which 120,000 riders explored the new network, signaling the overwhelming response and success of the initiative.
The inauguration of the REM saw a notable gathering of dignitaries, with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, François Legault, Premier of Québec, and Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal, among those in attendance. Dignitaries and members of the public joined in the first official trip, traveling along the 16.6-km route that connects downtown Montreal to Brossard in a mere 18 minutes.
“The REM will transform the way people get around the Greater Montréal area,” says Prime Minister Trudeau at the occasion. “It is the largest public transportation project undertaken in Québec in the last 50 years, and will ensure that Montrealers and all Canadians benefit from a transportation service to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport that is both efficient and clean. We are a major partner in this major project.”
Shaping Montreal’s Future
The REM’s impact on Montreal’s future is profound. Once fully completed, the REM will nearly double the existing metro network, expanding it from 71 km to 138 km. This expansion will significantly enhance transport within the metropolitan area, providing faster, more efficient travel options. The West Island and Airport branch will offer swift and direct service to the airport, bypassing traffic, while the South Shore branch, which opened in July, now connects the South Shore to Montreal in just 18 minutes.
The REM’s fully automated and driverless system positions it as a beacon for the future of transportation in Canadian cities. The advanced technology employed, known as the GoA4 system, boasts the highest reliability rates worldwide. This means that the REM’s passengers can enjoy a safe and efficient commuting experience, thanks to 24/7 monitoring and control from a central control center.
The REM has a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The project follows a “avoid, minimize, compensate” approach to environmental impacts. This includes adjustments to the route, efforts to minimize consequences, and concrete measures to compensate for environmental impacts. The REM aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging public transportation usage and aims to cut emissions by 2.5 million tons over its 25 years of operation. A partnership with Jour de la Terre will see 250,000 trees planted to offset emissions generated during construction.
Montreal citizens are now offered an efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly mode of commuting that will positively impact the city and the entire province of Quebec. For those involved in the REM, being part of this legacy infrastructure project is a source of pride and accomplishment. The REM team is dedicated to transforming the way citizens move around Greater Montreal for decades to come, with a relentless focus on offering a fast and reliable transportation network that provides an exceptional user experience.
For more information, please visit www.rem.info
