West Island now connected by the REM
- Service on the new Anse-à-l’Orme branch begins May 18, bringing 64 km of the network’s total 67 km into operation.
- Nearly ten municipalities and boroughs newly connected to the network, supported by STM and exo bus routes.
- Inaugural weekend on May 16 and 17 for users of this high-frequency transit network in Montréal’s West Island.
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) will reach another major milestone this Monday, May 18, with the commissioning of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch, marking the arrival of the REM in Montréal’s West Island.
With this extension, the REM becomes the first high-frequency, high-capacity transit system to serve this part of the island, offering a fast, reliable and integrated option capable of replacing car travel for thousands of daily trips.
The Anse-à-l’Orme branch extends the REM by 14 kilometres and adds four new stations, located in the cities of Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue:
REM map with Des Sources, Fairview–Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Anse-à-l'Orme Stations.
This extension expands REM service to nearly ten additional municipalities and boroughs, in complementarity with STM and exo bus routes, which have been reconfigured to connect to the network, ensuring enhanced intermodality in the West Island. With the addition of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch, the REM stands out for its configuration: a fully automated, light metro system operating at high frequency along a central trunk line and distinct branches.
As part of the inaugural weekend for this new branch on May 16 and 17, CDPQ Infra will provide transit passes allowing West Island users free access to the network from Des Sources, Fairview–Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Anse-à-l’Orme stations, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Access to the network from stations located on the Deux-Montagnes and South Shore branches will remain subject to regular fares.
For more information, please visit the webpages dedicated to this event.
Next milestone: YUL Montréal–Trudeau Airport segment
In the coming weeks, CDPQ Infra, together with its operator Pulsar, will begin the testing phase on the network’s final branch—the airport segment. A first REM ran on this section last December.
Construction is progressing well. Commissioning is scheduled for 2027, subject to the achievement of key milestones throughout the year. It should be noted that construction of the YUL station is the responsibility of Aéroports de Montréal.
Strong ridership for the REM
Since the commissioning of the Deux-Montagnes branch, REM ridership has been strong and steadily increasing:
- 78,000 trips on average per weekday
- A daily peak of 104,000 trips recorded
- An availability rate above 99%
Quotes
“The commissioning of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch marks an important step forward for sustainable mobility in the West Island. By providing frequent, reliable and integrated public transit, the REM meets the real needs of citizens while helping reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. This is a structuring project that aligns fully with Québec’s vision for sustainable mobility.”
— Benoit Charette, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility
“The opening of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch marks another key milestone in the realization of the REM, a large-scale project that will become a defining feature of Greater Montréal. The four new stations in the West Island create opportunities to develop new living environments and new mobility habits. With the airport connection on the horizon, we are close to delivering a complete network that connects communities, facilitates sustainable mobility and generates significant economic benefits for Québec. All of this is done for the benefit of Quebecers, whose savings we invest. This is exactly the kind of impact La Caisse seeks to achieve.”
— Charles Emond, President and Chief Executive Officer, La Caisse
“The commissioning of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch represents a major step forward for mobility in the West Island. Seeing the REM extend into this sector is the result of years of hard work carried out in collaboration with many partners. Day after day, the network demonstrates its ability to provide reliable, high-frequency service that meets citizens’ expectations. We will continue working in this direction, toward an even larger and more impactful network.”
— Daniel Farina, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ Infra
“The opening of the REM’s third line marks continued progress in the delivery of a modern, integrated and transformative transit system for Montréal. The REM is supporting housing, new jobs and economic development along its route and we look forward to the opening of the airport connection still to come.”
— Ehren Cory, Chief Executive Officer, Canada Infrastructure Bank
“The arrival of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch of the REM means more travel options in the West Island, at no additional cost to travellers. For the ARTM and its partners, the priority is for this new service to integrate seamlessly into the broader network from day one. We encourage people to embrace the new REM branch and make the most of it.”
— Benoit Gendron, Chief Executive Officer, Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain
“The commissioning of this new phase of the REM demonstrates our organizations’ ability to deliver complex projects that transform everyday life. By leveraging its infrastructure, its energy, and the expertise of its teams, Hydro‑Québec is proud to have contributed to this major achievement in support of mobility in Montréal and the development of Québec.”
— Claudine Bouchard, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro-Québec
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For more information