Once completed in 2025-2026, the REM network will span 67 kilometres / 41 miles of track and feature 26 stations, connecting the city of Montreal to its suburbs and surrounding communities. Right now, the first section, with 5 stations, goes across the Saint Lawrence River, linking downtown Montreal with Brossard on the South Shore.

The REM is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Canada, with a budget of over $9.4 billion. The project involves the construction of new tracks, stations, and infrastructure, as well as the integration of existing rail lines and transit systems.

The REM trains, manufactured by the French company Alstom, are designed to provide frequent and reliable service, with 4-car trains running every 3 minutes during peak hours. 

The system has some cool safety features. All stations are equipped with platform screen doors that align with the train doors. These barriers prevent passengers from falling or jumping on the tracks. I guess less important, but as a by-product, these doors help improve air quality in the stations by preventing dust and debris from entering the platform area.

I didn’t see it myself, but the official website of the REM says that the trains are equipped with car capacity indicators, which provide passengers with real-time information about the number of available seats and standing room in each car. I love this feature as it helps make a better decision about which car to board.

The stations are modern, sharp-looking, and functional. They feature large glass surfaces, allowing for an abundance of natural light and providing passengers with a sense of openness and airiness. The platforms are spacious and easy to navigate, with clear signage and digital displays providing passengers with real-time information about train schedules and service alerts. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the REM, and my absolute favourite feature is the stunning views of Montreal and its surroundings. As the train crosses the Champlain Bridge, you will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Saint Lawrence River, the Island of Nuns (Île des Soeurs), and the Montreal skyline, including… Costco. The large front windows of these driverless trains add to the experience.

The initial honeymoon phase of a new project has indeed passed for the REM. As the system entered regular service, inevitably, some operational issues surfaced. However, these issues have been relatively small compared to the problems the Ottawa Confederation Line has faced since its launch in 2019.

While the REM trains are designed to withstand the harsh Canadian winters and are equipped with advanced snow-clearing systems, most operational issues ironically occurred in January 2024 when the mercury dropped below 10-15 degrees Celcius. Ice accumulation on the tracks, especially on the Champlain Bridge, is one of the biggest issues.

Montreal's “obsession" with using gravel instead of salt for street de-icing has led to an unusual problem: gravel accumulation in the train door tracks, which has caused some disruptions to the service.

The construction of the REM caused the permanent shutdown of the Deux-Montagnes commuter train line in 2020 because the REM will use its tunnel in downtown Montreal. As a result, commuters who relied on this line have had to find alternative routes for 5-6 years until the new REM line opens. While the REM clearly promises to improve transit options in the long run, it’s a temporary inconvenience for many people. 

At the forefront of this picture, you can see the old electric Bombardier MR-90 train cars used on the Deux-Montagnes line between 1995 and 2020. At the back is the new Chinese double-decker train CRRC Tangshan built for the commuter service in Great Montreal called the Exo.

For many Montrealers, the REM would provide a convenient and accessible way to visit neighbouring cities and suburbs, such as Brossard, that they may have never had a reason to visit before. 

As the system continues to expand, I'm looking forward to exploring the new sections of the network as they come online in the years to come.