REM operations have been restored after a track problem halted service in all directions between Canora and Côte-de-Liesse stations on Thursday. The interruption started just after 6 a.m., forcing riders travelling between the two stations to use alternative transportation to complete their trips. It wasn’t until just after 1 p.m. that service was finally restored on the network during the partial shutdown. The REM’s operator, Pulsar, said there was a technical issue with the light-rail signaling equipment. “We have to go on the ground to make sure there’s nothing on the rail, because basically, the system is telling us that there’s something in the sections so we have to make sure that’s not the case,” explained spokesperson Maxime Laliberté. That meant people from the West Island who were trying to get downtown were stopped at Côte-de-Liesse station, while commuters heading west from downtown would be stopped at Canora. The REM’s issues during the winter are well known, but this shutdown happened on one of the hottest and muggiest days of the year, causing users to be frustrated. Transit users who spoke to CTV News say they were frustrated with the interruption. “We totally, understand the frustration of users. Of course. And we apologize. We are very sorry for the inconvenience. You know, like any public transit, system, we, occasionally have service disruption,” Laliberté said. Pulsar says that, compared to other public transit systems, REM service is still adequate. Its numbers show the REM is up and running 98 per cent of the time. With files from CTV News’ Matt Grillo
