REM service set to resume after 6-week summer shutdown. Here’s what you need to know

The Reseau express metropolitan (REM) train has a test run from downtown Montreal, Wednesday, July 19, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Montreal’s light-rail network is set to begin moving passengers again after a six-week summer shutdown.

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) has been completely offline for commercial use since July 5 to test new extensions to Montreal’s North Shore and West Island.

It is scheduled to start operating for the rush hour commute next week.

Here are the details about when service will resume:

Why did the REM shut down for six weeks?

The entire REM network shut down in early July so that its operator, Groupe PMM (GPMM), which includes Alstom and AtkinsRéalis (formerly known as SNC-Lavalin), could test the commissioning of new branches to the West Island (Anse-à-l’Orme station) and the North Shore (Deux-Montagnes station).

Officials said that the entire South Shore branch was out of service to carry out various operating and safety systems, as well as wrap up procedures required to resume normal operations for customers.

When can passengers take the REM again?

The South Shore branch is set to welcome back passengers on Monday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 a.m. between Central Station in downtown Montreal and the Brossard station.

However, normal weekday evening service won’t launch right away.

• From Aug. 18 to 22: The last train will leave Central Station at 8:40 p.m.
• From Aug. 18 to 22: The last train will leave the Brossard station at 8:20 p.m.
• From Aug. 25 to 29: The last train will leave Central Station at 8:40 p.m.
• From Aug 25 to 29: The last train will leave the Brossard station at 8:20 p.m.

Is there service on weekends?

There will be no REM service on weekends when service resumes mid-August, as officials say system updates need to be carried out.

• The weekend of Aug. 23-24: Entire network is closed
• The weekend of Aug. 30-31: Entire network is closed
• The weekend of Sept. 6-7: Entire network is closed

The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) and the Greater Montréal transit agencies say they will provide an alternative to the REM during these weekends.

Weekend REM service is set to resume on Sept. 13.

Can people still get on the REM for free?

Last spring, transit officials said the REM, as well as shuttle buses and the T72 shared taxi, would be free during the months of July and August to make up for service disruptions during the shutdown.

That offer is still available.

Shuttle buses 568, 176, 720, 721 and 722 are set to be free until Aug. 31.

Regular fares should take effect beginning Sept. 1.

What’s happening with the shuttle buses?

On Aug. 18, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) will resume regular service on route 176, ending the extension to downtown.

However, the shuttle will be extended to downtown on Aug. 23 and 24 on an exceptional basis due to the weekend REM closure.

The T72 shared taxi will end service and be replaced by shuttle 720 connecting Panama and the Île-des-Sœurs stations.

Starting on Aug. 25, the 720 shuttle will also resume service between Brossard, Quartier, Panama, and Île-des-Sœurs stations.

Stops at the Île-des-Sœurs station will return to their original locations.

“This summer, the shuttle service offered to compensate for the complete closure of the REM went very well. Together, all the teams and partners rose to the challenge with agility and efficiency, ensuring the mobility of thousands of users day after day,” said Benoit Gendron, general manager of the ARTM, in a statement on Thursday.

“I sincerely thank our customers for their patience and resilience throughout this operation. We are now entering a new phase with the resumption of REM service, and we will continue to be there for our customers every step of the way.”

More information about the service resumption is available on the REM website and the ARTM website.

When will normal REM service resume across the entire network?

Passengers can expect normal REM service, including on weekends, to resume as of Sept. 13.

When will the new branches to the West Island and North Shore launch?

REM officials said the operator is “actively preparing” for the next steps to launch the north and west extensions of the light-rail network.

Michelle Lamarche, a spokesperson with CDPQ Infra, the subsidiary of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec that developed the REM, told CTV News that testing is progressing and that high-speed, high-frequency traffic has begun throughout the network.

“Over the next few weeks, the teams will complete testing and work before proceeding with the dry run. The next commissioning is still scheduled for this autumn,” Lamarche said in an email.

She added that more details will be announced at a later date.