Technical issue stalls part of the REM

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) was down between the Deux-Montagnes and Côte-de-Liesse stations on Thursday morning.

The light rail train company is blaming a technical issue for this latest problem.

Alstom, which supplies trains, put out a statement saying that it acknowledges the REM has not been as reliable as riders expect.

The recent issues are different from those the REM experienced last winter, which it says were “completely resolved.”

Alstom adds that it expects the new hiccups to be “simpler to resolve.”

The company says it must replace certain defective components on some trains and waterproof electronic parts, which will be done in the coming days.

It also said it will “improve service performance during the running-in period of a new system that is encountering isolated operational challenges.”

“The priority for Alstom and Pulsar is to offer a service that is reliable, frequent and performant for riders as soon as possible,” the company said in a statement.

The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) says it is extending bus lines between Côte‑Vertu and Deux‑Montagnes stations, passing every 15 to 30 minutes based on rush hours starting Feb. 2.

6:55 a.m.

A gradual resumption is underway between the Deux-Montagnes and Côte-de-Liesse stations, according to the REM.

5:30 a.m.

Service resumption is unknown, and commuters are asked to consider other options, including shuttle buses.

There is normal service between the Brossard and Côte-de-Liesse stations.