Montréal’s REM Expands West Island Service with New Stations
Montréal’s Réseau express métropolitain (REM) has officially expanded its network, reaching the city’s West Island with the commissioning of the new Anse-à-l’Orme branch. This significant development introduces four new stations, enhancing connectivity for residents and travelers alike.
What Happened
The Anse-à-l’Orme branch, spanning 8.7 miles (14 kilometers), opened its doors on May 18, bringing the advanced light metro system to the communities of Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. This latest addition follows the successful launches of REM’s initial segments, which began connecting Brossard to Montreal’s Central Station in 2023 and linked downtown Montréal with Deux-Montagnes last November.
With this new branch, the REM project continues its steady progress towards a complete 41.6-mile (67-kilometer) system featuring 26 stations, slated for full commissioning in 2027. Developers CDPQ Infra confirmed that testing is set to commence on the final 1.9-mile (3-kilometer) branch leading to Montréal-Trudeau Airport in the coming weeks, further integrating key travel hubs.
The REM system, powered by Alstom’s driverless light metro technology, boasts high reliability and efficiency. Recent data from CDPQ Infra indicates robust ridership, averaging 78,000 trips on weekdays with peaks over 104,000, and an impressive availability rate exceeding 99%. Trains operate for 20 hours daily, offering four-minute frequencies on central segments during peak hours, underscoring its impact on urban mobility.
Why It Matters for Travelers
For travelers visiting Montréal, this expansion significantly broadens access to the vibrant West Island region, making it easier to explore diverse neighborhoods and attractions without the hassle of driving or navigating complex bus routes. The new stations provide seamless connections, improving travel times and offering a convenient alternative for both leisure and business visitors.
The REM’s modern, high-frequency service supports a more integrated urban experience, encouraging visitors to venture beyond downtown and discover the unique charm of Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. This improved connectivity fosters deeper engagement with the city’s broader metropolitan area, enhancing the overall visitor experience by linking key residential and commercial hubs efficiently.
What to Expect Next
Travelers can anticipate further enhancements to Montréal’s public transit landscape as the REM project nears its full completion in 2027, with the airport branch being a key upcoming milestone. The full system promises a comprehensive network that will further cement rail travel as a cornerstone of urban mobility in Montréal, offering even more options for fast and reliable transportation across the city.
With global travel constantly evolving, staying informed matters. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up to date on the latest travel news and industry updates.
