Montrealers will get their first chance this weekend to ride the REM’s new West Island branch before it officially opens to the public Monday.
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is offering free service Saturday and Sunday on its new Anse-à-l’Orme extension ahead of the line’s official launch on May 18.
The 14-kilometre expansion adds four new stations to the network, Des Sources, Fairview–Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Anse-à-l’Orme, extending REM service deeper into Montreal’s West Island.
The new branch is expected to provide residents with a faster connection to downtown Montreal through the automated transit system, which links with metro lines, buses and commuter trains.
Free preview rides will be available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. on May 16 and 17 at the four new stations only. Regular fares will still apply elsewhere on the REM network.
REM officials are expecting heavy crowds throughout the weekend and say bicycles and pets will not be permitted onboard during the preview period.
Staff will also be stationed along the route to help visitors navigate the new stations and services.
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The STM says a shuttle bus will run every 10 minutes between the original Fairview–Pointe-Claire bus terminal and the new REM station during the weekend.
Once service officially launches Monday, the REM network will expand to 23 stations and 64 kilometres of track, reaching nearly 10 additional municipalities and boroughs across the Greater Montreal area.
The transit network says ridership has continued to climb since the initial REM lines opened, averaging about 75,000 daily trips, with peak days nearing 100,000 riders.
