Montrealers got their first chance to ride the REM’s new West Island branch this weekend, with free preview service launching ahead of the line’s official opening Monday.
The 14-kilometre extension adds four new stations, Des Sources, Fairview–Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Anse-à-l’Orme, expanding the light-rail network farther into the West Island and connecting riders to downtown Montreal in about 30 minutes from the western terminus.
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“I’m very happy that I’m finally able to use it and to be part of it,” said Jaime Romero, who worked on the project.
Residents and transit enthusiasts lined up Saturday to experience the new branch, with many already planning future trips downtown.
“I’m going to go have lunch downtown maybe,” said Ajoy Sood.
“Yes, and go near the Centre Bell, see all the action. Go Habs Go!” added Nathalie Favreau, a West Island resident.
Others said the extension will make travelling between the suburbs and downtown far more convenient.
“In 2023 when it opened, I was there. When Durmantang opened, I was there. And now this opens, it’s like going downtown is going to be way easier now,” said Marc Provost, a West Montrealer.
One rider visiting from downtown said the new stations could make shopping trips and outings to the West Island easier.
“I actually live downtown, but there’s a few stores at the Fairview Pointe Claire, basically what I’m most interested in,” one rider said. “And also maybe going out to Anse-à-l’Orme for the EcoZoo.”
Officials with CDPQ Infra say additional bus connections are being introduced alongside the expansion to help move riders to and from the new stations.
“There are bus lines that will be put in place as soon as Friday by our partners from the STM,” said Francis Labbé, deputy director of media relations for CDPQ Infra. “More than 60 lines that will take people from their neighbourhood to our stations.”
With large crowds expected throughout the weekend preview, REM officials said additional staff and security have been deployed at key downtown stations.
“We have more security staff as well in other key stations like McGill or Gare centrale that are key points to access downtown,” said Labbé.
Provost said he was impressed by the accessibility of the new system.
“I am stumped. It’s accessible as someone with a service dog. It’s useful. It’s accessible. It’s completely different from the Metro really,” he said.
The new branch makes the REM one of the largest fully automated transit systems in the world, according to CDPQ Infra.
“We are adding 14 kilometres to the network and four more stations,” said Labbé. “So right now the REM network has 64 kilometres, spanning over 64 kilometres with 23 stations from Deux-Montagnes to Brossard and to now West Island. So it’s one of the largest fully automated network on the planet.”
Favreau said the extension could encourage more people in the West Island to rediscover downtown Montreal using public transit.
“We used to work downtown for many years. We always liked Montreal. There are so many things to see, so much beauty,” she said. “So we are going to be able to enjoy more by taking the public transport.”
Free preview rides continue Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the four new West Island stations. Regular fares still apply across the rest of the REM network.
