REM management optimistic about outages
With two weeks to go before the REM adds the 14 new stations of its Deux‑Montagnes branch, management is optimistic about avoiding breakdowns and, besides, as one of the cited officials says, in the case of stoppage there are many alternative means of transport available, unlike the trip from Central Station to Brossard.
But… the strikes at the STM could deprive the REM of its belt‑and‑suspenders plans.
Nicholas 15:56 on 2025-10-28 Permalink
Are there many alternative means of transport? Between Two Mountains, western Laval and Pierrefonds there is no bridge except for this rail bridge, so you have to make a huge detour, and there are no direct buses. And if it were true, why are we building this, and why did so many people complain when the commuter line the REM is replacing go away for five years?
As an example, I have a friend taking a trip from Bois-Franc to Roxboro on Friday. Back in the day, and in a few weeks, it’s a five minute trip. This weekend it’s over an hour at minimum.
If your only thought is how to get downtown, then yes, there are other options, though they’re not great. For anything else….
Kate 17:45 on 2025-10-28 Permalink
They do seem to be being a bit hand-wavy about this. Are they assuming most passengers will be staying on the island of Montreal?
I haven’t taken a REM yet and am sort of looking forward to trying out the elevators at Édouard‑Montpetit…
DisgruntledGoat 00:59 on 2025-10-29 Permalink
Huge REM fan formerly accused of astroturfing and I hope it works out for all, RIP REM de l’est killed by NIMBYs
Uatu 09:25 on 2025-10-29 Permalink
Good luck folks! REM user here who waited in the rain, snow, slush, -20c for shuttle buses and had my paycheck docked for being late when it broke down. Hopefully it’ll all work out better for you….. Bahahahah…. ahem. I mean, let’s go REM! Lol
Kate 10:26 on 2025-10-29 Permalink
DisgruntledGoat: There were a lot of strikes against the route proposed for the REM de l’Est, and the criticism didn’t only come from people whose back yards were involved.
Joey 14:45 on 2025-10-29 Permalink
If the NIMBYs did indeed kill the REM de l’Est, they just got a jump on the massive price tag, which would’ve killed it sooner or later.