Montreal Light Rail System Expands With Major Launch Set for October

The Montreal light rail system is preparing for a major expansion, with most lines set to open in October. A six-week shutdown will take place before full-scale service begins for final testing. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Testing and Upgrades for the Montreal Light Rail System

Test runs between downtown Montreal, Deux-Montagnes, and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue are scheduled between March and April. Jean-Marc Arbaud, head of CDPQ Infra, confirmed the timeline and discussed final system adjustments.

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A key portion of the project, the airport branch, remains under construction and is expected to open in late 2027. That extension, managed by the Montreal Trudeau International Airport authority, was added after initial plans.

To improve reliability, the REM team is addressing winter-related disruptions that have caused service interruptions. Since December, the operational segment has faced multiple delays, raising concerns about system performance.

Arbaud emphasized that resolving these issues is a priority, with daily monitoring in place. Contractors have been instructed to implement solutions ensuring the transit system meets passenger expectations.

Service Suspensions and Financial Challenges for Montreal Light Rail System

Weekend service is suspended from February 1 through June 29, except during Grand Prix weekend. Additionally, weekday hours will be reduced starting April 2, leading to a complete shutdown on July 5.

This shutdown will last until August 17 to finalize testing before reopening the network. These temporary suspensions aim to ensure long-term efficiency and smooth operations for future commuters.

Originally scheduled for completion in 2021, the REM faced delays due to COVID-19 and tunnel modifications. Upgrading the Mount Royal tunnel added further complexity, impacting the overall project timeline.

When announced, the project’s estimated cost was CA$7 billion in 2018, but it has now risen to CA$9.4 billion. Rising material costs and unexpected construction challenges contributed to this budget increase.

Despite financial overruns, authorities stress that the system will significantly enhance Montreal’s transit network. Once fully operational, the REM will cover 41.6 miles (67 kilometers), connecting 26 stations.

Passenger expectations remain high as the city continues modernizing public transportation infrastructure. Transit officials are committed to delivering a reliable, efficient, and modern commuter experience.

With ridership expected to grow, the REM aims to reduce congestion while offering a sustainable alternative. As testing progresses, officials will refine system performance to minimize future service disruptions.

The full-scale operation of the REM represents a milestone for Montreal’s transportation network. Despite challenges, stakeholders remain optimistic about providing a state-of-the-art transit system.

As the final phase approaches, authorities are focused on meeting deadlines and ensuring operational efficiency. Commuters across Montreal eagerly await the launch of this long-anticipated rail expansion.

Source: www.trains.com

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