The Montreal REM shutdown will halt all South Shore light-rail service until mid-August, forcing commuters to seek alternative routes during the six-week closure period. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Montreal REM shutdown will halt all South Shore light-rail service until mid-August, forcing commuters to seek alternative routes during the six-week closure period.
Photo: Ivanoh Demers/Radio-Canada

Why the Montreal REM Shutdown Is Necessary for System Testing?

Authorities confirmed that the entire Réseau express métropolitain (REM) line serving Montreal’s South Shore will close from July 6 to August 17. This decision allows crews to carry out crucial testing ahead of launching new segments that connect downtown with the West Island and North Shore. ARTM, the regional transit authority, emphasized that this shutdown ensures safety and reliability before expanding REM operations.

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REM service will resume on August 18, and transit officials will publish a detailed timetable closer to that date. Although the closure causes disruption, the agency says the long-term benefits outweigh the temporary inconvenience.

How Commuters Can Navigate the Montreal REM Shutdown?

To help riders adapt, ARTM has arranged free shuttles—routes 568, 176, 721, 722, and collective taxi T72—through July and August. Riders will also benefit from free REM access between August 18 and 31. However, local services such as RTL lines 38 and 47 still require valid fares.

Exo will boost bus frequency to the Longueuil and Angrignon terminals, while RTL will continue running weekday schedules instead of switching to a lighter summer timetable. To reduce delays, transit officials added reserved bus lanes, police support at key intersections, and a new bus parking zone for smoother operations.

Because the Montreal REM shutdown affects thousands of daily commuters, ARTM recommends remote work when possible and traveling outside of peak hours. All updates and shuttle maps are available on the REM website.

Source: www.cbc.ca

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