Wednesday marks one year since the first section of the REM (Réseau express métropolitain) light-rail network opened to the public on July 31, connecting Brossard on the South Shore to downtown Montreal’s Central Station.
A year ago, thousands of curious prospective passengers were drawn to the REM for its opening weekend.
Though the REM was initially plagued by service breakdowns that left some passengers stranded and forced to walk to the next station, officials say that things have greatly improved since then.
Noise complaints in certain areas like Griffintown were also challenges to overcome, as noise mitigation solutions had to be found.
Five stations are currently open on the segment connecting downtown Montreal with Brossard.
Officials say the REM trip between Montreal and Brossard takes 18 minutes – 20 to 30 minutes faster than the rush-hour drive.
It’s the first phase of a total of 26 stations planned to link downtown Montreal, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore, and Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport over a distance of 67 kilometers.
Stations in the north and west of the island are not expected be operational until 2025 as engineering challenges that could created delays remain.