Deux-Montagnes REM Line Set to Open November 17

The Deux-Montagnes REM line is set to officially open on November 17, following a series of delays. This announcement was made by CDPQ Infra, the managing subsidiary of the light rail system. The new branch features 14 stations and connects to the Montreal Metro through a tunnel beneath Mount Royal.

Since its suspension in 2020, many commuters have eagerly awaited this segment. The Deux-Montagnes line is critical for the REM network due to its maintenance garage for trains and other railway equipment.

Conditional Opening Date

The opening date is dependent on the successful completion of a test run, or “marche à blanc.” This test will run for approximately four weeks, operating the system at full speed and frequency without any passengers.

Service Timings

• Morning service from Brossard and Deux-Montagnes begins at 5:30 AM.
• The last departure to Deux-Montagnes from Brossard will be at 8:30 PM.
• From Central Station, the final train to Deux-Montagnes leaves at 8:45 PM.
• Service continues from Brossard to Côte-de-Liesse with the last bus at 1:30 AM on weekdays.
• After 9:30 PM, bus services will operate between Côte-de-Liesse and Deux-Montagnes to facilitate continued testing of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch, which will not open until spring 2026.

Impact on Local Bus Services

In light of the new REM line, several bus routes will be reorganized. Local transit providers will release updates shortly. Exo has already announced changes to the bus routes in the Laurentides region effective November 10, consolidating several local lines toward the REM stations.

Additionally, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) will update some island bus circuits accordingly.

Future Developments

The northern and western segments of the REM project, initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, have been postponed to the fall of 2025. Despite rumors of further delays, project management maintained they would still deliver them by October.

Currently, the project remains within its budget of approximately $9.4 billion, which is $2.4 billion more than the initial estimate from 2018. CDPQ Infra President Jean-Marc Arbaud highlighted that, while the project is expensive, it represents a high level of cost efficiency at approximately $150 million per kilometer, compared to typical costs between $300 million and $400 million.

Exclusive Travel Competition

For interested commuters, a competition will be held soon for a chance to travel on the REM before the public opening. Details will be available shortly on the Caisse de dépôt website.