REM weekday service resumes between Downtown Montreal & Brossard
Posted August 18, 2025 8:07 am.
Last Updated August 18, 2025 1:23 pm.
Commuters in the Montreal region can once again ride the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) between Brossard and Central Station, after a six-week service interruption that ended Monday.
Weekday service officially resumed Aug. 18, with trains operating Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to around 8:30 p.m.
Evening and weekend service interruptions will continue over the next few weeks, as testing continues ahead of the launch of the network’s new branches to Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme.
Major summer closure for testing
The REM line’s five South Shore stations were closed from July 5 to Aug. 17 while CDPQ Infra conducted dynamic tests across the full network.
The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), along with CDPQ Infra, STM, exo and RTL, coordinated a series of mitigation measures during the shutdown. Bus frequency was increased on lines serving Longueuil and Angrignon terminals, and special shuttle buses—routes 721, 722, 568, 176 and the T72 shared taxi—were made available free of charge.
Despite the efforts, officials acknowledged buses couldn’t fully replicate the REM’s speed or capacity.
“We know that the REM’s summer closure complicated travel, and we thank users for their patience,” said Benoit Gendron, director general of ARTM. “This was a necessary step to allow the commissioning of the next REM branches.”
“We know that the REM’s summer closure will complicate travel this summer, and we thank users in advance for their patience,” said Benoit Gendron, director general of ARTM in a press release. “This closure is a necessary step to allow the commissioning of the next REM branches, which will transform mobility in the city.”
Mixed commuter reactions on day one
Passengers boarding trains Monday morning expressed relief that REM service was back — and hope that it stays reliable heading into the fall.
“Pretty happy. There’s not a lot of people here this morning. So far so good,” said one man at the station. “Happy for the future and looking forward to see if it’s going to last this time.”
Another commuter said the REM is clearly better than the alternatives. “It’s quick and I won’t be stuck in traffic as usual. It’s good, better than the bus service,” he said.
Others reflected on the inconvenience during the shutdown.
“It did take longer for me to get home,” said one woman. “With the shuttle services, it was like pushing an hour and a half. There was one time I left at 4:45, got home at close to 6:30.”
Another woman said she felt “very good” and “safe” about the reopening, especially after dealing with just two available buses during the closure. “It affected us a lot,” she said.
One rider said the REM shutdown pushed him to work from home more often. Another noted the closure wasn’t a big issue — he had been on vacation for much of it — but added: “On the return in early August, it was the buses. It takes more time. We suffer from traffic.”
Next REM branches still pending
An official launch date for the upcoming Deux-Montagnes and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue branches has not been announced. Until they open, REM weekday service will continue to shut down at 8:30 p.m. to allow further testing. Shuttle buses will operate during evening and weekend closures.
The REM will also remain free to ride until Aug. 31, officials confirmed.
