Snow causes REM disruption, normal service resumes

Service on the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) was disrupted shortly before 6 a.m. Thursday, affecting trains in both directions across several stations.

As of 11:43 a.m., officials confirm normal services resume across entire network.

The interruption initially impacted the stretch between Deux-Montagnes and McGill stations, but as of 8:50 a.m., slowdowns remained between Brossard and Gare Centrale. Passengers were able to travel between Deux-Montagnes and Bois-Franc, while service at Du Ruisseau, Montpellier and Côte-de-Liesse remained suspended.

The REM confirmed the disruptions on social media, noting that service had gradually changed coverage from the Deux-Montagnes–Gare Centrale portion to Deux-Montagnes–Ville-de-Mont-Royal and later Bois-Franc–Ville-de-Mont-Royal as the situation evolved.

As of 8:50 a.m., commuters have been affected for nearly three hours. Shuttle services are being offered while the network works to resume normal operations.

Pulsar Operations told CityNews in a statement:

“This morning’s service interruption was caused by severe weather conditions: unexpected freezing drizzle led to ice buildup on the overhead power lines, which supply electricity to the trains. Our teams have been mobilized since early this morning and are working to restore service as quickly as possible. We understand the inconvenience experienced by our customers, who had to adjust their travel plans in challenging road conditions. Bus services were available to provide transportation. 
 
This is our first winter on the Deux-Montagnes branch line, which crosses areas prone to high humidity above the Rivière des Prairies and Rivière des Mille Îles. We are seeing moisture-related issues during weather events such as freezing rain, which can lead to ice buildup on the power lines. We are working to deploy new equipment and procedures in the coming weeks to try to mitigate this type of impact. ” 

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