Montreal’s REM set to open West Island extension May 18; free preview weekend planned

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is set to expand later this month, with its long-awaited West Island branch scheduled to open to the public on May 18.

In a recent press release, REM officials said the new Anse-à-l’Orme branch will mark “an important milestone for mobility in the West Island,” becoming the first high-frequency, fully integrated public transit network to serve the area.

The 14-kilometre extension adds four new stations in Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue: Des Sources, Fairview–Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Anse-à-l’Orme.

The expansion will bring the REM network to 23 stations and 64 kilometres of track, while extending service to nearly 10 additional municipalities and boroughs. Bus routes operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) have also been adjusted to improve connections with the new stations.

According to the REM, the new branch will offer West Island residents a faster and more reliable link to downtown Montreal, with frequent, fully automated service integrated with metro lines, bus networks and commuter trains.

Ahead of the official launch, the REM is inviting the public to test the new segment for free on the weekend of May 16-17.

Service on the four new stations will be free between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., though regular fares will still apply elsewhere on the network.

Officials say the preview is expected to draw large crowds, noting bicycles and pets will not be permitted during the weekend due to anticipated high ridership.

“Come admire the view from one of Canada’s longest elevated structures and get your REM passport stamped,” the transit network said in its release, adding that staff will be on site to assist visitors.

The STM says it will also run a shuttle every 10 minutes between the original Fairview–Pointe-Claire bus terminal and the new REM station during the weekend.

Since the launch of its initial lines, the REM says ridership has continued to grow steadily, with an average of 75,000 daily trips and peak days reaching as many as 98,000.

Officials say the West Island expansion is expected to further boost usage, offering a new alternative to driving while supporting regional mobility across the Greater Montreal area.