REM opens West Island branch
Posted May 18, 2026 3:24 pm.
Last Updated May 18, 2026 3:26 pm.
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) officially opened its third branch Monday, extending service to Montreal’s West Island with regular schedules and standard fares now in effect.
The new Anse-à-l’Orme branch adds four stations to the growing automated light-rail network, bringing the REM system total to 23 stations. The expansion follows the earlier launches of the South Shore line to Brossard and the Deux-Montagnes branch.
Among the newly opened stations is Kirkland Station, now the highest station in the entire REM network at roughly 24 metres above ground.
Transit officials say the full trip from Anse-à-l’Orme Station at the western end of the line to Central Station downtown is expected to take about 35 minutes, offering commuters a faster link between the West Island and the city core.
The latest expansion is another milestone for CDPQ Infra as it continues to roll out the multi-branch transit system across the Greater Montréal region.
Attention is now turning to the REM’s future connection to Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, currently expected to open in 2027. CDPQ Infra says construction work is advancing, while noting the airport authority is responsible for building the airport station itself.
