Montreal’s much-anticipated light-rail transit system, the Reseau express metropolitain (REM), encountered an unexpected setback on its first full day of operation. After a successful launch for paying customers, the system experienced a switch problem on the tracks, resulting in a shutdown at around 8 a.m. The service was temporarily halted for about an hour and fifteen minutes before being restored at approximately 9:15 a.m.
The sudden shutdown left commuters stranded and waiting in long lines, as shuttle buses were deployed to transport them across the Champlain Bridge, which connects Montreal to its South Shore.
The REM’s official launch for paying customers came after a weekend of offering free rides, during which more than 120,000 people took advantage of the new transit system.
This electric rail network, which spans 67 kilometers and includes 26 stations, has been in the works for eight years since its conception by the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, the province’s public pension fund manager.
While the first five stations are now open, the majority of the REM is set to be operational by late next year. Additionally, an airport link is planned to be added to the network by 2027. Despite the initial hiccup, the REM holds significant promise for improving transportation in Montreal and connecting various parts of the city.