The Réseau express métropolitain advises riders to plan their weekend trips, as the transit network prepares for a later weekend start time over the summer.
From June 6 to Aug. 16, the first REM trains on Saturdays will depart from the terminus stations at 7:30 a.m., rather than the normal 5:30 a.m. start. On Sundays, the first REM trains will leave at either 7:30 a.m. or noon, depending on the work to be carried out that day on the network.
The delayed start times will allow the REM to carry out necessary maintenance work and testing, including the light métro’s expansion to Montreal’s international airport scheduled to open in 2027.
“The REM is open 20 hours per day. What that means is that our maintenance teams only have four hours per day to do their work, which is a very short period,” said Jean Aubé, spokesperson for Pulsar, the company that operates the REM.
Aubé added the airport expansion in particular will require more time. The four hours during normal closures would not be enough working hours to progress on the project before its scheduled opening.
The REM will start at noon on June 21, June 28, July 5, July 12, and exceptionally on Wednesday, July 1 for the Canada Day public holiday.
All details on the late opening schedule are available on the REM website.
Replacement shuttle buses will run during late openings, according to the REM website. The STM, Laval’s STL and Longueuil’s RTL also have additional travel options throughout the REM network. The REM website notes that bicycles are not allowed on board the shuttle buses.
All details on the late opening schedule are available on the REM website. Posters in the stations and notices on REM screens will also remind riders of the updated weekend schedule.
Leora Schertzer is a reporter at the Montreal Gazette who thrives on the chase. Whether it’s producing a documentary about sewage or investigating a Nazi gold scandal, it’s the novelty and adrenaline that keep her in this challenging industry. Send her tips at [email protected].
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