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metropolitain

Light metro

The REM is a fully automated light metro transit network, one of the world’s safest technologies.

Safe and reliable technology

The REM technology is fully automated, 100% electric light metro. Trains are driverless, directed by a control centre that ensures proper functioning of equipment at all times. The platforms will be protected by screen doors that only open after the train has arrived; users cannot cross the tracks or drop objects onto them. This type of automated system is one of the safest and most reliable in the world.

Over 70 cities in the world have created networks for light metro transit

The Metropolis model

The REM will use Alstom Metropolis trainsets. The internal configuration will be quite similar to the Montréal metro. The wide spaces are designed to promote the free flow of traffic and guarantee universal access. As REM trains will be automatic and driverless, passengers will be able to sit at the front of the car and view the city from the windows.

REM light rail metro cars

Go further

Discover REM's 100% automated light metro cars. First departures from 2022!

FAQ

The REM’s frequency will depend on segments and schedules.

  • Rive-Sud to Bois-Franc: 2.5 min. during peak hours; 5 min. during off-peak
  • Bois-Franc to Deux-Montagnes: 5 min. during peak hours; 15 min. during off-peak
  • Bois-Franc to YUL-Montréal-Trudeau-Airport: 10 min. during peak hours; 15 min. during off-peak
  • Bois-Franc to Anse-à-l'Orme: 10 min. during peak hours; 15 min. during off-peak

To learn more about your future station (location, frequency, services, etc.), check our interactive map.

Yes. The REM has been designed to accommodate increases in ridership.

Once commissioned, the REM will have a frequency of 150 seconds on the main segment (Rive-Sud – Bois-Franc) during peak hours. However, its technology allows for a frequency of up to 90 seconds, which means that capacity can be increased by two-thirds. If ridership increases significantly in coming decades, the frequency and number of trains in service on the network may be increased accordingly.

Harsh winter conditions represent a significant challenge for any train or light rail system operator. For the purpose of the REM’s winter plan, specialized equipment will be used for maintenance and a dedicated field team will make sure the system runs smoothly.

The REM’s high frequency (which varies between 2.5 and 15 minutes) will also allow us to keep a close eye on operations at all times, so we can quickly identify any issues. Since trains will be running regularly over the tracks, this will help prevent ice and snow from accumulating like it would on a highway. In exceptional cases, it will be possible to keep the REM running through the night, to prevent precipitation from accumulating on the track and catenary.

The REM will run in part on existing rail corridors. For safety reasons, level crossings will be eliminated. In places where level crossings currently exist, the road will be raised or lowered or the railway track will be elevated (the REM will run on an elevated track above the road).

Step aboard the REM

In July 2018, we launched a consultation to gather your comments. The outcome: the Saint-Laurent model came out on top, with 42% of the votes! Design, capacity, speed… Check our dedicated page to learn more about the technical features.

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