Follow-up on cars and dynamic tests

We have received some questions from future users about REM cars. Here are the answers to the four most frequently asked questions.

1 – How many REM cars have you currently received?

A total of 74 cars out of the 212 ordered for the project. They are located in the Brossard storage and maintenance centre. This is where the cars are prepared and tested by our supplier before delivery. It’s also where minor adjustments can be made. 

2 – What kinds of adjustments do you make to the cars?

The Metropolis cars supplied by Alstom are based on a proven platform. 
About two months ago, Alstom was asked to make some adjustments following quality inspections, affecting the: 

• Paint 
• Interior trim
• The realization and assembly of the wiring in some electrical cabinets

Several of these aspects were already being addressed by Alstom, which proposed a detailed action plan. None of the issues identified require the cars to be returned to the assembly line; they are minor and will be corrected directly in Brossard at the maintenance centre. 

The above issues do not involve extra costs or delays for the project, and, more importantly, do not pose a safety issue for future passengers.

3 – Is it normal to have to make adjustments during the project?

Yes, it’s normal for adjustments to be made during the project. Everything must be in place to ensure the quality of all REM components before commissioning.

Irregularities can occur on the trains during the production phases, before the delivery of any project. All REM cars are inspected and tested to high industry standards.  

For nearly a year, rigorous tests have been carried out on the cars in collaboration with the supplier Groupe PMM, composed of Alstom and SNC-Lavalin, which is supplying the electromechanical system—including the cars—and will operate the network for 30 years. The goal is to ensure that the rolling stock meets the highest quality standards. Groupe PMM is responding positively to expectations and is committed to providing the public with a high-quality, safe network. 

4 – What kinds of tests do you do on the cars before putting them into service? 

All cars are inspected directly at the Sri City production plant and once they arrive in Brossard, to make sure that each one of them is compliant. 

In addition to being subjected to demanding winter tests, the system—including infrastructure, cars and train control systems—is currently being tested on Montréal’s South Shore by Groupe PMM. 

The cars are first tested statically on an individual basis, and then dynamically at low and high speeds. In parallel, all interfaces are tested to ensure that all system components work well together (tracks, power supply, trains, platform doors, automation system, etc.) and that safety on board trains and near the tracks is maximized, along with passenger comfort and communication systems. 

The 13-month test period means that nothing is left to chance. Continue to follow us to stay up to date with the progress of the tests!

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Cover photo of the news © Alstom/C. Fleury