On the road to commissioning: Dynamic testing begins on the YUL-Aéroport-Montréal-Trudeau branch

The REM is entering an important phase in the deployment of its final branch, which will connect the network to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. Dynamic testing began with REM cars starting to operate automatically at low speed on August 8 and 9.

The REM will operate at high speed in the coming weeks

This testing phase is crucial to test each component of the network, from the cars and platform screen doors to the communication systems. Over the coming weeks, the pace of testing will increase, as will the speed of the cars operating on the branch.

For now, REM cars are operating as far as Marie-Curie station. The testing area will be expanded once Aéroports de Montréal completes the construction of the YUL-Aéroport-Montréal-Trudeau station. Testing will confirm that the new stations are properly integrated with REM systems. Commissioning of the two stations, which will take place at the same time, is still planned by the end of 2027.

The YUL-Aéroport-Montréal-Trudeau branch at a glance

• 3 km of alignment
• 2.5 km of tunnel
• 2 stations: Marie-Curie and YUL-Aéroport-Montréal-Trudeau

The two stations must be commissioned at the same time because several systems—such as fire safety and ventilation—are designed to operate together.

Next steps

Testing will continue until the required quality, reliability and safety standards are met. We will then move on to the next steps:

1. Expansion of the testing area (based on construction progress at YUL-Aéroport-Montréal-Trudeau station)
2. Integration of the branch with the rest of the network
3. Trial run (operation without passengers under normal service conditions)
4. Commissioning

We look forward to welcoming you on board.