Vivre le REM - Numerous participants come together for a first meeting

The REM project office, in collaboration with the consortium in charge of REM construction (NouvLR) and the consortium responsible for the rolling stock and operations (Groupe des Partenaires pour la Mobilité des Montréalais), held the “Vivre le REM” event today in Montréal. A large number of engaged partners, future users, and students came together for this first meeting to learn more about the various components of the future system and to discuss the train design, station architecture and integration of the REM into the existing transit networks and different living environments it will cross.

“Nearly a year after the ground-breaking ceremony for the REM, we are proud to be holding this event to bring people together and showcase the work accomplished so far, and also to demonstrate our commitment to continued listening and dialoguing throughout this ambitious project. Together, we can make the REM a project that will inspire future generations,” said Macky Tall, Head of Liquid Markets, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ Infra.

Unveiling the train design

The project office also used the event to unveil the network’s future trains. With the help of virtual reality, participants were able to have a unique experience of “getting on board” the trains, allowing them to test the REM for accessibility, fluidity, safety and user experience.

Selection of the exterior design followed a consultation held in the summer of 2018 with some 4,000 participants. The “Saint-Laurent” model, whose headlights evoke the cables of the new Samuel-De Champlain Bridge, was the winner of the consultation, which largely inspired the train design presented today. 

Station architecture

REM and NouvLR professionals presented the design charter, materials and main architectural design principles for the future stations. Participants got to see the urban furniture, the layout of the stations as well as the greening plans for the areas around the infrastructure.

Living spaces and the environment

The REM will be integrated into the existing transit networks and neighbouring communities. Participants at the “Vivre le REM” forum had an opportunity to observe and discuss the different ways to foster multimodal access to the stations: park-and-ride lots, bus platforms, drop-off areas for taxis, kiss-and-ride areas, spaces reserved for car-sharing and self-service cars, and bicycle racks.

They also discussed the many advantages of the REM for the environment and for connecting the different parts of the city: universities, business sectors, parks and developing neighbourhoods.

Learn more by consulting the technical data sheets for the event:

• Technical data sheet: Trains
• Technical data sheet: Stations
• Technical data sheet: Living environments

For more information, visit rem.info, follow us on Twitter @REMgrandmtl or consult our Facebook page.

About the REM

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new, 67-km integrated public transit network that will feature 26 stations and link downtown Montreal, universities, South Shore, West Island, North Shore and Montréal Trudeau airport through a fully automated electric light rail system. Offering high-frequency service, the REM will be in service seven days per week, 20 hours per day, and will be connected to three main Montréal metro lines.