The REM and noise
As with any transportation system, the REM makes some noise and generates a certain amount of vibration when in operation. In order to limit the automated light rail system’s impact on local residents, these factors were studied and taken into account right from the infrastructure design stage. At the same time, mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project.
The three sections below explain our teams’ overall approach to the complex subject of noise in a project like the REM.
Noise 101
What is noise? How it is measured? That's what we explore in Noise 101.
Mitigation measures
What noise levels can we expect from REM traffic? What mitigation measures are planned? We answer your questions here.
From theory to practice
The entire REM project is governed by a decree set by the Quebec government. In this section, we outline the regulations related to noise.
Sound analyses: Current status
During the summer and fall of 2024, real-world data was collected as part of the progressive dynamic testing of the Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme branches. The goal was to confirm whether the noise generated by REM traffic and the deployed mitigation measures complied with the regulatory framework set by the Government of Quebec.
This additional data enabled us to identify the areas where new measures need to be implemented. At the same time, we tested several equipment that could help reduce the noise impact of the REM, in order to validate their effectiveness on the Deux-Montagnes and Anse-à-l’Orme branches.. The implementation of these new measures has begun and will continue in the coming months.
The final step in the process will be to implement the noise monitoring process needed to confirm the effectiveness of the measures as a whole over time.
Did you know?
During the summer of 2024, we met with more than 400 people at the seven coffee meeting organized in the sectors where the network runs. Our teams were able to answer citizens’ questions and explain the approach taken regarding the noise situation.
The process in a nutshell
Our overall approach to noise analysis involves several stages and is in line with the regulatory reference framework with which the project must comply. Here is a summary:
| Environnement without the REM | REM car traffic | ||||
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1. Sound analysis Pre-REM measurement of environmental noise levels |
2. Sound modelling Estimated noise levels if REM cars were running |
3. Mitigation measures Addition of mitigation measures according to the characteristics of the sector and degree of impact obtained by modelling to achieve a low or zero impact level |
4. Sound analysis Measurement of noise levels while REM cars are running and comparison with sound modelling results |
5. Mitigation measures Adjustment of mitigation measures as required, depending on the characteristics of the sector and the degree of impact, to achieve a low or zero impact level |
6. Regular sound monitoring Carried out once the REM is commissioned, then renewed periodically |
Legal notice
Documents in this section of the REM website are provided solely for historic information and reference purposes and may no longer be accurate or valid after their publication. Information contained in REM archived documents reflect the situation as of the date of publication. Archived documents will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect subsequently available data, current circumstances or changes that occurred after their publication date.