Montreal REM service almost back to normal

A Réseau express métropolitain (REM) train makes its way towards downtown in Montreal, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press)

After two weeks of reduced service and interruptions, the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) light-rail train has resumed nearly-normal operations.

The REM spent the last two weeks repairing about 30 switches, which got stuck during back-to-back snow storms in February, according to spokesperson Francis Labbé.

Devices that block snow from going into the switches were added and heating equipment was upgraded for better functioning in cold weather.

As of Monday, the REM is running at four-minute intervals during morning and afternoon rush hours. The light-rail service will continue throughout the day at eight minute intervals until 8:20 p.m. on weekdays for Central Station-bound trains and until 8:40 p.m. for Brossard-bound trains.

For the last two weeks, trains only ran during morning and evening rush hours.

Shuttle buses will keep running at least for the rest of this week, said Labbé, explaining that REM wants to give users as many options as possible. It’s not clear exactly how much longer the free shuttle bus service will be offered.

The train service will begin integrating new lines to the West Island from April until August. During that time, REM service will start at 5:30 a.m. and stop at 8:20 p.m. for downtown-bound trains and 8:40 p.m. for Brossard-bound ones on weekdays.

Free shuttle buses will run outside of those hours until 1:30 a.m.

With files from CTV News Montreal’s Max Harrold