Take the West Island REM for free May 16-17 to celebrate grand opening

Inside a REM car.

Montrealers will have an opportunity to ride the West Island branch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) for free ahead of its official opening on May 18.

The light rail network is inviting riders to test out its Anse-à-l’Orme sector for free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 16 and 17.

“Come admire the view from one of Canada’s longest elevated structures and get your REM passport stamped,” officials encourage. “You can also enjoy a refreshing lemonade stand outside the Anse-à-l’Orme station.”

The West Island arm includes four stations: Des Sources, Fairview–Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Anse-à-l’Orme.

“As a special exception, bicycles and pets will not be allowed on the REM during the opening weekend due to the high volume of passengers expected,” the network adds.

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) says it plans to operate a shuttle service between the original Fairview–Pointe-Claire terminal and the new Fairview–Pointe-Claire REM station every 10 minutes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

“Parking will be made available to REM users on an exceptional basis for the occasion,” officials add.

Access to the network from stations on the Deux-Montagnes and Rive-Sud lines (5:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.) remains subject to the usual fares.

As of 6 p.m., commuters will also have to pay to ride between the Anse-à-l’Orme and Des Sources stations.

The REM says it plans to have teams on-site all weekend to answer questions - and is encouraging users to plan their trips and exercise patience as a large number of people are expected to participate in the event.