Authorities say delays expected during 6-week REM closure; additional bus service announced
A Réseau express métropolitain (REM) train makes its way towards downtown in Montreal, Thursday, November 14, 2024. (Graham Hughes / The Canadian Press)
Public transit users can expect some delays getting around the Montreal region this summer as the REM will be completely shut down for six weeks.
The light-rail line will be closed from July 5 to Aug. 17 as testing is done on the network ahead of the commissioning of new branches to the West Island (Anse-à-l'Orme station) and to the North Shore (Deux-Montagnes station).
The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) said it is launching mitigation measures, including additional bus and exo train service, to keep people moving, in collaboration with the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) and the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).
'Users may also consider traveling outside of rush hour or working remotely when possible,' the transit agency said.
Here is a breakdown of the enhanced bus service during the shutdown.
Lines Directions Frequency 721 (STM) Brossard ↔ Du Quartier ↔ terminus Centre-ville 2 to 4 minutes at peak times 722 (RTL) Panama ↔ terminus Centre-ville 2 to 4 minutes at peak times 568 (STM) Île-des-Sœurs ↔ 800 rue de la Gauchetière 20 minutes 176 (STM) Île-des-Sœurs ↔ 800 rue de la Gauchetière 20 minutes Taxi collectif T72 (RTL) Panama ↔ Île-des-Sœurs 30 minutes
Free transit options added
The ARTM also says that shuttle buses 721, 722, 568, 176, and the T72 shared taxi will be free to use during the months of July and August. The REM will also be free for users from July 1 to 4 and from Aug. 18 to 31. Access to all other public transit services will require a valid transit pass.
'It is important to remember that no bus service can replace the frequency or capacity of the REM. Consequently, certain peak periods could result in high ridership and significant wait times,' the transit agency stated.
Changes to regular bus lines were also announced.
Lines Changes Secteur Île-des-Sœurs – STM 176: extension of the line Secteur Le Richelain-Roussillon – exo 550, 551 and 555: addition of 6 departures
556: addition of 4 departures Secteur Chambly-Richelieu-Carignan – exo 681: addition of 2 departures Secteur Vallée-du-Richelieu – exo 200 and 201: addition of 16 departures Secteur Sainte-Julie – exo 325, 330 and 350: addition of 12 departures
'We know that the summer closure of the REM will complicate travel this summer, and we thank users in advance for their patience,' said ARTM General Manager Benoit Gendron in a news release.
'We invite you to consult the tools we have made available to help you plan your journeys. This closure is a necessary step to allow the commissioning of the next REM branches, which will transform mobility in the metropolis. The ARTM, with all its partners, remains fully mobilized to coordinate efforts and monitor the situation as it evolves.'
Sylvain Yelle, CEO of exo, added: 'It is essential to work hand in hand with our partners to maintain a reliable and efficient service for the citizens of the crowns during this temporary closure. That's why exo is adapting its summer offer by keeping more than forty trips, normally suspended in summer, to facilitate access to the Longueuil and Angrignon metro stations.'
Authorities said they would provide details on the REM service schedule before it resumes on Aug. 18.
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