Plan Your Summer Travels: REM Announces Adjusted Weekend Schedules
If you rely on the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) to get around Montreal, it is time to double-check your calendar. To ensure the network remains efficient and to prepare for future growth, the REM has announced a series of adjusted start times for its weekend services this summer.
From June 6 to August 16, riders should expect a later start to their journeys on Saturdays and Sundays. Instead of the usual 5:30 a.m. departure, the first trains on Saturdays will now leave terminus stations at 7:30 a.m.
Sunday Schedules and Special Holiday Dates
Sundays will see more varied timing depending on the specific maintenance requirements of the day. Depending on the scheduled work, the first trains will depart at either 7:30 a.m. or noon.
Specifically, the REM will start service at noon on the following dates:
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- June 21 and June 28
- July 5 and July 12
- Wednesday, July 1 (Canada Day public holiday)
Why the Delay? Investing in Montreal’s Future
You might wonder why these delays are necessary. According to Jean Aubé, spokesperson for Pulsar (the company operating the REM), the network operates 20 hours a day, leaving only a narrow four-hour window for essential maintenance.
These extended closures are critical for testing and infrastructure work, most notably the highly anticipated expansion to Montreal’s international airport, which is slated to open in 2027. Without these extra hours, the project would not meet its deadlines.
Alternative Transit Options
To minimize disruption, the REM is providing several alternatives for those traveling during the closure periods:
- Replacement Shuttle Buses: These will be operational during late openings. Note: Bicycles are not permitted on board these shuttle buses.
- Integrated Transit Networks: Riders can also utilize services provided by the STM, Laval’s STL, and Longueuil’s RTL for additional travel options across the network.
For the most up-to-date information and to plan your specific route, we highly recommend visiting the official REM website or checking the digital screens and posters available at all stations.
