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Montreal’s REM: Shuttle Services End, But What’s next for Riders?
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Are Montreal commuters breathing a sigh of relief, or bracing for the next disruption? As of today, May 4, 2025, replacement shuttle buses for the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) are being withdrawn. But before you celebrate,remember this: weekend closures and a lengthy summer shutdown are looming.
The End of the Line (For Now) for Replacement Shuttles
The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) has deemed the REM service “sufficiently stable and efficient” to warrant the removal of the replacement bus lines [source article]. Specifically, bus lines 721 and 568, operated by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), and line 722, run by the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL), are being discontinued. These lines served the samuel-De Champlain bridge corridor.
The ARTM stated in a press release that the low ridership on these shuttles no longer justifies their continuation [source article]. These shuttles where initially deployed in mid-February to provide redundancy during periods of frequent REM breakdowns, allowing commuters to better plan their journeys [source article].
Quick Fact: The REM is a light rail transit system in Montreal, designed to improve connectivity across the metropolitan area.Think of it as Montreal’s answer to the Washington, D.C. Metro or the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in San francisco.
Weekend closures and Summer Shutdown: Brace Yourselves
While the removal of the replacement shuttles might seem like good news, there’s a catch. The REM will remain closed on weekends for ongoing testing before the opening of new stations [source article].Furthermore, a important shutdown of 4 to 8 weeks is planned for this summer.
During these closures, replacement shuttles will be reinstated to maintain service [source article]. This cyclical pattern of service, shutdown, and replacement raises questions about the long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness of the REM project.
Which Shuttle Routes Are Being Removed?
Here’s a breakdown of the shuttle routes being discontinued:
- Panama Station to Central Station: Shuttle 722 (operated by RTL)
- Brossard Station to Central Station: Shuttle 721 (operated by STM)
- Île-des-Sœurs Station to Central Station: shuttle 568 (operated by STM)
Expert Tip: Download the Transit app (or a similar real-time transit tracking app) to stay updated on REM service changes and replacement shuttle schedules. This can save you from unexpected delays and frustration.
The Bigger Picture: REM’s Troubled Trajectory
The REM’s journey has been far from smooth. Cost overruns, delays, and frequent service interruptions have plagued the project, leading to public frustration and political scrutiny.Is this just growing pains, or a sign of deeper systemic issues?
Cost overruns and Delays: A Familiar Story
The Auditor General’s 2024 report estimated the cost of building the REM at $9.4 billion, a staggering $2.4 billion
Montreal REM Shuttle Services End: Expert Analysis & What’s Next for Riders
By Time.news Staff
Montreal’s Réseau express métropolitain (REM) has been a hot topic as its inception. With the recent removal of replacement shuttle buses, we sat down with Dr. Evelyn Reed, a leading transportation expert and urban planning professor, to discuss the implications of this decision, the looming closures, and the REM’s overall impact on Montreal commuters.
Q&A with Dr. Evelyn Reed
Time.news: Dr. Reed, thanks for joining us. The ARTM has deemed the REM “sufficiently stable” to remove replacement shuttle buses 721, 568, and 722.Are you surprised by this decision?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: “Sufficiently stable” is a subjective term. While the REM may be experiencing fewer major breakdowns than in its initial launch phase, removing the redundancy provided by these shuttles, especially given the upcoming weekend and summer closures, seems premature.The ARTM cites low ridership on the shuttles as justification, but that low ridership might be a direct result of commuters perceiving them as unreliable due to the REM’s initial instability. Removing them now could erode trust further.”
Time.news: The article mentions planned weekend closures for testing and a significant summer shutdown. How disruptive will these be for Montrealers relying on the REM?
Dr.Evelyn Reed: “These closures represent a serious inconvenience. The REM was designed to improve connectivity, but continued disruptions undermine that goal. Residents, especially those in areas served by the removed shuttle routes like Panama Station, Brossard Station, and Île-des-Sœurs Station, will need to plan option routes to Central Station. Reinstating replacement shuttles temporarily during these closures is helpful,but the constant switching between modes of transport adds time and complexity to commutes.”
Time.news: The REM has faced its share of challenges: cost overruns, delays, and service interruptions. Is this typical for a project of this scale, or are there deeper issues at play?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: “Large infrastructure projects often encounter unforeseen challenges,leading to cost increases and delays. However, the REM has experienced a particularly bumpy ride. The Auditor General’s report highlighting the $2.4 billion cost overrun is concerning. Transparency and accountability are crucial. It’s imperative to understand the root causes of these financial issues to prevent similar problems in future phases of the REM expansion. We need to analyze if planning, budgeting, or project management contributed to these inflating cost.”
Time.news: what advice would you give to montreal commuters navigating these ongoing REM disruptions?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: “patience and planning are key. As the article suggests, using real-time transit apps like Transit is essential for staying informed about service changes. Explore alternative routes and transportation options, such as the existing STM metro lines or bus routes, especially during weekend and summer closures. Commuters should also voice their concerns to the ARTM and their elected officials. Public feedback can help shape future improvements and mitigate the negative impacts of these disruptions.Also, consider that companies offering commute options may have changed their service in the area and look into these.”
Time.news: Looking ahead, what needs to happen for the REM to truly fulfill its potential as a reliable and efficient public transit system?
Dr. Evelyn Reed: “The ARTM needs to prioritize reliability and transparency. Addressing the underlying technical issues causing the service interruptions is paramount. They also need to improve communication with the public, providing clear and timely updates about closures and service changes. A thorough post-implementation review,analyzing the REM’s performance,identifying areas for enhancement,and incorporating lessons learned into future project phases,is also crucial. The trust of Montreal commuters needs to be regained through consistent and dependable service.”
Time.news: Dr. Reed, thank you for your insights.
Dr. Evelyn Reed: My pleasure.
