Following the service disruptions and, in particular, the issues encountered in communicating information to users of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), CDPQ Infra would like to apologize to those affected by this situation and reiterate its commitment to providing users with reliable, high-quality public transit service.

In the wake of recent events, CDPQ Infra has taken a series of measures to ensure that the incident management carried out by the Groupe des partenaires pour la mobilité des Montréalais (GPMM) consortium, which is made up of Alstom and AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin), is significantly reinforced. These measures should enable CDPQ Infra to meet its standards and adhere to the terms of its agreement with the consortium as quickly as possible.

As such, CDPQ Infra has asked that its partners:

• Provide a corrected plan to better ensure the quality of operations and significantly improve incident management, ensuring that users are the highest priority
• Implement appropriate resources to adhere to planned response and evacuation times
• Better communicate the backup plan to users
• Reinforce GPMM's communications teams to ensure fluid, real-time communication with users in stations, in REM cars and on digital platforms

CDPQ Infra will be closely monitoring the rollout of this plan, which will take effect immediately and will continue to be implemented in the coming weeks in order to provide the best possible service to users. Although incidents and breakdowns may occur during the operation of a recently commissioned public transit system, the system must be managed in accordance with the highest service standards for users.

Source : CDPQ Infra 

Media representatives were invited to a technical presentation of the results of an analysis carried out by acoustics experts on the REM segment in service, as well as on the mitigation measures to be rolled out in Griffintown, Pointe-Saint-Charles and Île-des-Sœurs. A copy of the technical report and presentation has been archived below this press release.

"As we have said before, we are not happy about the noise caused by REM operations in certain areas. Over the last few months, we have adopted a strategic approach, with the support of international experts, to establish a diagnosis that will now enable us to implement proven solutions. These will be closely monitored to ensure that our noise reduction targets are met," said Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDPQ Infra.

Beginning in the design phase, noise impact modelling and the subsequent planning for necessary mitigation measures was carried out for the REM. In addition, at the project's inception, a program was implemented to monitor noise levels during operations.

However, following discussions with residents in certain areas, Projet REM s.e.c. launched a new noise measurement initiative to gain a clear understanding of the current situation and determine the measures to be taken based on the results. SYSTRA was commissioned to carry out the assessment.

A total of seven sound level meters were installed in residential areas in Île-des-Sœurs, Pointe-Saint-Charles and Griffintown to continuously measure the impact of the REM. The data collected shows that the situation varies from one area to another. Griffintown and Île-des-Soeurs show higher levels than those indicated by initial modelling.

REM operations are carried out in compliance with the regulatory framework set by the Québec government, including the Politique sur le bruit routier by the Ministère des Transports du Québec et de la Mobilité durable (MTQMD), according to the criteria applicable to the project.

International experts from SYSTRA concluded that the main sources of noise are:

• The transmission of vibrations from the track to the elevated structure, which creates a rumbling noise
• Contact between car wheels and the track, which generates a rolling noise

Based on its worldwide experience in transit systems, the team of experts recommended proven noise reduction measures that can be applied directly at the source: carrying out acoustic rail grinding and installing dynamic absorbers on major sections of the route near residential areas.

Following the implementation of these two measures, a reduction in total noise intensity of 5 to 10 dB at the source is anticipated. Generally speaking, such a reduction is equivalent to a 3- to 10-fold decrease in the level of noise emitted compared to the current situation.

In early November, acoustic rail grinding will be carried out on the entire segment between Île-des-Sœurs and Central Station, continuing as far as Brossard station. Dynamic absorbers will be installed gradually from mid-October to December. REM users and local residents will receive more specific information about these measures in the coming weeks.

The possibility of adding additional noise barriers was also examined. However, given the height of the built environment, this measure is not considered to result in significant acoustic improvements.

Projet REM s.e.c. will continue to monitor noise to ensure that noise reduction targets are met, and will share the results publicly.

The technical presentation is available by clicking on this link: https://rem.info/en/documentation.

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new, 67 km integrated public transit network of 26 stations that will link downtown Montréal, the universities, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore and Montréal–Trudeau airport through a fully automated, electric light metro system. The first segment of the network, between Brossard and Gare Centrale Station, has been in service since July 31, 2023. Offering high-frequency service, the REM will operate 7 days per week, 20 hours per day, and will be connected to the three main lines of the Montréal metro.

SOURCE CDPQ Infra Inc. 

Media representatives were invited to an update on the first weeks of operation of the REM South Shore branch, the next stages of work to be carried out on the entire network, and a financial update on the project.

• More than one million passages reached on the South Shore branch, with a 99% service reliability rate from the first few weeks
• Of 67 km of network, including 17 km already in service, 85% is completed in unprecedented construction circumstances
• Additional costs of $1.65 billion represent a 26% increase over the cost presented when bidders were selected, for a total of $7.95 billion
• Excluding the exceptional $800 million impact of the pandemic limits the cost increase to 13%

"The past few weeks have seen us reach a very important milestone with the commissioning of the South Shore branch, linking Brossard to Montréal's Central Station. In the context of recent years, to have delivered this, in addition to having completed 85% of the network's other branches, within an extremely competitive budget, is exceptional. I salute the commitment of the thousands of people who are still hard at work on completing the REM and creating the world's largest automated light rail transit line, right here in Quebec," said Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and CEO of CDPQ Infra.

Since July 31, REM cars have made over a million trips. With a daily average of 30,000 trips, the busiest day was September 7, with 35,000 passages.

From the start of its run-in period, the REM's reliability rate was high at 99%, i.e. 860 hours of operation and six service interruptions, for a total of eight hours.

Over the course of the run-in period, the teams identified elements that are currently being upgraded, mainly escalators, elevators and communications during service interruptions. The REM team recognizes the importance of quickly solving the issues, and is working on them with its operator GPMM, made up of teams from Alstom and SNC-Lavalin.

For the West Island and North Shore branches, the civil engineering work is largely complete, and CDPQ Infra is now starting to finalize the 19 stations, install the control systems, finalize the rail tracks and electrification. Testing on the branches will begin in spring 2024.

On the airport branch, teams will soon be busy installing the rail tracks in 2024. Commissioning for this section is scheduled for 2027, in line with Montréal Airport's timetable for completing the station.

Over the past five years, the REM construction period has been marked by extraordinary circumstances and exceptional technical challenges. Despite these constraints, CDPQ Infra and its partners were able to keep the project within a very competitive budget compared with other similar major transportation projects around the world.

The project cost $7.95 billion, up $1.65 billion from the original $6.3 billion confirmed when bidders were selected in 2018. This is a 26% increase over the original cost. Excluding the impact of the pandemic limits the cost increase to 13%.

The increase in project costs breaks down as follows:

• Global pandemic ($800 million): the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine had a major impact on supply chains, the price and availability of goods and labour both local and international. Additionally, it led to the closure of worksites and the adoption of stringent sanitary measures for several months. These items account for half of the increase in project costs.
• Mount Royal Tunnel and condition of the underground vault ($350 million): starting in 2020, REM teams had to adopt innovative measures to meet the multiple construction challenges associated with the discovery of a century-old dynamite charge in the Mount Royal Tunnel and the severe deterioration of its central wall in the southern section, under McGill College Avenue. The vault under McGill College Avenue has been completely replaced, and the central wall is now complete. With investments of $350 million, we can count on major transportation infrastructures that have been renovated for the coming decades.
• Optimization, upgrades and improvements ($500 million): This amount includes costs from two sources.
  • $350 million related to work optimization and infrastructure developments carried out by third parties and rail operators.
  • $150 million in response to various requests received from communities to improve access and layout around REM stations to better serve future users.

It should be noted that for the planning period from 2016 to 2018, the value of the project had already been adjusted from $5.5 billion to $6.3 billion to take major improvements into account, including the addition of three new stations and 40 cars to enhance service quality.

Under the REM financing package, the additional $1.65 billion investment required to complete the project will be fully absorbed by CDPQ Infra. In addition, the project's main financial parameters, such as the passenger/km fare adjusted for price indexes and the expected performance target, are not affected.

Click this link for the detailed technical presentation: https://rem.info/en/documentation

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new, 67 km integrated public transit network of 26 stations that will link downtown Montréal, the universities, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore and Montréal–Trudeau airport through a fully automated, electric light rail system. Offering high-frequency service, the REM will operate 7 days per week, 20 hours per day, and will be connected to the three main lines of the Montréal metro. 

Today, with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. François Legault, Premier of Québec and Ms. Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal in attendance, CDPQ and its subsidiary, CDPQ Infra, inaugurated the first branch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), connecting Brossard to Gare Centrale.

Dignitaries and members of the public took part in the first official trip on the 16.6-km route connecting downtown Montréal to Brossard in 18 minutes.

This major step marks the start of a new network that is efficient, reliable and will facilitate the daily travel of over 30,000 people as they go to work, school, leisure activities, appointments or to visit friends and family.

Once completed, the fully automated and electric REM will reduce GHG emissions by 100,000 tonnes per year. In addition, with an overall network of 67 kilometres, it will be the longest automated metro in the world.

The public is invited to experience the new light metro for free over the weekend of July 29–30. Activities will also be scheduled on Esplanade PVM at Place Ville Marie during the weekend to highlight this historic milestone. Regular service on the South Shore Branch will begin Monday, July 31.

Users can learn more details about the new service starting today by visiting the Travel section of the REM.info website.

Quotes

"The REM will transform the way people get around the Greater Montréal area. It is the largest public transportation project undertaken in Québec in the last 50 years, and will ensure that Montrealers and all Canadians benefit from a transportation service to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport that is both efficient and clean. We are a major partner in this major project."
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"The REM will improve mobility in the Greater Montréal area. It's a fine example of our efforts to provide Quebecers with fast, environmentally-friendly and practical public transportation infrastructure. Serving citizens living in the suburbs, outside the city centres, is a major challenge, and this is precisely what the REM will make possible. I'm confident that we're heading in the right direction, and that if we provide Quebecers with modern, fast and efficient public transportation, more and more people will use it."
François Legault, Premier of Québec

"A major milestone has just been reached in the realization of this brand new transportation system. It will have an impact on the daily lives of thousands of people in the Greater Montréal area, and we're very proud of it. The REM speaks to our dual mandate, as it will generate significant economic benefits for Québec and each time passengers step on board, they will contribute to financing their retirement. It's truly a signature project that will deliver tangible benefits starting today and for future generations."
Charles Emond, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ

"Taking an idea and bringing it to fruition is quite an accomplishment for the thousands of people who've worked tirelessly for 5 years now on building this major project for the greater metropolitan region. I'd like to personally thank all these REM artisans whose collective effort is now giving thousands of citizens access to a brand-new, sustainable, frequent and efficient mobility service."
Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ Infra

"The inauguration of the first segment of the REM marks an important milestone in the history of the metropolitan area, and the start into a new era of mobility in Montréal. This new structural link is one of the keys to ensuring the vitality of our downtown and, eventually, to redeveloping and densifying the Bridge-Bonaventure area. This ambitious project is part of our vision for a more accessible and resilient metropolitan area for future generations."
Valérie Plante, Mayor of the Ville de Montréal

"The opening of the REM is a historic moment, a true revolution in the way we get around collectively and in how we think about the future of our cities. In Brossard, the three REM stations are major development hubs and living environments that will quickly become prime locations. Imagine leaving the Brossard terminal, crossing the deck of the new Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and arriving at Montréal's Gare Centrale Station, all in just a few minutes. Brossard is very proud to have this innovative public transit project within its city limits. It's a source of pride to us all!"
Doreen Assaad, Mayor of Brossard

"The commissioning of this first segment of the REM marks the beginning of a new era in mobility. This unprecedented mode of transportation, which will be integrated into the various existing networks, will change how we travel in the Greater Montréal area. CDPQ Infra and its partners have every reason to be proud of the work they have accomplished. I encourage members of the public to come aboard and discover for themselves the many benefits of this project."
Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier of Québec, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility

"The arrival of the REM, the largest public transportation project in Québec since the opening of the metro in 1966, will bring lasting changes to the mobility of citizens travelling between the South Shore and Montréal. It's the culmination of a colossal effort by the metropolitan region's partners – exo, RTL and STM – which have revised their bus networks to ensure fully integrated services. Our teams are ready to welcome users so that they'll have the best experience possible and to encourage them to adopt this modern, 100% electric mode of transportation."
Benoit Gendron, Director General of the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM)

"We are proud and pleased to launch the REM with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. What a joy it is to develop Alstom's latest driverless metro technologies in Québec and to support the City of Montréal in its effort to decarbonize mobility to make our world and cities easier to live in, greener and more environmentally friendly. We deeply thank CDPQ for their continuous support here in Montréal and beyond as Alstom main shareholder."
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom

"Building the REM is much more than construction or engineering; it represents an opportunity to build the future. To this end, we brought together more than 4,000 men and women of 59 different nationalities. I'd like to extend my warmest thanks to them and their families, without whom none of our efforts would have been possible. We are very grateful for the collaboration of GPMM and the support received from our partners (SNC-Lavalin, Dragados, Aecon, Pomerleau and EBC) and, above all, for the exceptional leadership and resilience of CDPQ Infra."
Jaime Freyre, Project Manager, NouvLR consortium

"We are proud of our investment in the REM, one of Canada's most important transit infrastructure projects, whose initial opening will relieve congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Montréal. Initial operations of our first and largest investment demonstrate the impact of our work. This is one of nearly 30 investments by the Canada Infrastructure Bank that are under construction or in development across the country."
Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

"The launch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) clearly shows how the electrification of transportation is not only about individual electric vehicles. Electric public transportation is an essential pillar of a low-carbon economy, and Hydro-Québec is honoured to have played a crucial role in this project."
Claudine Bouchard, Executive Vice President, Chief Infrastructure and Energy System Officer at Hydro-Québec

The REM's South Shore Branch at a glance:

• 16.6 km of double track
• Thirteen four-car trains
• Five new stations
• Operating 20 hours per day
• Brossard to downtown Montréal in 18 minutes
• Frequency varies from every 3 minutes 45 seconds during peak hours to every 7 minutes 30 seconds outside of peak hours
• Integration of a sustainable and structuring transportation system on the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge
• Two new bridges (l'Île-des-Sœurs channel and Lachine Canal)
• A maintenance centre and control centre using cutting-edge technology

Source : CDPQ Infra

Afin de souligner l'inauguration du Réseau express métropolitain (REM), le gouvernement du Québec est fier d'annoncer qu'il rendra gratuit, pendant une fin de semaine complète, l'accès à ce tout nouveau mode de transport.

Composée de cinq stations, cette première antenne reliera Brossard, l'Île-des-Sœurs et la Gare Centrale. La gratuité des 29 et 30 juillet, entre 9 h et 19 h, permettra aux usagers d'emprunter le REM et de l'apprivoiser, avant sa mise en service officielle le 31 juillet prochain.

De plus, afin de célébrer en grande pompe cet événement unique, CDPQ Infra organise de nombreuses activités durant la fin de semaine inaugurale. Il est possible de consulter le calendrier sur le site Web de l'organisation : https ://rem.info/fr .

Deux autres phases de construction sont en cours pour déployer le REM vers Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Deux-Montagnes et l'aéroport Montréal-Trudeau. À terme, le REM reliera les différents pôles stratégiques de la région métropolitaine, soit la Rive-Sud, la Rive-Nord, l'ouest de Montréal et l'aéroport.

Citations

« Les 29 et 30 juillet prochains seront deux journées très spéciales, puisqu'elles visent à encourager la population à essayer le REM, que ce soit pour tester leur nouveau trajet ou découvrir ce mode de transport. En offrant l'occasion à chacun de constater les avantages du REM, nous espérons que les usagers voudront l'adopter au quotidien. Cette fin de semaine de gratuité est un gage du soutien de notre gouvernement envers le transport collectif. »

Geneviève Guilbault, vice-première ministre et ministre des Transports et de la Mobilité durable

« L'arrivée du REM va révolutionner le transport collectif à Montréal et j'invite tous les Montréalais à participer à l'inauguration pendant la fin de semaine du 29 et du 30 juillet. Une telle occasion ne s'est pas produite depuis 1967, et il s'agira d'un moment marquant pour la métropole et aussi pour tout le Québec. »

Pierre Fitzgibbon, ministre de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie, ministre responsable du Développement économique régional et ministre responsable de la Métropole et de la région de Montréal

« La mise en service du REM est synonyme de grands changements pour les usagers de la Montérégie. En effet, la refonte des réseaux entamée par les sociétés de transport a fait en sorte que beaucoup d'usagers se rapprocheront d'un nouveau moyen de transport et, par le fait même, du REM. Je remercie l'ensemble des partenaires pour leur travail acharné en vue d'intégrer le REM dans leur desserte, ce qui permettra aux citoyens de bénéficier d'un mode de transport rapide et fiable. Le 29 et le 30 juillet prochains, venez vivre un moment historique à bord du REM. »

Suzanne Roy, ministre de la Famille, ministre responsable de la région de la Montérégie et députée de Verchères 

Gracieuseté de: Gouvernement du Québec

L'Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), exo, le Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) et la Société de transport de Montréal (STM) saluent l'annonce de la date de mise en service de l'antenne Rive-Sud du REM, le 31 juillet prochain. Au cours des prochaines semaines, le REM s'intégrera à des réseaux de transport repensés pour maximiser l'expérience des usagers et l'efficacité de leurs trajets dans le corridor de l'autoroute 10 et ses bassins.

À la suite d'importantes consultations publiques, exo, le RTL et la STM ont procédé au dévoilement de la refonte de leurs réseaux respectifs au cours des derniers mois. Les changements à venir concernent à la fois l'accès au REM et les déplacements locaux. Les partenaires finalisent les derniers préparatifs du plan de déploiement des réseaux locaux pour faciliter l'expérience des usagers dans une transition harmonieuse vers les nouveaux services.

« Le REM changera notre façon de nous déplacer dans la Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal. Je salue le travail colossal effectué par les partenaires. C'est avec fierté et fébrilité que j'invite les citoyens à adopter le REM dès le 31 juillet. Notre gouvernement continuera de soutenir cette nouvelle colonne vertébrale de la mobilité durable au Québec », a déclaré Geneviève Guilbault, vice-première ministre et ministre des Transports et de la Mobilité durable.

« Grâce aux titres Tous modes, le REM est déjà intégré à la tarification régionale depuis le 1^er juillet 2022. Dans la foulée de la mise en service, c'est non seulement le plus important projet de transport collectif au Québec depuis 50 ans qui se déploiera, mais également la refonte de 3 réseaux locaux de bus. Exo, le RTL et la STM ont réalisé un excellent travail en plaçant les besoins de la population au cœur de cet exercice afin de profiter de l'arrivée du REM pour optimiser le service local de nombreux secteurs. La concertation de l'ensemble des partenaires était incontournable pour donner à l'arrivée du REM son plein potentiel structurant. Concrètement, les usagers auront droit à une meilleure couverture locale et, pour se rendre au REM, à plus d'amplitude et de fréquence de service avec un accès performant entre le centre-ville de Montréal et la Rive-Sud », a déclaré Benoit Gendron, directeur général de l'ARTM.

« Exo mettra en service son nouveau réseau d'autobus complètement repensé dans les secteurs Chambly-Richelieu-Carignan et Le Richelain/Roussillon. Alors que plus de 60 lignes ont été entièrement redessinées, 25 d'entre elles se rendront directement au REM. Le nouveau réseau améliorera considérablement les déplacements locaux et intermunicipaux en plus d'offrir des trajets directs vers le REM, pour un accès facile au centre-ville et à d'autres destinations sur la couronne sud. Durant les prochaines semaines, exo sera présent sur le terrain pour accompagner sa clientèle dans ce changement d'habitudes », déclare Josée Bérubé, présidente du conseil d'administration d'exo.

« Toute l'équipe du RTL est heureuse d'offrir aux citoyens de Longueuil, Brossard, Boucherville, Saint-Lambert et Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville un réseau redessiné qui sera encore plus branché sur leurs besoins, mieux connecté au REM grâce à 29 lignes qui desserviront les 3 stations sur la rive-sud, soit Panama, Du Quartier et Brossard, et plus flexible puisque les horaires seront adaptés aux nouvelles habitudes de déplacement. Il sera également plus accessible avec des temps de parcours améliorés, simplifié grâce à des liens plus faciles à l'intérieur de l'agglomération de Longueuil et aura une meilleure desserte des centres commerciaux, des parcs industriels, des lieux d'enseignement et des installations de santé », déclare Geneviève Héon, présidente du conseil d'administration du RTL.

« C'est avec enthousiasme que j'accueille ce moment historique et tant attendu! En effet, la mise en service du premier tronçon du REM, qui reliera la Rive-Sud au réseau du métro du centre-ville de Montréal avec la station Bonaventure, est une excellente nouvelle pour la mobilité, tout comme notre nouvelle desserte bus à l'Île-des-Sœurs qui pourra être modulée selon les besoins. Celle-ci constitue la première étape de la grande démarche de la refonte du réseau bus sur l'ensemble du territoire de l'île de Montréal. Rappelons que cette refonte vise à repenser le réseau de surface pour le rendre plus attrayant et adapté aux besoins de mobilité des Montréalais, tout en s'arrimant à la mise en service de grands projets de transport collectif », a déclaré Éric Alan Caldwell, président du conseil d'administration de la STM.

Les refontes de réseaux d'autobus qui accompagnent la mise en service du REM ont été annoncées par le RTL, exo et la STM au cours des derniers mois.

Toute l'information sur les changements à venir peut être obtenue sur leurs sites respectifs :

• Refonte du réseau du RTL : visionrtl.ca
• Refonte du réseau d'exo : exo.quebec/monreseau
• Refonte du réseau de la STM : refontebus.stm.info

Since the start of the dry run on June 28, the Reseau express métropolitain (REM) cars have been running at frequencies similar to those of the future service. In light of the results of this period of intensive testing, CDPQ Infra announce that the REM between Brossard and Gare Centrale stations opens to the public on July 31st.

The dry run will continue over the next few weeks, allowing the teams to make the final adjustments to deliver the best possible customer experience.

Future users can find out more about the new service today at REM.info. In the coming weeks, the REM will also be introducing additional communication tools to support users.

With its 5 stations, the REM's South Shore branch will provide access from Brossard to downtown Montréal in under 18 minutes.

Source : CDPQ Infra

CDPQ Infra confirms that the final pre-commissioning stage of the project, the dry-run, will begin between the stations of Brossard and Gare Centrale station as of Wednesday, June 28th.

The final phase consists of simulating the future service, without passengers. Over the next few days, REM cars will run at frequencies similar to those of the future service. To reach this final stage, the teams have completed a number of decisive milestones over the past 12 months, including the complete electrification of the 16.6 km South Shore antenna, the crossing of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and a third consecutive winter of intensive testing.

CDPQ Infra will be back in the public space regarding the process of the dry run, to confirm the official commissioning date for the REM between Brossard and Gare Centrale station.

About the REM

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new 67-km, 26-station integrated mass public transit network designed to link downtown Montreal, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore and Montreal-Trudeau airport by means of a fully automated, electric light metro system. Offering high-frequency service, the REM will operate 7 days a week, 20 hours a day, and will be connected to the existing Montreal's three metro lines.

Source : REM