Montreal commuters who rely on the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) on weekends will need to adjust their travel plans this summer. The transit network has announced later start times on Saturdays and Sundays from June 6 through Aug. 16 as crews carry out maintenance work and testing tied to future expansion projects.
Under the temporary schedule, the first REM trains on Saturdays will leave terminus stations at 7:30 a.m., two hours later than the normal 5:30 a.m. start. Sunday service will begin either at 7:30 a.m. or noon, depending on the work being performed across the network.
The changes are designed to provide maintenance teams with additional time to complete critical work while minimizing disruptions during weekdays, when passenger volumes are higher.
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According to REM officials, the network’s maintenance crews currently have only a four-hour overnight window to complete inspections, repairs and testing because trains operate roughly 20 hours each day.
Jean Aubé, spokesperson for Pulsar, the company responsible for operating the REM, said the limited overnight closure period is no longer sufficient for the amount of work required, particularly as construction and testing continue for the future REM connection to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.
The airport branch is expected to open in 2027 and remains one of the most significant transit expansion projects currently underway in the Greater Montreal region. Additional maintenance and testing time this summer will help ensure progress remains on schedule.
The most significant weekend disruptions will occur on June 21, June 28, July 5 and July 12, when REM service will not begin until noon. Service will also start at noon on Wednesday, July 1, due to the Canada Day public holiday.
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Alternative Transportation Options Available
To help passengers during the delayed openings, replacement shuttle buses will operate throughout the affected periods. However, riders should be aware that bicycles will not be permitted on the shuttle buses.
The REM also notes that travellers can use alternative public transit services offered by the SociĂ©tĂ© de transport de MontrĂ©al (STM), Laval’s STL and Longueuil’s RTL to move across parts of the network while train service is unavailable.
The summer schedule adjustment comes as the REM continues to balance expansion work with day-to-day operations. Earlier this year, commuters also dealt with a network-wide technical issue that caused rush-hour delays across Montreal, highlighting the importance of ongoing maintenance and infrastructure upgrades across the transit system.
Passengers are encouraged to review updated schedules before travelling. Full details about affected dates, replacement shuttle services and route information are available through the official REM website. Station posters and digital displays across the network will also provide reminders about the temporary weekend timetable throughout the summer.
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