As the temperature rises and the legendary Montreal slush finally makes its seasonal exit, we find ourselves in that magical April sweet spot. The sun is staying out a little longer, the terrasses are beginning to dust off their chairs, and the collective "spirit" of the city is shifting from hibernation mode to full-blown celebration. But if there’s one thing that has been dominating the cinq à sept conversations from Brossard to Deux-Montagnes lately, it’s the Réseau express métropolitain, our very own shiny, automated pride and joy: the REM.
It feels like just yesterday we were staring at construction pylons and wondering if we’d ever actually see those green-and-white trains gliding across the skyline. Well, mes amis, it’s April 2026, and the landscape of Montreal transit has officially changed forever. Whether you’re a daily commuter or someone who only ventures out for a world-class meal, the REM has likely touched your life.
Looking for quoi faire with the latest news? We’ve gathered the ten most essential things you need to know about where the REM stands right now, how it’s performing, and why it matters for your weekend plans.
1. The Full Network is (Mostly) Humming
Remember the wait? The "coming soon" signs that felt like they were there for an eternity? Well, following the massive full network commissioning in the fall of 2025, the REM is no longer a "project", it’s a reality. We are now living in the era where the South Shore, the North Shore, Laval, and the West Island are all stitched together by high-frequency light rail. The seamless integration we were promised has finally arrived, turning the "Island of Montreal" into a place that feels a lot more connected.
2. The 14-Station Expansion is a Game Changer
In November 2025, we witnessed a massive expansion that brought 14 new stations into the fold. This wasn’t just a minor update; it was the moment the REM truly became a regional powerhouse. Connecting the West Island and the North Shore directly to downtown means you can grab a morning coffee in Deux-Montagnes and be at Time Out Market Montreal for lunch without ever worrying about the traffic on the 13 or the 40. It’s stress-free travel that actually lives up to the hype.
3. The Mount Royal Tunnel: From Dynamite to Smooth Sailing
We can’t talk about the REM without mentioning the legendary saga of the Mount Royal Tunnel. This five-kilometre stretch under the mountain was the "boss level" of the entire project. Between discovering century-old dynamite (talk about a blast from the past!) and modernizing infrastructure that hadn't been touched in decades, it was the primary reason for those agonizing delays. Today, however, the tunnel is the crown jewel of the system, whisking passengers under the mountain in record time. It’s a feat of engineering that makes the daily commute feel a bit more like a sci-fi movie.
4. Reliability is Through the Roof
Montrealers love to complain about the STM (it’s a local pastime, really), but the REM is giving us very little to grumble about lately. As of late last year, the system reached a staggering 99.5% availability rate. That’s right, the "automated" fear people had early on has been replaced by the realization that these trains show up on time, every time. No service outages of 20 minutes or more were reported for months during the peak integration phase. It’s the kind of consistency that makes you actually want to leave the car in the garage.
5. 45,000 Trips and Counting
The South Shore branch was our first taste of the REM, and boy, did we take to it. By the end of 2024, ridership had already hit 45,000 trips daily. Now that the full network is operational in 2026, those numbers are soaring even higher. It turns out that when you give people a clean, fast, and vibrant way to get across the St. Lawrence, they actually use it. Who knew?
6. The Price of Progress
Let’s be real: world-class infrastructure doesn’t come cheap. The net cost of the REM rose to approximately $8.34 billion. Between inflation, the pandemic, and the complexities of digging under a mountain, the budget saw a nearly 5% increase. While $392 million in additional costs sounds like a lot of poutine money, the long-term value for the "heart" of our city’s economy is hard to argue with. We’re building a legacy here, and sometimes that legacy comes with a hefty invoice.
7. The West Island is Finally Invited to the Party
For decades, the West Island felt like a different world if you didn't have a car. But with the Anse-à-l'Orme branch now part of the daily routine, the "spirit" of the West Island is more accessible than ever. Whether you're heading out to the Morgan Arboretum or just visiting family in Kirkland, the REM has shrunk the city in the best way possible.
8. Where’s the Airport Connection? (The 2027 Wait)
Okay, here is the one piece of news that still requires a little patience. While the rest of the network is vibrant and humming, the YUL-Trudeau International Airport station is still on track for a late 2027 opening. We know, we know: everyone wants to ditch the 747 bus and the Uber surges. But the construction is progressing, and soon enough, "landing in Montreal" will mean hopping straight onto a train to downtown. Hang in there, jet-setters!
9. High-Tech Testing is the New Normal
You might remember the service interruptions in early 2025 where Saturday nights ended a bit early. That "poutine-break" for the trains was essential for antenna integration and final systems testing. It’s this rigorous commitment to safety and tech that has kept the system running so smoothly this year. The intensive testing phases are largely behind us, meaning more late-night options for those of us who stay out until the bars close.
10. Using the REM for Your Culinary Adventures
The best part about the REM isn't the tracks or the tech: it's where it can take you. If you’re looking for quoi faire this weekend, why not use the new stations as a roadmap for a food tour?
The network now makes it easier than ever to hit some of the city's most iconic spots. You can take the REM to Central Station and walk over to Monarque for a sophisticated French-inspired dinner that perfectly matches the "sophisticated" vibe of our new rail system. Or, if you’re coming from the South Shore, hop off and head towards Little Burgundy to see if you can snag a seat at the world-renowned Joe Beef.
If you find yourself near the McGill station area, Le Filet offers an incredible seafood-focused menu that is worth the trip from any corner of the map. For those exploring the areas near the Édouard-Montpetit connection, the legendary flavors of Damas are just a short hop away, offering some of the best Syrian cuisine you’ll find in North America.
The Future is On Track
As we look forward to the rest of 2026, the REM is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s a symbol of a Montreal that is moving forward: a city that embraces its history while building a world-class future. From the "magic" of the automated views over the St. Lawrence to the practical benefit of skipping the morning gridlock, the REM has become part of our collective identity.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to do or how to get there, remember that the city is smaller and more vibrant than ever before. Grab your OPUS card (or your phone, thanks to those new digital payments!), and go explore.
Want to share your REM stories or have a tip on a hidden gem restaurant near a new station? Contact us and let us know! We’re always looking for the best ways to celebrate everything our city has to offer.
Stay tuned to MTL365 for more updates on the latest news, the best eats, and everything that makes Montreal the place to be in 2026. À bientôt on the tracks!
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