Along with the ongoing construction of the REM network in Montreal, the REM de l'Est is one of the most extensive transit projects ever in the city, together creating one of the largest automated light-rail networks in the world.
Here's everything you need to know about the REM de l'Est.
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Where will the new REM stations be?
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Réseau Express Metropolitain (REM) & CDPQ Infra
The proposed 23 stations will be strategically located to service some of the most public transit-dry neighbourhoods in Montreal, including Saint-Léonard, Montréal-Nord, and Pointe-Aux-Trembles.
The potential branch along rue Notre-Dame Est, for instance, will service the low-lying areas of Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and offer stunning views of the river.
Further north, the most residential sectors of Saint-Léo and Montréal-Nord will finally have access to a rail network that will offer an unhindered route to downtown Montreal in 30 minutes or less.
Students at the far-flung Cégep Marie-Victorin will also benefit from a terminus near the school in the initial plan.
Finally, people working in the huge industrial sector of Pointe-Aux-Trembles won't have to be stuck in traffic anymore, as a REM train will pass every four minutes or so during rush hour.
How is it connected to the REM that's under construction?
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Réseau Express Metropolitain (REM) & CDPQ Infra
The REM de l'Est won't be much different from the REM network that's currently set to be ready by 2024, though the two projects will function as distinct networks.
Both systems will be fully automated, both will be very fast, both have elevated and underground tracks and both will connect to the existing STM network.
The presentation for the REM de l'Est shows a transfer to both the green line and extended blue line.
Integration with the STM and other modes of transit, including the Pie-IX rapid bus line, is a key feature of the REM de l'Est, as the project is meant to connect the East End of the island to the rest of Montreal.
In a statement, Montreal mayor Valérie Plante called the REM de l'Est a "formidable engine for economic recovery" in the area.
"This new access to downtown public transit will open up horizons for several Montréal neighbourhoods."
When will the REM de l'Est be finished?
The project is still in its consultation phase and will soon launch public conversations with citizens and stakeholders.
Quebec's Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE) will then need to review the project.
In a statement, CDPQ also indicated that "an advisory committee will be set up in collaboration with the Ville de Montréal so recommendations can be submitted prior to project design," though it's unclear when that will be.
There is no timeframe for the construction, but the submission to the BAPE is forecast for 2021.
