2023-07-28 14:11:01
After at least three postponements, the first passengers will finally board the Metropolitan Express Network (REM), the official inauguration of which is taking place today at the Brossard terminus.
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“It will change the way of seeing transportation in Quebec,” said Quebec Premier François Legault, inviting people to come and try the automated light rail this weekend.
He said he was really proud that the project could be carried out “in record time”, seven years after the announcement by the former president and CEO of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ Infra), Michael Sabia.
Photo QMI Agency, Joël Lemay
The Mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, was enthusiastic about a “big project”, which will improve the public transport offer in the greater Montreal area.
“The REM has everything to seduce, it’s a fast, pleasant and sustainable means of transportation,” said the elected representative of Projet Montréal.
First official crossing
“What a beautiful day! We are finally here!” launched the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, who took part in the ceremony with the new Minister of Transport, Pablo Rodriguez.
It will take 18 minutes to travel 16.6 km between the Gare Centrale station and the Brossard terminus on this first section, which has five stations, including three on the South Shore.
The first 100 passengers, winners of a contest organized by CDPQ Infra, will be able to board this afternoon. Saturday and Sunday, people will be able to test the network for free to facilitate the transition to this new mode of transport.
Photo QMI Agency, Joël Lemay
Reports
When the REM was announced in 2016, it was scheduled to open in late 2020 and estimated costs were $5.5 billion.
The groundbreaking finally took place in 2018, with the opening of the South Shore branch scheduled for the end of 2021.
This spring, it was finally announced that the train would go into service on July 31.
Photo QMI Agency, Joël Lemay
However, the total costs are not yet known. Last I heard, the budget was estimated at just under $7 billion, but it could be exceeded by 30%, according to The Press.
The segment between Brossard and Central Station is the first stage of the project. The segment to Deux-Montagnes should be inaugurated in 2024, while that to Montréal-Trudeau airport is planned for 2027.
Once completed, the REM will extend over 67 km.
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