REM South Branch enters final testing, final commissioning expected this year
CDPQ Infra Inc. began testing trains along the South Branch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) rail project, which is one of the final steps required before the section of the project can begin serving passengers at its five stations.
The project has already completed simulated operation, wrapped up final electrification work and expanded the test runs to Montreal. Data will be collected during the testing phase to evaluate the ability of REM teams to perform routine operations in different scenarios. REM explains ensuring safety and reliability of the system are its priorities during this phase of the project.
The 16-kilometer (9.9-mile) South Branch will be the first section of the REM rail line to open. It is part of a planned fully automated system that will eventually operate along 67 kilometers (41.6 miles) of track and serve 26 stations.
The South Branch opening was delayed until this year due to a combination of supply chain issues, inflation challenges and labor availability. In October, CDPQ Infra noted the delay in opening would also offer a chance to better optimize the implementation of the REM transportation network, as well as its partners bus networks.
The REM’s Deux-Montagnes and Anse-A-L’orme segments are expected to open in late 2024 while the segment to YUL-Montreal-Trudeau Airport will open with input from Aeroport de Montreal.
CDPQ Infra says a grand opening celebration will be planned once a date to open the system is finalized.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
