The recent inauguration of the Deux-Montagnes extension of Montreal’s REM light-rail system is being hailed as a significant development, streamlining commute times for numerous travelers. This new route originates from Deux-Montagnes, traverses Laval and the West Island, and passes through the Mount Royal tunnel to reach downtown. It integrates with Montreal’s Metro system at Édouard-Montpetit, McGill, and Gare Centrale stations, and extends to the South Shore REM branch, which opened in the summer of 2023.
Examining the network map reveals 20 stations along the rail line connecting Montreal’s North and South shores, with all stations operational except for Griffintown—Bernard-Landry, situated between Ottawa and William streets. This delay has sparked speculation about the fate of the station initially planned for a 2024 launch and whether it will materialize.
According to Francis Labbé, a representative of CDPQ Infra, the construction of the station presents a complex challenge. It is currently entwined with a proposed station as part of former mayor Valérie Plante’s redevelopment plan for the nearby Bridge-Bonaventure area spanning the Sud-Ouest and Ville-Marie boroughs. The necessity for both stations to be built concurrently, rather than sequentially, has been underscored to minimize user disruption and cost.
However, managing construction near an active transit line in densely populated urban areas poses significant difficulties. Pierre Barrieau, a transportation lecturer at Université de Montréal, anticipates potential closures and service interruptions, potentially necessitating alternate transportation arrangements for affected commuters.
For South Shore commuters, the timely establishment of the Griffintown—Bernard-Landry station is eagerly awaited. Axel Fournier, a spokesperson for the Association pour le Transport Collectif de la Rive-Sud, highlights the inconvenience caused by the REM, leading to a strategic bus stop’s closure near Old Montreal and resulting in additional daily commute time for passengers.
While CDPQ Infra reiterates its commitment to constructing the Griffintown station in 2023, the fate of the Bridge-Bonaventure station remains uncertain pending financial analysis, as stated by Sarah Bensadoun from the Transport Ministry. The Griffintown—Bernard-Landry station was envisioned as a vital link between downtown and the prospering southwest area lacking sufficient public transit options.
Although no definitive opening dates have been announced for either station, progress continues on the remaining REM branches. The Deux-Montagnes line, initially set to open in 2024 alongside the Anse-à-l’Orme branch, is advancing. The latter will connect downtown Montreal to Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, slated to open in spring 2026, while the airport branch linking Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport to the network is scheduled for 2027.