Alstom celebrates the extension of the REM to Montreal’s West Island (Canada)
Alstom celebrates the extension of the REM to Montreal’s West Island (Canada)
By adding 14 kilometres to the existing network, the REM now offers a sustainable alternative to driving for residents of the West Island who wish to travel to downtown Montreal (Copyright Alstom 2026/C. Fleury)
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This new extension, delivered by CDPQ Infra, adds 14 new kilometres to the existing 50-kilometre network, connecting to Anse‑à‑l’Orme, and adds four new stations to one of the world’s largest and most advanced automated metro systems.
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This new branch will provide an efficient, 100% electric connection to Montreal’s West Island through a modern, frequent and reliable transit service, operating 20 hours a day.
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Alstom is supplying a driverless light metro system, including 212 driverless Metropolis cars and signalling systems, and is participating in the operation and maintenance of the network for 30 years through its joint venture Pulsar.
18 May 2026 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, celebrates the commissioning, by its customer CDPQ Infra, of the new Réseau express métropolitain (REM) branch to Montreal’s West Island, a major milestone in the development of one of the world’s most modern and ambitious automated public transit networks.
With this new branch connecting the city of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, located at the western tip of the Island of Montreal, to the existing network, the REM now reaches 64 kilometres and 23 stations. The REM now offers to the public an efficient connection to Montreal’s downtown through a modern, frequent and reliable transit service operating 20 hours a day, with trains running every four minutes on the central segment during peak hours. It will provide a reliable alternative to car travel for trips to downtown Montreal. Thousands of additional riders will now benefit from safer, faster and more efficient daily travel.
“We are extremely proud to contribute to the opening of this new branch, which significantly improves daily mobility for residents across the metropolitan region."
Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas, said: “We are extremely proud to contribute to the opening of this new branch, which significantly improves daily mobility for residents across the metropolitan region. This project demonstrates our ability to deliver complex, large‑scale turnkey transportation systems equipped with the best available technologies. Congratulations to CDPQ Infra, our employees and all our partners.”
A flagship project for Alstom in North America
The REM showcases Alstom’s full range of urban technologies and highlights its expertise in turnkey projects and services transforming mobility in Canada. As part of this project, Alstom delivered a complete automated, driverless light metro system, including 212 Metropolis cars, Urbalis signalling systems featuring the highest level of automation on the market (GoA4), onboard Wi‑Fi connectivity, cybersecurity solutions, as well as platform screen doors ensuring passenger comfort, reliability and safety. Alstom is committed to the REM over the long term through Pulsar, its joint venture responsible for operating and maintaining the network for 30 years, ensuring sustained system performance and reliability. REM maintenance teams use Alstom’s HealthHub digital platform, a predictive maintenance solution that monitors the fleet and infrastructure in real time, leveraging artificial intelligence to analyse data collected across the entire railway system. Through the REM project, Alstom has created several hundred direct jobs in Quebec, while also building new local expertise in automated and driverless metro systems.
Once completed, the REM will be one of the world’s largest and most advanced automated mass transit networks, featuring 26 stations across 67 kilometres, connecting downtown Montreal to the South Shore, North Shore, West Island and Montreal‑Trudeau International Airport. With their distinctive design, the REM’s Metropolis trains reflect and draw inspiration from Montreal’s landscape and history, offering passengers a unique window onto their city.
Alstom in the Province of Quebec
Alstom employs more than 2,100 people in Quebec, works with hundreds of local suppliers, and has its Americas headquarters in the province, located in Saint‑Bruno‑de‑Montarville. As Canada’s only passenger trains manufacturer, Alstom delivers rolling stock, signalling solutions, comprehensive operation and maintenance services, infrastructure and turnkey systems for major cities and rail networks across the country.
ALSTOM™, Metropolis™, Urbalis™ and HealthHub™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.
