The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) has operated for the first time on the new airport branch to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. The run marks the start of track and communications system validation on the final segment of the network.
The REM is a large-scale automated light rail network being built to serve the Greater Montréal area. It will form a 67-kilometre electric rail system with multiple branches connecting downtown Montréal to surrounding areas, including the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore, and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.
The network is designed to provide frequent, fully automated service and to improve connections between residential areas, employment centres, and major transport hubs.
The airport branch is one component of the wider REM network and will provide a direct rail link between downtown Montréal and Montréal-Trudeau International Airport once the system is fully commissioned.
Track installation has been completed up to the tail track beyond the YUL–Aéroport–Montréal-Trudeau station. Construction work continues on a 2.5-kilometre tunnel, while the Marie-Curie station is approaching completion.
According to the project schedule, 2026 will be a key year for advancing work required for the commissioning of the airport branch.
Work will continue inside the airport station with the installation of rail systems and equipment, including platform screen doors. These activities are expected to extend through 2026. Further steps will then be required by spring 2027 to allow dynamic testing ahead of the opening of the branch.
Julien Hurel, Vice President, REM Project, at CDPQ Infra said:The major 2025 milestone—the installation of tracks inside the airport station—has been achieved. While there is still work to do, notably at the airport station, our teams are progressing as planned. The year 2026 will be decisive for advancing work at the airport station and finalising this segment.
