Big Light Rail Expansion Planned in Montreal

Montreal officials recently announced details of a major expansion of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM).

2 minute read

December 25, 2020, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Montreal Light Rail

Construction on Reseau express metropolitain, pictured in January 2020. | meunierd / Shutterstock

"Montreal's light-rail network will be extended by about 30 kilometres, bringing it into Montréal-Nord and Pointe-aux-Trembles," according to an article published by CBC that preceded an official announcement of the project by a day. The extensions are added to a system still under construction, with commissioning expected in 2022.

The extension will also add a total of 23 stations to the system, with work expected to begin on both sections in 2023. 

"The extension to the east would begin at Gare Centrale, where the train would run along René-Levesque Boulevard above ground all the way to Notre-Dame Street east of the Jacques Cartier Bridge," according to the article. "The tracks will then extend to Dickson Street, where they will bifurcate — one going north underground following Lacordaire Boulevard to Cégep Marie-Victorin and the other going east to Pointe-aux-Trembles along Sherbrooke Street."

More details about the project can be found in a press release from the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec published on December 15.

Here's how the press release describes the process that led to the announcement:

Following the Québec government’s mandate, this transit solution was identified after a thorough study of the technical and economic aspects. This study confirms that the project is viable: it meets the transportation needs of local communities, and allows CDPQ to generate the necessary returns to meet the expectations of its depositors while supporting Québec’s economic recovery in the years to come.

The projects are expected to total $10 billion—the largest-ever investment in public transit in the province of Quebec.

Monday, December 14, 2020 in CBC

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

July 4 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

July 4 - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business