The first day of public service on the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) light rail route was marred by a closure and delays.
After a weekend of fanfare and celebrations, the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) light-rail route opened to the public on Monday, July 30 in Montreal. The new automated, electric light-rail line will serve five stations between Brossard and downtown Montreal’s Central Station with plans for more.
The first day of public service had a major hiccup, however. “But a breakdown put a cramp in the first day the electric light-rail line took paying passengers across the Champlain Bridge,” according to an article by Jason Magder for the Montreal Gazette.
“The problem was caused by a switch that got stuck, so trains were not able to change tracks, REM spokesperson Jean-Vincent Lacroix said.” Magder also reports that three trains were stranded on the Champlain Bridge as service was delayed for 90 minutes. The system worked smoothly over the weekend—120,000 people used the new train route while operating for free over the weekend.
According to a separate article by Antoni Nerestant for the CBC News, the REM is the largest public transit investment in decades for the Montreal region.
“When it's complete, the network will feature 26 stations that span 67 kilometres and connect riders to Montreal's South Shore, the West Island, western Laval and the town of Deux-Montagnes,” explains Nerestant. The first phase, which opened this week, covers the southern portion of the project.
FULL STORY: First day, first delay as REM (sort of) goes into action
Big Light Rail Expansion Planned in Montreal
Montreal officials recently announced details of a major expansion of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM).
Maryland to Restart Planning for East-West Transit Line Through Baltimore
A plan for the Red Line, an east-west light rail line notoriously canceled by former-Governor Larry Hogan in 2015, is back on the table in Baltimore.
Newly Opened Regional Connector Redefines Light Rail Transit in Los Angeles
Three rail lines have become two rail lines in Los Angeles, providing one-seat rides from four corners of Los Angeles County.
Rethinking Redlining
For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Santa Clara County Dedicates Over $28M to Affordable Housing
The county is funding over 600 new affordable housing units via revenue from a 2016 bond measure.
Why a Failed ‘Smart City’ Is Still Relevant
A Google-backed proposal to turn an underused section of Toronto waterfront into a tech hub holds relevant lessons about privacy and data.
When Sears Pioneered Modular Housing
Kit homes sold in catalogs like Sears and Montgomery Ward made homeownership affordable for midcentury Americans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions