REM West Island Branch Opens Today
The Réseau express métropolitain extends to Montreal's West Island with the new Anse-à-l'Orme branch, adding four stations and boosting the network to 23 total.
The REM's third branch is now live. Starting Monday, the Anse-à-l'Orme line connects Montreal's West Island to the rest of the automated light-rail network with regular schedules and standard fares in effect immediately.
This expansion caps a major infrastructure milestone for the city. The REM launched its South Shore branch to Brossard last year, followed by the Deux-Montagnes line. The West Island branch represents the network's final major geographic push in the first phase, bringing the system to 23 stations across the metro area.
For commuters who've watched this project evolve from announcement to reality, the West Island opening removes a major friction point. Residents in Anse-à-l'Orme, Senneville, and surrounding pockets finally have direct automated rail access to downtown instead of relying on buses or car commutes. The four new stations slot seamlessly into the existing network, meaning a West Island commuter can now reach Brossard or the Deux-Montagnes branch without touching a car.
The REM's expansion story isn't just about convenience—it's about reshaping how the region moves. Three years ago, this network existed only on planning maps. Now it's reshaping daily routines for thousands. The West Island branch proves the project wasn't vaporware.