REM Anse-à-l’Orme Branch Opens to Public in Montreal's West Island

The Anse-à-l’Orme branch of Montreal’s Réseau express métropolitain (REM) has officially opened to the public, marking a significant expansion of the automated light-rail network. Spanning 14 kilometers with four new stations—Anse-à-l’Orme, Kirkland, Fairview-Pointe-Claire, and Des Sources—the branch connects the West Island to downtown McGill station in approximately 33 minutes. Officials describe the launch as a game-changer for residents who previously lacked effective mass-transit options. To celebrate, free rides are offered at the new stations during specific weekend hours. The opening addresses long-standing lobbying efforts by local groups for better rail service. While ridership growth is expected to be steady, concerns regarding limited parking near highway-adjacent stations have been partially mitigated by a new agreement providing 300 additional spots at a nearby mall. This expansion brings the REM’s total length to 62 kilometers across 23 stations, solidifying its status as the world’s largest automated light-rail network. The project, part of a broader $9 billion infrastructure initiative, aims to reach 150,000 daily riders once the airport branch opens next year.