Alstom and its partners, Groupe PMM and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) have inaugurated the first segment of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) in Montreal. The first segment, between Brossard and Montreal's Central Station, spans 17 kilometres and includes five stations.
The REM will be one of the largest driverless train systems in the world once completely constructed with a total length of 67 kilometres. It is expected to provide residents with 20 rapid transit services a day.
Alstom supplied a complete driverless automatic light metro system for the REM, including rolling stock, signalling and depot equipment and will maintain the entire system for 30 years.
"We are extremely proud today with our partners to participate in the inauguration of the REM in Montreal," said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom. "This project is a major milestone for Alstom in Canada and a testament to our commitment to sustainable mobility."
The REM is expected to carry up to 62 million passengers per year when it is fully operational in 2027 and is expected to boost the region’s economy.
Charles Emond, president and CEO, CDPQ said: “Today marks the formal launch of our signature REM project. It is the first phase of a network that will transform sustainable mobility, catalyse new community developments in the Greater Montreal and have a significant economic impact for Québec as a whole.
“Led by the team at CDPQ Infra, alongside our partners, this has been a tremendous collaborative effort and we are thrilled to launch a world-class automated urban rail system that will benefit Quebecers for generations to come.”
"The REM is a game-changer for Montreal," said Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal. "It will help us reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and connect people to jobs, schools and other important destinations."
Under the terms of the contract, Groupe PMM will supply 212 Alstom Metropolis metro cars alongside its Urbalis GoA4 (Grade of Automation 4) driverless and automated communications-based train control (CBTC) solution. The network will also feature multiple infrastructure developments including platform screen doors, Wi-Fi connectivity, cybersecurity and depot equipment.
Photo Credit: Alstom
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