Montreal's east end getting its own REM, at a cost of $10B

Long underserved by public transportation, Montreal's east end is getting its own light-rail network with 32 kilometres of tracks and 23 new stations.

The $10-billion Rseau express mtropolitain (REM) will allow residents to zip downtown in a matter of minutes on an automated electric train that, for some, will be faster than driving and will certainly outpace buses, officials announced Tuesday.

Once this new section is complete by 2029, there will be 99 kilometres of track and 49 stations throughout the two REM networks that cover the much of the Montreal region, connecting cities like Brossard and Laval.

However, the new section, dubbed the REM de l'Est, will be separate from the network currently under construction west of downtown and on Montreal's South Shore.

That means riders won't be able to just hop on in Pointe-aux-Trembles expecting a continuous ride to Montreal's airport or to off-island stations.

The first phase of the REM, which crosses the Champlain Bridge, is slated to open by the end of 2021. Construction of the REM de l'Estshould begin in 2023.

The REM promises to boost the economy, reduce congestion and provide a transportation option to residents of sectors that otherwise lack fast, reliable public transit.

The construction project will create more than 9,000 direct and indirect jobs per year, according to a statement by the project's developer, the Caisse de dpt et placement du Qubec on Monday.

The project, supported by the province, is part of an effort to revitalize the city's east end.

It is estimated that more than 133,000 riders per day will hop on the REM de l'Est and cut some 35,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

"This is a sustainable investment that will contribute to Quebecers' retirement plans and generate significant benefits for the economy, the environment and communities," saidthe Caisse's president and CEO, Charles Emond, in a statement Tuesday.

WATCH |Sneak peek inside new REM train cars:

Sneak peek inside new REM train cars

4 years ago

Duration 1:53

CBC's Jay Turnbull takes you on a guided tour of the future of transportation in Montreal.

The REM de l'Est will have new north-south and east-west travel routesthat will connect to downtown and allow for riders to transition onto the Metro as well.

This plan includes an elevated track along Ren-Lvesque Blvd. with four elevated stations that, the statement says, will "receive special attention in their architectural treatment, to ensure they endow downtown Montreal with a modern and symbolic aesthetic."

Connecting neighbourhoods by light rail

The elevated tracks along Ren-Lvesquewill connect Central Station to Dickson Street. From there, the linewill divide, with one track heading north and the other east.

The eastbound branch will run along Sherbrooke Street toPointe-aux-Trembles.The northbound route will go, largely underground alongLacordaire Boulevard, to Cgep Marie-Victorinin Montral-Nord.

Along its way north, the REM de l'Est will serve the Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital as well.

Once completed, a rider will be able to travel from Cgep Marie-Victorinto downtown's Place des Festivals in about 30 minutes. That's estimated to be about 25 to 70 per cent faster than by car.

During peak hours, commuters can expect rides every two to four minutes.

Boosting economy with public transportation

The eastern and northern branches of the REM will serve some of the city's most densely populated, poorest neighbourhoods.

The cost of building the REM de l'EST is roughly $3.5billion more than the oneunder construction to the west because more of it is underground.To the west, the REM is following existing rails and roads for the most part.

While costly, Quebec PremierFranois Legaultand Montreal MayorValrie Plantesaid the project would be a boost to the area.

"It will definitely support the economic and social development in that area," said Plante.

"As we already decontaminating land to welcome investors, having this type of transport will be very helpful for workers, for families and companies."

Christine Frchette, president of eastern Montreal's chamber of commerce, estimatedeconomic spin-offs to be in the billions of dollars.