The Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) announced that it will evaluate eight priority zones across Montreal to determine locations for future large‑scale public transit projects, with the study slated for completion by 2029. The initiative comes as the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) approaches the end of its construction phase, prompting the regional authority to look ahead to the next major addition to the city’s transit network.
The ARTM’s mandate for this effort is to assess transportation needs within each of the identified zones and to pinpoint where a new high‑capacity system could best serve growing demand. By focusing on eight distinct areas, the agency aims to create a clear framework that will guide decision‑makers as they plan the next wave of infrastructure investment.
Timing of the study is significant, as it aligns with the provincial election cycle, offering policymakers a data‑driven basis for prioritising transit projects that could influence voter expectations. The upcoming results are expected to shape discussions on funding, route alignment, and integration with existing services, including the soon‑to‑be operational REM.
While the REM’s completion is set to expand rapid transit options across the island, the ARTM’s forward‑looking analysis seeks to ensure that the broader metropolitan region continues to benefit from coordinated, large‑scale transportation solutions. The authority will work with municipal partners, planners, and the public to gather input throughout the evaluation period, though specific consultation mechanisms have not been detailed.
The study’s findings, due by 2029, will provide a roadmap for selecting the site of the next major public transit project, positioning Montreal to address future mobility challenges and to sustain the momentum generated by the REM’s rollout.