Automatic low‑speed test trains started running on the future REM branch that will serve Montreal‑Trudeau Airport during the week of August 13, 2026. The trial runs are part of the Réseau express métropolitain’s effort to finish the airport segment of its network by the end of 2027.
The REM, a new rapid‑transit system encircling Montreal, has been expanding its reach since construction began. The airport extension represents the next major station on the system, linking the city’s core with the international gateway. Introducing the test trains marks a critical milestone, allowing engineers to verify track alignment, signaling and automated controls before full passenger service begins.
The low‑speed trains operate without onboard drivers, relying on the automated systems that will eventually guide regular service trains. Their presence on the line provides real‑world data that will be used to fine‑tune the technology and ensure safety standards are met. The tests are scheduled to continue through the remainder of the year, with the goal of completing all necessary work well before the projected 2027 opening.
Stakeholders view the commencement of these trials as a sign that the REM’s airport branch is on track to meet its timeline. The extension is expected to enhance connectivity for travelers and reduce road congestion around the airport. As the REM network grows, the airport segment will become an integral part of the broader rapid‑transit system that aims to serve the Greater Montreal area.
The automatic test runs are the latest visible step in a multi‑year construction program that began with the REM’s core lines and now moves toward delivering a fully operational link to Montreal‑Trudeau Airport by 2027.