The Martinez Ferrada administration announced that the City of Montreal is preparing to revive the REM East rapid‑transit extension and will study a possible connection to the Green Line of the metro system. The proposal marks a shift from the decision taken in May 2022, when the project was halted because the downtown segment failed to achieve sufficient social acceptance.
City officials said the new review will focus on redesigning the downtown portion to address the concerns that led to the original cancellation. By exploring a link with the existing Green Line, planners hope to create an integrated network that could improve accessibility across the region while responding to community feedback.
The REM East line, part of a larger regional express network, was initially cancelled after residents and local groups expressed opposition to its impact on the downtown core. The municipality’s current effort involves re‑examining the route, station locations, and overall design to determine whether adjustments could garner broader support.
The administration’s approach includes consulting with stakeholders and evaluating how a connection to the Green Line might enhance the system’s overall utility. No specific timetable has been set for a decision, and the city has not released detailed engineering studies or cost estimates at this stage.
If the redesign proves viable, the revived REM East extension could re‑enter the province’s transportation agenda, potentially contributing to the broader goals of reducing car traffic and expanding public‑transit options in Montreal. The city’s next steps will involve a formal assessment of the proposal’s feasibility and alignment with regional transit strategies.
The review reflects the administration’s intent to balance infrastructure development with community acceptance, aiming to find a path forward for a project that has remained dormant since its 2022 cancellation.