Montreal Moves to Revive Cancelled Eastern REM Extension

Montreal’s Martinez Ferrada administration is exploring a revised plan to restart the eastern REM extension, aiming to link it with the metro’s green line after the project was cancelled in May 2022 due to public opposition.

The city of Montreal, led by the Martinez Ferrada administration, announced on Tuesday its intent to bring back the eastern segment of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) that was shelved in May 2022. Officials said the renewed effort focuses on a revised alignment that could connect the extension directly to the metro’s green line, aiming to address the concerns that led to the original project’s cancellation.

The eastern REM extension was abandoned last year after public opposition grew over the downtown portion of the line. Critics at the time argued that the proposed route lacked social acceptability, prompting the municipal government to halt the project. The decision left the broader REM network incomplete, with the eastern leg remaining a missing link in the province’s rapid transit vision.

Mayor‑appointed representatives from the city’s transportation department outlined the current exploratory phase, noting that the administration is reviewing options that would integrate the line with existing metro infrastructure. By linking the extension to the green line, planners hope to improve connectivity while mitigating the social concerns that previously stalled progress.

City officials emphasized that the revived proposal is still in its early stages and that detailed studies will be required before any construction can resume. The administration has not disclosed a timeline or budget for the potential project, but it indicated that community input will play a central role in shaping the final design.

If successful, the renewed eastern REM segment could enhance transit options for residents on the island’s east side, offering a direct rapid‑rail connection to downtown and other key destinations. The move reflects the municipality’s broader commitment to expanding public transportation and addressing the mobility needs of a growing urban population.

The city’s renewed interest comes as part of a larger effort to reassess previously halted infrastructure projects, seeking solutions that balance technical feasibility with public acceptance. Stakeholders will be closely monitoring the administration’s next steps as the proposal moves from concept to potential implementation.