The Martinez Ferrada administration announced in 2026 that the City of Montreal intends to revive the Eastern segment of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) and is examining a possible connection to the metro’s Green line. The proposal marks a shift from the earlier decision to cancel the Eastern REM, which was made in May 2022 after community opposition centered on the downtown portion of the project.
City officials said the new approach will focus on integrating the Eastern REM with existing transit infrastructure, specifically the Green line, in an effort to address the concerns that led to the original plan’s abandonment. By linking the light‑rail network to the metro, the city hopes to improve connectivity for residents in the eastern part of Montreal while avoiding the contentious downtown alignment that previously lacked social acceptance.
The original Eastern REM plan was halted because it failed to secure sufficient public support for its downtown route. The cancellation in 2022 reflected a broader reluctance among local communities to accept a large‑scale transit corridor that would have altered the urban landscape. The current revision seeks to mitigate those issues by proposing a different alignment that leverages the existing Green line corridor, thereby reducing the impact on downtown streets.
The city’s renewed interest in the Eastern REM comes as part of a broader effort to expand public transportation options across the metropolitan area. While details on funding, timelines, or specific engineering studies have not been disclosed, the administration’s statement underscores a commitment to revisiting the project with a focus on community acceptance and operational integration. The proposal will now move through the city’s planning and consultation processes, where further input from residents and stakeholders is expected before any definitive decisions are made.
If approved, the revised Eastern REM could provide new rapid‑transit links for eastern neighborhoods, potentially easing congestion and offering an alternative to car travel. The initiative reflects the city’s ongoing pursuit of a more connected and sustainable transit network, building on lessons learned from the earlier cancellation.
The plan remains subject to review and public consultation, and officials indicated that future updates will be provided as the project advances through the necessary regulatory and planning stages.