The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light‑rail network in Montreal was slated to resume service on Saturday morning after a weekend maintenance program, but the reopening was postponed by roughly three hours because of overnight work carried out by an external maintenance partner.
The operator confirmed that the delay stemmed from tasks performed by the contractor during the night. Those activities, part of the scheduled upkeep for the weekend, ran longer than anticipated, pushing back the time when trains could safely restart operations.
Commuters waiting for service were notified that the revised schedule would see trains back in operation about three hours later than originally planned. The operator stressed that safety and system integrity are paramount, and the extra time was required to complete the work undertaken by the external partner.
The weekend maintenance was intended to address routine upkeep across the network, a regular practice for the REM to maintain reliable service. Engaging an external contractor for specialized tasks is common, and the delay represents a temporary inconvenience for riders.
No additional disruptions beyond the three‑hour postponement were reported, and service was expected to continue normally for the remainder of the weekend. The operator thanked passengers for their patience and noted that the maintenance work will support the long‑term performance of the system.