The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) resumed operations on June 26, 2026 after a prolonged service interruption that began around 16:45 during the weekday peak‑hour period. The disruption affected the line segment between Montreal’s Gare Centrale and Panama stations, a key corridor for commuters.
Following the outage, REM officials restored train movement on the affected stretch, but limited speeds to allow safety checks and system verification. Trains now travel at reduced velocity, enabling service to continue while engineers monitor the network for any residual issues.
The interruption occurred at a time when the REM typically carries a high volume of passengers traveling to and from downtown Montreal. Riders experienced delays as the system worked to bring trains back into service, and the reduced‑speed operation is expected to lengthen travel times between the two stations until normal speeds are reinstated.
The REM, Montreal’s rapid transit network, has been expanding its reach across the city since its launch, offering a high‑frequency alternative to traditional commuter rail and bus routes. The June 26 incident underscores the importance of rapid response and system resilience during peak travel periods, as the agency aims to minimize disruption for the thousands of daily riders who rely on the line.
Engineers are conducting diagnostic tests on the signalling and power infrastructure along the Central‑Panama corridor to confirm that all components meet operational standards. The reduced‑speed regime will remain in place until those checks are completed and the system is cleared for full‑speed service, a procedure that aligns with REM’s safety protocols.