Getting around Montréal has always been easy, be it on foot above and below ground, atop two wheels using the BIXI bike sharing system, or via the well-connected and iconic Métro and bus system. And the new REM (Réseau express métropolitain) fully-automated, light rail transit network will make the city even more connected and accessible, with direct links between various Montréal communities. And most notably, between downtown and YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.
Direct transport to the airport—and more
We’ve proudly written before about Canada’s most international airport, and while transportation to and from the airport is a snap, the direct link offered by the REM will enable conference attendees and business travellers to get the heart of the action faster than ever before. Via Central Station, visitors will arrive downtown only a few steps away from our convention centre, the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
Here are some fast facts about the REM system:
- 26 stations
- 67 km of rail lines
- 20-minute transfer between downtown and the international airport
- 100% electric
- Service offered 20 hours a day, 7 days a week
- All REM stations and surrounding facilities will be designed for universal access (i.e., wheelchair friendly)
- Scheduled for service starting in 2026-2027
Now check out this video!
Training together
How does a project of this magnitude happen? Through the collaboration of some major industry players and the support of various levels of government.
- Transport Canada is investing up to $100 million in a program to help expand airports, as announced in the Fall Economic Statement of November 2020
- The government of Quebec, through Investissement Quebec, grants loans of a maximum amount of $100 million to Aéroports de Montréal
- The Canada Infrastructure Bank is providing a loan of up to $300 million on top of the previous investment of $1.3 billion it made for the REM project
- Aéroports de Montréal is providing up to $100 million
