The completion of the Réseau express métropolitain in Montreal is a strong example of how smart planning and disciplined investment can deliver modern public transit that is efficient, sustainable and financially responsible. The new network opened in November 2025 with 19 stations across 50 kilometers, linking downtown Montreal with surrounding neighborhoods and growing suburbs.
What makes this project stand out is its significant cost savings. Instead of building new underground corridors or acquiring large areas of land, planners made strategic use of existing rights of way, tunnels, bridges and highway space. This approach kept costs to roughly CAD 170 million per kilometer, far below the price of many recent transit projects in other major cities.
The controlled budget did not limit quality. The system uses fully automated trains, climate controlled stations and modern safety and accessibility features. The design supports energy efficiency and provides a comfortable experience for passengers year round.
Montreal’s achievement highlights an important lesson for cities planning future infrastructure. By reusing existing corridors, managing costs with discipline and focusing on modern design, transit projects can deliver long term value without unnecessary delays or overwhelming public budgets. The REM model offers a practical path forward for sustainable and scalable urban transit across Canada and beyond.
Trains on the network are fully automated and driverless, and the stations are completely enclosed and climate controlled, built with light-colored, locally-sourced timber and glass. Innovations from train systems around the world have been incorporated into the REM network design. Like in Japan, the train cars feature heated seats. Like in China, safety doors mounted on the platforms reduce injuries from not minding the gap. Like in Europe, the trains draw power from overhead wires.
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