Freight Train Derailment Disrupts Service on Exo's Vaudreuil-Hudson Line
A freight train derailment west of Montreal has caused significant disruptions to Exo's Vaudreuil-Hudson commuter line, leading to the suspension of rail service between Vaudreuil and Baie-D’Urfé stations. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, with no immediate timeline for when normal operations will resume.
Service Suspension and Alternative Arrangements
Rail service is currently halted between Vaudreuil and Baie-D’Urfé stations, where a temporary terminus has been established. According to Exo's latest updates, the track remains blocked by the derailed freight train, and the duration of the interruption is still unknown. Several trips have been cancelled, including departures toward Vaudreuil (trains 121, 23, 25) and toward Montreal (Train 26).
To mitigate the impact on commuters, shuttle buses have been deployed. A Transbus shuttle is operating between Baie-D’Urfé and Vaudreuil, with stops at Île-Perrot, Pincourt, and Dorion. Additionally, an STM shuttle is running between Baie-D’Urfé and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, while Exo bus line 40 connects Côte-Vertu métro station to the Vaudreuil terminus. Passengers traveling farther west toward Hudson are advised to use local transit connections from Vaudreuil.
Details of the Derailment
The derailment occurred near Dorion station around 9 a.m., as reported by Peter Schiefke, the federal member of Parliament for Vaudreuil. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the freight train remained upright. Schiefke emphasized the effect on Exo's schedule, warning commuters to expect delays and service interruptions and to plan extra time for their journeys.
Exo has cautioned that delays and service disruptions will persist until the track is cleared and safety checks are completed. The cause of the derailment is under investigation, and authorities are working to restore normal service as quickly as possible.
Impact on Commuters and Ongoing Response
The disruption has left many commuters seeking alternative transportation options during peak travel times. Exo is continuously monitoring the situation and providing updates via its website and social media channels. Commuters are encouraged to check for the latest information before traveling and to consider using the shuttle services or other public transit routes.
This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in rail infrastructure and the importance of swift response measures to minimize inconvenience for passengers. As cleanup and investigation efforts continue, Exo remains focused on ensuring safety and restoring full service to the Vaudreuil-Hudson line.
