A major service disruption hit the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) on Wednesday morning, halting all train traffic between the Bois-Franc and Deux-Montagnes stations. The automated light rail network cited an unspecified technical issue as the cause, with officials providing no estimated time for a return to normal service.
Shuttle Buses Deployed for Stranded Commuters
In response to the sudden breakdown, transit authorities quickly organized shuttle bus services to bridge the gap for affected passengers. These buses are covering the disrupted route in both directions, attempting to mitigate the impact on morning commuters traveling between the northwestern part of the island and central connections.
The disruption was announced by the REM's official information service on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) at 7:12 a.m. on December 24, 2025. The post clearly stated the cause was a "technical issue" and listed the resumption time as "undetermined."
No Timeline for a Fix as Investigation Continues
As of Wednesday morning, the REM has not offered any details on the nature of the technical problem or how long repairs might take. This lack of a timeline leaves daily users of this critical transit link in a state of uncertainty, particularly on a day when many may have travel plans.
The affected segment, between Bois-Franc and Deux-Montagnes, is a key part of the network's Deux-Montagnes branch. This incident underscores the growing pains and reliability challenges faced by Montreal's newest and highly automated public transit system since its inaugural phases began operation.
Commuters are advised to check the REM's official social media channels and website for real-time updates on the situation. The story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available from the Réseau express métropolitain.