REM Announces Weekend Early Closures and Expands Paid Parking at Stations
Montreal commuters face significant transit adjustments this weekend as the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) implements early service closures on Friday and Saturday nights. These temporary schedule changes are part of ongoing preparations for the upcoming launch of the Anse-à-l'Orme branch, requiring system adjustments during off-peak hours.
Specific Closure Details and Alternative Options
The REM will cease operations after 8 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Final departures toward the Brossard terminus will leave from Deux-Montagnes at 8:10 p.m. and from McGill station at 8:45 p.m. Conversely, final trains heading toward Deux-Montagnes will depart from Brossard at 8 p.m. and from McGill at 8:30 p.m.
Special shuttle bus services will operate to provide alternatives during these closure periods, particularly serving all Brossard stations. Commuters are advised to consult the official REM website at rem.info for station-specific shuttle options and detailed scheduling information.
Additional Planned Service Interruptions
Further disruptions are scheduled in the coming weeks, including a complete system closure all day on February 15th and another early closure on February 27th. Additionally, the REM continues its medium-term practice of closing early between Côte-de-Liesse and Deux-Montagnes stations at 9 p.m. every night.
New Paid Parking Implementation at Four Stations
In a separate development affecting commuters, parking sections at four REM stations began charging fees as of Wednesday. The affected stations include Du Ruisseau, Bois-Franc, Île-Bigras, and Ste-Dorothée.
Parking costs are set at $105.50 per month or $10.29 per day, with Île-Bigras offering daily parking only. Payment processing is available through indigoneo.ca. This expansion follows the December implementation of paid parking at Deux-Montagnes and Grand-Moulin stations.
While free parking remains available at these stations, space is limited and expected to be in high demand. Commuters should plan accordingly and consider arriving earlier to secure available spots.
Ongoing Highway and Road Disruptions Across Montreal
Beyond REM adjustments, multiple transportation projects continue to affect Montreal's road network:
- Highway 10: Eastbound Exit 3 for Carrie-Derick Street is permanently closed as part of the Bonaventure Expressway reconstruction project.
- Highway 19 (Papineau-Leblanc Bridge): Two lanes operate in each direction between Montreal and Laval, with partial or complete nightly closures continuing through 2026.
- Highway 40 (Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge): Reduced to five lanes with alternating directional flow during weekday rush hours and consistent weekend configurations.
- Jean-Talon Street: Blue Line métro extension work causes closures, with affected bus routes detoured and temporary shuttle service established.
- Côte-Ste-Catherine Street (Outremont): Westbound closure between McEachran and Davaar Avenues continues until late March for emergency electrical repairs.
- Berri Street (Ville-Marie): Major métro station work closes Berri Street between Ste-Catherine and Ontario Streets until November 2027, with extensive detours in place.
- Pie-IX Boulevard: SRB Pie-IX extension work reduces traffic to one lane in each direction between Pierre-de-Coubertin Avenue and Notre-Dame Street.
- St-Urbain Street: Overpass renovation closes the structure over the Ville-Marie Expressway until late 2026, though pedestrian access remains available.
No additional major highway closures have been announced for this weekend beyond these ongoing projects. Commuters should allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes where possible.
