Major Service Disruption on Montreal's REM Network
Montreal's Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail system experienced significant service interruptions on Tuesday morning following a serious incident involving a commercial vehicle. The disruption occurred when a truck collided with a viaduct near the Bois-Franc station, causing substantial damage to the infrastructure and forcing the suspension of service along affected sections.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The collision took place in the early hours of November 18, 2025, with emergency services responding quickly to assess the situation. According to preliminary reports, the truck struck the viaduct structure supporting the REM tracks, compromising the integrity of the rail system in that area. Transportation authorities immediately halted all train movements through the affected corridor as a safety precaution.
Engineers and maintenance crews were dispatched to the scene to evaluate the extent of the damage and begin necessary repairs. The incident occurred during the morning commute period, creating considerable inconvenience for thousands of daily REM users who rely on the automated light rail system for their transportation needs.
Impact on Commuters and Alternative Arrangements
The service suspension affected multiple stations along the REM network, with shuttle buses being deployed to transport passengers between impacted stations. Commuters faced extended travel times and crowded alternative transportation options throughout the morning rush hour.
Transportation officials emphasized that passenger safety remained their top priority and that service would only resume once structural engineers confirmed the viaduct could safely support train operations. The incident highlights the vulnerability of modern transportation infrastructure to unexpected accidents and the importance of having robust contingency plans.
This disruption comes at a time when Montreal residents have increasingly embraced the REM system since its recent expansion, including the new connection at McGill station that began service just the previous day on November 17, 2025. The timing underscores how critical the system has become to Montreal's public transportation network in a short period.
