Pun in the title aside, I did get to go to Montréal and I do like the REM, their new "light rail" that is really just an automated metro like Vancouver's SkyTrain. I've talked about it a bit comparatively before, but I wanted to take a moment to talk about it on its own--because I think it's a great system and one that more cities should emulate.
Heck, Montréal should emulate it itself, since it didn't opt into the REM de l'Est, which would have been a big expansion of the system that they should still totally do--especially if they can do it at REM prices, rather than at the prices they're spending on expanding their Metro at the same time (as Reece Martin has written convincingly about).
So let me tell you why the REM is such a great system, from the user's perspective at least, and why I'm so excited that the REM is going to the airport soon.
1. Great Signposting and Information
Look, I don't usually focus on signposting and information, since I tend to copiously research my transit plans in advance of going somewhere, just because I enjoy doing that.
But the REM blew me away.
Clear signage of where you are and what there is to do around there (in this case, not much, but the clarity was good).
These great indicators (which timed up with my camera lens so that it looks striated here, but I promise they look solid in real life) show how empty or full the car that's coming is. It wasn't that useful at the end of the line where I took the photo (they're...all empty) but it will age well with the system as ridership hopefully increases, and it is useful in the more central areas.
Even clear signage in the surrounding areas telling you how connections to the REM are being created and modified by the changes to bus routes around them.
"On se connecte au REM" (roughly, we connect to the REM) indeed.
The little system maps above the doors are a nice touch too, though I can't wait for that A2 extension to the airport to come online...
2. Really Solid Ride
The riding experience on the REM is also excellent, from the stations (spacious, well-lit, platform screen doors) to the actual seated ride.
I am converted to the idea of the platform screen doors: much quieter and less draughty than the equivalent on the Montréal Metro, which doesn't have them.
The interiors are much less tramlike and much more metrolike than I was afraid of, and frankly feel capacious and comfortable.
Nice open gangways through large parts of the train (though not the whole train like say the Toronto Subway's new cars).
I liked riding REM cars, in contrast to their Metro and other systems I've ridden recently.
3. Opening Up Montréal
Fundamentally, what these elements of a good system mean is that the REM opens up new angles on Montréal, even for locals, that weren't available just from the buses and the Metro. It produces new links, both with and in separate complement to the other systems, and connects areas that were disparate before. Climbing over Mont-Royal is a slog. Taking the bus over it isn't even an option. Going around is a bit annoying.
Taking the REM under it is easy-peasy.
This view is great, but it's not exactly an efficient way to get around town. The REM slides underneath this like it doesn't exist.
And that's only one example.
It opens up areas to the west (and if they ever re-commit to the REM de l'Est, the east too) that aren't served by the Metro or regional rail, and it really does create new options.
Unfortunately, these aren't shown on the maps in the regular Metro, which haven't been updated since I first visited the city decades ago.
But they exist, nonetheless.
And that's really exciting for the city. I think the REM is the best transit expansion I've been on in a city since I first rode Link light rail in Seattle--with all due respect to the Elizabeth line in London.
Now hopefully they can keep building on it, and not letting it stagnate.
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