Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) - South Shore segment

The REM (Réseau Express Métropolitain) project harnessed cutting-edge technology to deliver a sustainable, automated transit system seamlessly integrated with existing infrastructure. The project management team employed a suite of advanced, synchronised tools—including Primavera P6, Tilos, and Acumen—to manage vast volumes of data and ensure robust validation processes. This technological integration enabled the efficient coordination of 13,800 documents and nearly 20,000 activities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and excellence throughout the project lifecycle.

Transparency and integrity were foundational to the management and implementation of the REM. The project fostered strong collaboration among key stakeholders, including government authorities, transport agencies, municipalities, Infrastructure Canada, and private partners such as CN. A joint project office was established to support effective communication and decision-making, ensuring stakeholder priorities and constraints were addressed with clarity and accountability. Comprehensive project control systems enabled accurate progress monitoring, helping the project remain on track and meet its strategic objectives.

Sustainability was at the heart of the REM’s mission. Powered by clean, renewable energy, the system supports transportation electrification and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 16,800 tonnes annually. By promoting increased public transit usage, the REM decreases car dependency, alleviates road congestion, and improves road safety. The project also implemented an environmental monitoring programme to ensure compliance with legal and environmental standards, applying and evaluating mitigation measures to minimise ecological impact.

The REM has generated substantial social and economic benefits for the Greater Montreal area. In terms of urban development, REM stations have become central nodes, connecting high- and medium-density residential districts—such as Du Quartier, Panama, and Dix-30—with areas of high development potential on the South Shore and in Montreal. Economically, the project has been a significant job creator, generating 7,500 direct and indirect jobs annually during its construction phase. The investment by the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ) has also made a notable contribution to Quebec’s GDP. Additionally, the project prioritised local procurement, with nearly 65% of its value—around US$3 billion—sourced from local content.

As Tobie Lebel of Radio-Canada noted, “The legacy of the REM is not only a modern public transit network, but also the experience acquired by a whole generation of managers, engineers, and workers.”