Photos: West Island branch of the REM inaugurated Friday

After more than a decade, the Anse-à-l’Orme branch has finally begun shuttling its first passengers on Friday with reporters and dignitaries getting the first rides on the train, which spans over four stations between Pointe-Claire and Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue.

“It’s going to be a real game-changer for the people of the West Island,” says Carl Corbel, director of REM operations for CDPQ Infra. “We will offer 20 hours per day of operations with more than 80 trains passing from 5:30 in the morning to 1:30 at night, so going to the Bell Centre in 35 minutes is really going to be amazing for people around here.”

The REM’s West Island branch is inaugurated on Friday, May 15, 2026. Four new stations are added to the REM network: Anse-à-l’Orme, Kirkland, Fairview and Sources. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

A station on the REM’s West Island branch. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

A stairway and escalator at a REM West Island station leads to the train platform. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

The gleaming interior of a West Island REM station. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

The Sources station entrance to the newly opened West Island branch of the REM. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

The Fairview REM station from above on the Anse-à-l’Orme branch in Pointe-Claire. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

The REM station at Sources Blvd. in Dollard-des-Ormeaux during its construction phase. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

A train operates on the REM on the Anse-à-l’Orme branch in Kirkland. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

Construction of the REM spans the Chemin Ste-Marie overpass along Highway 40 in Kirkland. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

The Kirkland REM station on the Anse-à-l’Orme branch during construction. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

Construction of the REM at Highway 40 in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on March 25, 2021. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

Construction of the REM at Highway 40 in Dollard-des-Ormeaux on March 25, 2021. Dave Sidaway / Montreal Gazette

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