Trudeau Airport’s REM Station Nears Completion, On Track at 80%
The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) station at Trudeau Airport is rapidly approaching completion, with 80% of the project finished. This station is expected to begin serving passengers by the end of 2027 after a thorough testing phase. Reporters recently received a preview of the station’s remarkable design, which resembles an iceberg.
Station Design and Features
The design features a long shaft topped by a skylight, standing 40 metres high. This skylight will illuminate the platform, providing natural light to commuters and showcasing a glazed walkway leading directly to the airport terminal. Steeve Bouffard, the project director, expressed enthusiasm about how the station will enhance the airport experience.
- Station location: 100 metres from check-in counters.
- Commuters will have the same entrance as the airport drop-off area.
- The station will operate trains for 20 hours daily.
- Access to platforms via ten high-speed elevators, each accommodating 20 people.
Project Timeline and Costs
The overall project is set to cost around $600 million and serves as the terminus for the REM’s airport branch. The automated light-rail network, upon completion, will include 26 stations over a distance of 67 kilometres. Significant improvements to the surrounding road infrastructure are also planned, with some developments expected to conclude by 2031.
Addressing Congestion
With the airport station opening, REM is anticipated to significantly reduce traffic congestion during peak travel times. Last summer, travelers faced delays exceeding an hour due to congestion on approaches to the airport.
Benefits for Commuters
According to Anne-Sophie Hamel, media relations director for Aéroports de Montréal, the new station will connect commuters to downtown Montreal in just 24 minutes. This feature will facilitate travel for thousands of airport employees and ease pressure on the existing road network.
Future Developments
While awaiting the completion of the Trudeau Airport station, Aéroports de Montréal plans to initiate shuttle services from the upcoming REM’s Des Sources station in Pointe-Claire, slated to open soon.
The REM station at Trudeau Airport represents a major step forward in enhancing public transportation options for travelers in Montreal, promising a quicker and more efficient travel experience.
