STM Overhauls Bus Network with New REM Branch Launch

The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is set to launch a significant overhaul of its bus network coinciding with the introduction of the Anse-à-l’Orme branch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) this spring. This extensive reshuffle will involve modifications to numerous bus routes and schedules, aimed at enhancing connectivity and optimizing transit options across the region.

The revamped network will affect six boroughs and nine demerged cities, stretching from Senneville in the west to Montreal-Nord in the east. The STM’s initiative is designed to not only boost access to existing REM stations on the Deux-Montagnes branch but also to improve local travel within Montreal. As stated by Pascal Rochon, the STM’s director of planning, “It’s the biggest remake of the bus network ever. It covers a little less than half the territory of the island of Montreal.”

The changes will impact approximately 80 bus lines and aim to streamline service as the new REM branch begins operations. Although the exact launch date for the Anse-à-l’Orme branch has not been confirmed, planners anticipate it could be operational as early as March 23, 2024.

Travel Time Improvements

The STM’s analysis reveals that around 18 percent of bus riders will experience a reduction in their travel times of five minutes or more. In contrast, only six percent may see an increase in their travel durations. Notably, 88 percent of users will have direct access to a REM station without the need for a transfer, enhancing the overall efficiency of the regional transport system.

The new bus routes will include several significant changes. For instance, in the Ahuntsic, Montreal-Nord, and St-Laurent areas, Bus Line No. 69 will be redirected from Gouin Boulevard to Henri-Bourassa Boulevard to utilize a reserved lane, linking the Marie-Victorin CEGEP to the Bois-Franc and Du Ruisseau REM stations. Additionally, a new Line 127 will connect residents of the Bois-Franc neighborhood to the Bois-Franc station.

In the Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Pierrefonds, and Île-Bizard regions, Lines 68 and 468 will benefit from increased departures and more direct access to the REM via reserved lanes. New Line 230 is set to connect the Fairview and Des Sources stations to Exo’s Cedar Park station, enhancing connectivity within the local transit network.

Changes Across Additional Boroughs

The changes also extend to the Kirkland, Beaconsfield, Pointe-Claire, and Baie-d’Urfé areas. Increased departures will be implemented on Lines 200 and 211, with Line 211’s new terminus shifting to the Kirkland REM station. Line 419 will be discontinued but will be replaced by new Lines 210 and 229, which will connect John Abbott College and the REM stations.

In Town of Mount-Royal, Outremont, and Côte-des-Neiges, new Line 155 will link Darlington and Wilderton Avenues to both the Édouard-Montpetit and Canora REM stations. Furthermore, Line 92 will be extended to accommodate the Westbury development and the Royalmount sector, with its new terminus at the De la Savane station.

Rochon emphasized the importance of these new routes in providing reliable alternatives during potential disruptions in the REM or metro services. Several bus routes will be designed to connect seamlessly to both the REM and metro stations, ensuring minimal inconvenience for passengers.

The STM also announced modifications to bus stops, including the dismantling of the bus loop in front of the Fairview Pointe-Claire shopping centre. Buses will instead be rerouted to the Fairview REM station, which is a short walk away. This change aims to improve accessibility while maintaining service to the shopping centre.

To assist commuters in understanding the new network, the STM has launched an online tool that allows users to simulate their trips. This resource will enable riders to compare current travel routes and times with the forthcoming REM and bus services, facilitating a smoother transition to the new system.

By implementing these changes, the STM aims to enhance public transport access and efficiency across Montreal, paving the way for a more integrated and user-friendly transit experience.