Rough week for riders on Montreal's REM, but train operator says improvements are en route
It was another bad week for the REM and its riders after the train had several delays and breakdowns last week but on Monday there was a promise for an improvement.
In four days, it had four service breakdowns. The head of the Caisse de Depot Infra, the train's developer, was on 98.5 this morning to answer some complaints.
CEO Jean-Marc Arbaud says he's aware of the inconveniences this causes to users.
The latest slowdown was on Saturday, but Arbaud says that was caused by emergency de-icing on the Champlain bridge and it's not the REM's fault.
In a statement, Quebec Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault says she is working with the REM and Montreal's regional transit authority.
"The problems encountered in the last six months must be taken seriously and users must be well informed," the statement read. "It is imperative that the system improves."
At the Panama station, users say they have dealt with slowdowns but the REMis a better alternative to taking a bus.
Passengers who spoke to CTV News said they've experienced delays on the train but overall, it has been a reliable mode of transport. However, the replacement bus service that is used during a service issue hasn't always been convenient, they said.
CDPQ Infra says things need to improve, including response times when there are delays. Arbaud told the radio station that this will happen in the coming weeks.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.