The original is so good it deserves a sequel … even though the first is still under construction. Officials in Montreal have decided to expand the REM light-rail project currently being built, making the line one of the largest automated transit networks in the world when complete.

The extension will be 32 km of light rail that will feature 23 stations and will cost $10 billion. Together with the original project, Montreal will have 99 km of rail and 49 stations, making it one of the largest of its kind.

The new project will be undertaken by Caisse subsidiary CDPQ Infra and will be called REM de l’Est. The Quebec government approved the additional work after reviewing a report on the project’s technical and economic viability. The project will meet the transportation needs of local communities and will generate adequate returns for investors. Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec will serve as the lead investor and project manager.

The extension will generate 9,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and is expected to carry 133,000 users per day by 2044.

The new tracks will create new north-south and east-west travel axes and will provide Montreal with a new light-rail line between the orange and green lines.

The start of construction is set for mid-2023 and the system could be on line in 2029.

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