REM users, mark your calendars. The Anse-à-l'Orme branch has an opening date

The REM's Anse-à-l'Orme branch will finally open on May 18, bringing light rail service to the West Island for the first time, as reported by CBC Montreal. The 14-kilometre extension adds four stations — Des Sources, Fairview–Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, and Anse-à-l'Orme — connecting Pointe-Claire, Kirkland, and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue to Montreal's growing automated transit network. This marks a significant shift for West Island mobility. For decades, residents have relied primarily on buses and cars to reach downtown Montreal, with limited high-frequency transit options. The REM becomes the first structured public transit network to serve the area with trains running every few minutes during peak hours. STM and exo bus routes have been adjusted to feed into the new stations, theoretically making it easier for residents across nearly a dozen municipalities to access the broader network. The opening comes after the usual Montreal transit delays — the branch was originally scheduled for 2024. It follows the pattern set by other REM segments: the South Shore branch launched in 2023 (two years behind schedule), while the Deux-Montagnes line opened in November 2024 (also a year late). The airport connection, arguably the most anticipated segment for many travelers, won't arrive until late 2027. For Pointe-Claire residents specifically, the Fairview–Pointe-Claire station represents a game-changer. Located near the Fairview shopping complex, it offers direct downtown access without the unpredictable timing of Highway 40 traffic or the current bus connections through various transfer points. Kirkland residents get similar benefits with their dedicated station, while the Des Sources stop serves the broader Dollard-des-Ormeaux and Pierrefonds areas. The REM hasn't been without growing pains since its 2023 launch. Service disruptions from technical glitches and Montreal's legendary winter weather have tested early adopters' patience. However, when running smoothly, the system offers the kind of reliable, frequent service that transforms daily commuting patterns. Once fully operational on May 18, the complete REM network will span 63 kilometres with 23 stations across three branches, representing the largest expansion of Montreal's transit infrastructure in decades. For West Islanders who've watched orange cones multiply faster than REM stations, the promise of a 20-minute ride to downtown — when the trains actually run — might just be worth the wait.