The long-awaited strategic transformation in the Montreal transportation network is happening. Starting January 12, Exo’s Line 15 (Mascouche) will be integrated into the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) network at Côte-de-Liesse station. This new connection promises a revolutionary time saving for travelers commuting from suburbs to the city center.
Côte-de-Liesse Station: New Transfer Hub
In 2020, the closure of Mount Royal Tunnel to suburban trains created a significant transportation bottleneck for Mascouche line users. As trains had to detour around the mountain’s west slope instead of using the tunnel, travel time to the Central Station reached up to 90 minutes.
With the new transfer point opening on January 12, this process will completely change:
Fast Transfer: The Mascouche train will terminate at Côte-de-Liesse station.
REM Connection: From here, passengers can transfer to the REM line and reach McGill Station downtown in just 11 minutes.
Time Savings: Exo forecasts approximately 45 minutes reduction in travel time to the city center. Consequently, the total journey duration will decrease by nearly half.
New Service Schedule and Changes
Along with the new connection, Exo is launching an updated timetable for the Mascouche line. The key points are:
Number of Departures: The daily number of departures and times will be similar to the current schedule.
Destination: Mascouche trains will no longer go to the Central Station; the new terminus of the line will be Côte-de-Liesse.
Accessibility: Exo states that the suburban train section at Côte-de-Liesse station is ready for “seamless transfers” and that testing is proceeding successfully.
Discussions: Mount Royal Tunnel and Infrastructure Efficiency
The closure of the tunnel to suburban trains during REM line construction has sparked various debates among transportation experts. Some critics argue that ending the Mascouche line at Côte-de-Liesse could reduce the efficiency of the existing route, which was built at a cost of 700 million dollars. However, officials emphasize that the high-frequency services offered by REM and the tunnel passage will enhance the potential of the suburban line.
