Is the REM safe after the viaduct incident?

Yes. Officials paused service, engineers inspected the structure, and then service resumed. Protective beams absorbed the impact, which suggests the design worked. Safety depends on both infrastructure and prevention. Watch for updates on height controls, signage, and further mitigations at the Bois‑Franc viaduct to reduce recurrence.

Why does this matter to investors in Quebec transit PPPs?

Operational reliability affects availability payments, rider growth, and insurance costs. Even if a third party causes damage, repeated events can raise premiums and dent confidence. Investors should track incident frequency, mean time to restore, and disclosure on cost recovery and performance deductions tied to disruptions.

What should riders do during short REM interruptions?

Subscribe to official alerts, leave a small buffer for peak trips, and know nearby bus or metro alternatives. Most pauses are brief, so staying on the platform is often best. If delays extend, follow posted guidance for transfers. Clear communication helps keep trips predictable and stress low.

What indicators best show REM Montreal reliability?

Focus on on-time performance, headway regularity, availability percentage, and mean time to restore after incidents. Also check incident logs by location to spot patterns. Transparent quarterly reporting helps distinguish isolated events from systemic issues that could affect rider growth and financial performance.

Global Market Insights

REM Today, February 21: Montreal Service Resumes After Viaduct Hit

ByDanny Kontos February 21, 2026

REM Montreal service resumed today, February 21, after a truck hit protective beams on a viaduct near Bois‑Franc. Trains were paused between Sunnybrooke and Côte‑de‑Liesse while engineers inspected the structure. This repeat event since November highlights operational reliability risks and how a Réseau express métropolitain disruption can affect confidence. For investors watching Quebec transit PPPs, the incident raises questions about availability, insurance, and cost controls. We explain what happened, why it matters, and what to track next.