Hit with delays and possible lightning, it was an eventful first week for the REM

Montreal's new light-rail train (REM) has had an eventful first week, marked by three service interruptions, a possible lightning strike, passengers mistakenly taken to the garage and the service's absence on the Google Maps platform.

Montreal's new light-rail train (REM) has had an eventful first week, marked by three service interruptions, a possible lightning strike, passengers mistakenly taken to the garage and the service's absence on the Google Maps platform.

Despite these hitches, Trajectoire Québec, an association that defends public transit users, is giving a positive assessment of the system's launch between Montreal and Brossard.

"It's true that there have been a few glitches," admits the association's general manager, Sarah Doyon, in an interview.

"There are things that need to be corrected in the future, particularly in terms of communication. And above all, we need to make sure that no one ends up in the garage again."

She points out that the REM welcomed an average of 25,000 passengers a day in its first week, a figure that comes close to the objective of moving 30,000 people daily.

"While we're in the middle of the construction vacations, we can say that this is an impressive figure."

The REM experienced two breakdowns on Monday, including one during the rush hour. A third breakdown happened Wednesday outside rush hour. Passengers were also mistakenly transported to the garage on Monday evening.