REM users have had a rough go lately. This week, the rides will be free
CBC
After weeks of service disruptions, operators of the REM are rolling out a series of measures, including free service from Monday to Friday during this coming week.
Although the service will be free, its hours will be limited to rush hour — between 5:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., and between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Trains are expected to come by every 10 minutes.
Outside of those hours, the light-rail network will be closed for maintenance.
However, shuttle buses riding along the network — which include the 720, 721, 722, and 568 — will still be running and will also be free.
"The service offered by the operator in the last few weeks did not meet our standards," reads a post from Sunday on the REM's Facebook page announcing the measures.
Geneviève Guilbault, Quebec's transport minister, recently demanded solutions after multiple service disruptions and organized an emergency meeting with project partners Tuesday afternoon.
"The priority for everyone must be service to the users. In case of problems, this must include, among other things, a solid backup plan, and above all, clear, quick, and effective communications," Guilbault wrote on X after the meeting, asking each partner to take their share of responsibility.
"We understand that this is new technology and there are still improvements to be made, but we agreed that users have the right to expect an efficient and reliable service."
In the Facebook post, the REM also announced more teams would be deployed across the network and trains to support users during "this period of instability."
"Their presence is aimed at improving our communications with users and providing rapid on-the-spot support in the event of a problem on the network," read the publication.
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