REM’s West Island Branch Opens: What Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Ste-Anne Residents Need to Know

The REM’s long-awaited West Island branch is finally arriving, bringing major changes to public transit, traffic flow and commuting patterns across Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue.

The new branch officially opens this month and includes four new stations stretching west from Bois-Franc toward the West Island. For many residents, the most significant stops will be Fairview–Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, which are expected to reshape how commuters travel between the West Island and downtown Montreal.

The launch also comes with new reserved bus lanes, redesigned STM routes, traffic modifications and access restrictions around the stations.

Fairview–Pointe-Claire Station Brings Major Traffic Changes

The City of Pointe-Claire is warning motorists to prepare for important traffic changes surrounding the new Fairview–Pointe-Claire REM station.

To improve circulation and coordinate bus service, the STM is introducing reserved lanes along Fairview Avenue.

In the southbound direction, buses and cyclists will share the reserved lane. Northbound traffic will feature a dedicated bus-only lane, along with a separate cycling path added beside the roadway.

Road markings are currently being finalized and new signage is expected to be installed in the coming weeks.

Drivers are reminded that private vehicles are prohibited from using reserved bus lanes at all times.

New traffic lights will also be installed this summer near the station entrance adjacent to the REM terminal and drop-off area. Initially, the lights will operate in flashing-red mode to encourage motorists to come to a complete stop before becoming fully operational later in the season.

Limited Parking at the REM Station

City officials are also emphasizing that parking near the station will be extremely limited.

Motorists and taxis must access the station drop-off area exclusively via the Highway 40 service road. Access through Fairview Avenue will be reserved for buses only.

During opening weekend festivities, commuters are encouraged to use temporary parking at CF Fairview Pointe Claire shopping centre.

The REM station itself will not include a public parking lot and offers only 13 drop-off spaces. Stopping along Fairview Avenue or the Highway 40 service road will be prohibited.

As of May 18, the STM bus terminal currently located at CF Fairview Pointe Claire will officially relocate underneath the new REM station as part of the broader redesign of the West Island bus network.

Kirkland Station Expected to Become a Key Transit Hub

The new Kirkland station is expected to become a major connection point for commuters traveling from the central West Island.

Located near Highway 40 and Saint-Charles Boulevard, the station is designed to integrate local bus service with REM rapid transit access toward downtown Montreal.

Residents in Kirkland and nearby communities such as Pierrefonds-Roxboro and Dollard-des-Ormeaux are expected to benefit from shorter and more reliable travel times, especially during peak traffic hours.

The REM says trains on the West Island branch will run frequently throughout the day, offering commuters an alternative to increasingly congested highway travel.

Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue Marks the Western Terminus

For residents in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue and Senneville, the new station represents the western gateway into the REM network.

The Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue station will serve commuters traveling to downtown Montreal, Trudeau Airport and other points across the REM system without relying solely on Highway 20 or Highway 40 traffic.

The station is also expected to increase accessibility for students attending nearby John Abbott College and McGill University’s Macdonald Campus.

A New Era for West Island Transit

The opening of the REM’s West Island branch marks one of the largest transportation transformations the region has seen in decades.

While many commuters are welcoming faster transit options, municipal officials acknowledge the transition period may create temporary confusion as residents adapt to new traffic patterns, relocated bus terminals and modified road access.

Officials are urging commuters to plan ahead during the first weeks of operation and to familiarize themselves with the new station access points and STM network changes.

The REM says the expansion is intended to reduce congestion, improve regional mobility and better connect West Island communities to the greater Montreal area.

Sources:

• City of Pointe-Claire

• REM (Réseau express métropolitain)

• STM (Société de transport de Montréal)