I call it the “MAGA Effect”, where the media ignores problems with our SkyTrain and grossly overstates issues with other transit systems, such as Ottawa’s hybrid light metro/rail system.

The REM P-3 is almost a direct copy of the Canada Line P-3, especially the revenue stream from the P-3, I would think the powers that be would not want any unseemly news about REM or light metro or how lucrative the Canada line is for the concessionaires, the Caisse du Depot and SNC Lavalin .

Taking the car is just easier.

Montreal’s REM operating on the highway median. lack of seating (64 seats for a 2-car train-set) will deter ridership.

The majority of the readers who responded to the call to all on the REM in the wake of the chronicle of Michel C. Auger 1 said they were dissatisfied with the service. Some have even switched to another mode of transportation. Here is some of the feedback we have received.

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TAXI FEE

 REM is often down during rush hours. It’s very inconvenient when you have to be on time at the office. I’m often in an Uber to make things better. Whether it be in the morning or late evening. I end up spending a lot in a month The shuttle takes 45 minutes to 1 hour and it’s winter. What would suit me would be to have front buses to go downtown during rush hours.

Rose Carrefe, Brossard

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I GOT MY CAR BACK

 My spouse had to change jobs completely. She changed for a job on the South Shore. Whenever there were problems in the REM, she would arrive late and the employer would lower her pay. After a few days the stress set in as she left even earlier without knowing if the REM would work. For me, I could take the REM to my office downtown, especially for team meetings, once or twice a week. However with all the breaks down and uncertainties I ended up getting my car back Monday through Friday.

Daniel Araneda, Brossard

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I’M NOT GOING TO MONTREAL ANY MORE

 Retired, I often took the bus shuttle to Montreal, but since the REM, I don’t go there anymore. Can’t park at Panama station, too many steps and stairs for my old knees, breaking down on repeat. What pisses me off is that the REM has come to completely mess up the excellent transport service of the South Shore.

Christine Marchitello, Brossard

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FULL TIME TELE WORK

I have a damn good boss! Efficiency and productivity are two different words. Ever since REM arrived, my boss quickly realized that my yield was the same, but productivity was not. Conclusion ? Five days out of five teleworking, as long as my productivity is on the appointment. Good method of retention!

Gilbert Ouellet, Saint Alexander of Iberville

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I HAVE ADOPTED HER

I used to drive the car from far south shore all the way to downtown. Now it’s the car to the Brossard REM station and then the REM. As traffic is more predictable, I can afford to leave about 45 minutes later from home and in total travel time I gain at least 20 minutes per way. I use REM three times a week. I had two slow downs that cost me a few minutes And finally a full stop last week that took me about an hour. Is this dramatic ? Not at all. I have adopted this means of transportation for good.

Patrick St-Onge, Henryville

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PLANS B

Since putting the REM into operation, I’ve found myself on a spare route: bus to the metro in Longueuil. I avoid REM in the morning at all costs, because I can’t afford to be late. Even better my commute is faster. The only fuss: I have to leave the house early, but it’s worth it! Back then I take REM when I can’t do otherwise, having a plan B for someone to go get my kids if I’m unlucky.. In my case, commuting to work in Montreal was more efficient, quick and reliable before REM while a bus would get me to my destination quickly.

Geneviève Bélanger, Candiac

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PLUS LONG

I live in saint julie Tested the REM once to find out my commute to downtown increased by 20 minutes per ride. Taking other bus routes or my car

Michel Lamoureux, Saint Julie

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TESTED BUT NOT ADOPTED

My husband and I simply gave up on the idea of taking REM. We’ve tried it and there’s no benefit to adding 35 minutes bus ride to our journey. We forget the Longueuil metro, also long by bus and its parking is out of price. The suburban train, even with low frequency, is our best option when we have to go to work in the city. You’ll understand that we prefer teleworking now. We had, in the “good old days”, the bus across the street from us that would take us directly downtown every day. Is downtown empty ? Bring back common sense public transportation and we’ll go back!

Isabelle Roy, Saint-Hubert

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LACK OF SEATS AT TEN 30

One point that hasn’t been raised, but that raises a bit of grumble on my part, is the lack of incentive parking of the DIX30. After 8:30 am on weekdays, you often have to use a paid seat. Not very encouraging…

Eric Lepage, La Prairie

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CAR AND TRAIN SUBURBAN

I am a student at the University of Montreal and live in the South Shore. Of course, I use public transportation to get to university, and I found myself carpooling to the Candiac suburban train in the morning (where service delays and slowdowns are less frequent) to make sure I’m on time. Taking the REM to go home tonight later.

Felix Cormier, The Prairie

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LACK OF COMMUNICATION

Breakdowns, I can deal with them, provided the REM sets up buses quickly. For me, the big problem experienced during the outages where I was in the REM is the lack of communications made by and for humans. Because a robotic message is not what customers expect to receive every five minutes. A human giving us recovery time would be the answer. REM must not forget that we are clients and, by purchasing our title, we are entitled to be adequately informed.

Stéphane Brosseau, Saint-Hubert

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