MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens' pursuit of the Stanley Cup has positively impacted the city's light-rail network, significantly increasing its ridership. The REM, or Réseau express métropolitain, features the Bonaventure station, which connects directly to the Bell Centre, the home arena of the Canadiens.
Julien Hurel, the vice-president for the REM project at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, which is the province's public pension fund manager and the owner of the light rail, has outlined ambitious goals for the network. Hurel stated that transit officials aim to increase ridership to 150,000 daily rides by the completion of the network in 2027.
Currently, the combined ridership on two operational branches of the REM stands at approximately 78,000 daily passages. However, since the beginning of the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup playoffs, ridership has surged to around 104,000 daily rides. This surge can be attributed to the increased interest in the Canadiens’ playoff games, which has led to a greater influx of fans using the transit system to reach the Bell Centre.
Hurel expressed gratitude toward the Canadiens for their contribution to the transit system's increased usage. He mentioned, “And thank you, by the way, to our Canadiens, who are helping us out a lot at the moment with the great matches they’re putting on. The trend is looking good.” This sentiment highlights the connection between local sporting events and the daily operations and ridership of the public transportation network.
This latest surge in ridership signals not only the popularity of hockey in Montreal but also the potential of the REM light-rail network to play an essential role in the city’s infrastructure as it continues to develop. With the goal of achieving a significant increase in daily ridership by the projected completion date, Hurel and his team are optimistic about the REM's future and its integration into the everyday life of Montreal’s residents and visitors.
The light-rail system had previously undergone a successful inaugural run for its West Island line on May 15, 2026, further positioning it as a vital mode of transportation in the city. As more people embrace this transportation option, particularly during high-profile events like the Stanley Cup playoffs, the REM stands poised to become a cornerstone of urban mobility in Montreal.
The REM’s enhancements not only cater to sports enthusiasts but also serve to promote efficient transportation across the metropolitan area. The ongoing developments are promising for the region’s public transit landscape, as officials look to leverage events and community engagement to bolster ridership numbers further.
Overall, the intersection of sports and transit, exemplified by the effect of the Montreal Canadiens' playoff activities on the REM light-rail network, demonstrates the potential for cultural events to invigorate public services and enhance the user experience in urban settings.
