Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent
| Company type | Product/Train model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Sri City , India |
| Products | Light metro vehicles (Alstom Metropolis series) |
| Parent | Alstom |
The Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent is a light metro vehicle developed by Alstom specifically for the Réseau express métropolitain. Part of the broader Alstom Metropolis series, a total of 106 two-car trainsets were produced at the Sri City manufacturing facility in India. These trains operate with full automation (classified as GoA4) and do not require any onboard drivers or attendants. During periods of low demand, they run as individual two-car units, while in peak times, they are coupled to form four-car sets.
Procurement
In June 2016, CDPQ Infra issued a public tender titled "Rolling Stock, Systems and Operation and Maintenance Services" (Fourniture du Matériel Roulant, de Systèmes de conduite automatique et de Services d'Exploitation et de Maintenance or MRSEM). This agreement encompassed the supply of rolling stock, automatic signaling systems, a control centre, as well as 30 years of operational and maintenance services.
Following a pre-qualification phase, on 10 November 2016, CDPQ Infra revealed three shortlisted bidders:
- Bombardier Transportation
- Alliance Montréal Mobilité, a consortium including Parsons Corporation, Hyundai Rotem, RATP Dev, and Thales Canada
- Groupe des Partenaires pour la Mobilité des Montréalais (Groupe PMM), a partnership between Alstom and SNC-Lavalin O&M
On 8 February 2018, Groupe PMM was awarded the $2.8-billion MRSEM contract by CDPQ Infra, with the agreement finalized in April 2018. Under this contract, Alstom committed to delivering 212 Alstom Metropolis cars configured as 106 two-car trainsets.
Design and construction
In 2018, a public consultation showcased three conceptual train designs inspired by local landmarks: Mount Royal, Expo 67, and the Champlain Bridge. The final design, revealed in March 2019, adopted the Saint-Laurent theme featuring front lighting elements influenced by the Champlain Bridge.
Alstom opted to manufacture these trains at their plant in Sri City, India, aiming to reduce costs. This choice provoked criticism within Quebec due to the absence of local content requirements. The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) party pushed for parts of the contract to be awarded to Bombardier Transportation’s Quebec facility in La Pocatière, with leader François Legault insisting on a minimum of 25% Quebec-based content, mirroring Ontario’s policies. Premier Philippe Couillard clarified that contract decisions were under CDPQ Infra’s jurisdiction rather than the provincial government. Alstom emphasized that over 65% of the $2.8-billion contract value would be invested within Quebec through components such as platform screen doors, the control centre, and three decades of operation and maintenance services.
Completed trainsets were transported from India to Montreal; the first unit arrived in October 2020 and was publicly unveiled in November 2020. Early deliveries experienced quality concerns; nevertheless, CDPQ Infra confirmed these issues had been addressed by December 2021. By November 2021, 37 out of the total 106 trains had been delivered and were undergoing testing procedures. As of September 2023, delivery had reached 87 trains, with the final unit expected by September 2024.
Commencement of Service
The Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent began operations on 31 July 2023, coinciding with the launch of the initial five REM stations. In April 2024, CDPQ Infra revealed plans to run two-car trainsets during weekends and off-peak hours to optimize energy efficiency and minimize wear on the vehicles.
Specifications
Each trainset, composed of two cars, accommodates 64 seated passengers and approximately 300 standing. During peak periods, four-car configurations can transport up to 780 individuals. The exterior design showcases a white, grey, and vivid green color scheme that aligns with the REM branding.
Expansive front-facing windows offer wide panoramic views. Accessibility features include reserved wheelchair areas, onboard WiFi, climate control with air conditioning, and heated flooring. CDPQ Infra has confirmed that the trains are engineered for Montreal’s winter conditions, incorporating double-glazed windows, pantographs equipped with ice removal capabilities, and heated automatic couplings.
The Urbalis 400 communications-based train control system by Alstom facilitates fully driverless operation. This system oversees door management, obstacle detection, and emergency handling without requiring staff onboard.
Train operations and upkeep are conducted at the REM Maintenance and Control Centre located near Brossard station. Once the project reaches full completion, light maintenance activities and storage will also be managed at an additional facility situated in Deux-Montagnes.
Contrast with Montreal Metro Rolling Stock
In comparison to the Azur trains used on the Montreal Metro, REM trains utilize steel wheels rather than rubber tires, measure 17% wider, operate at higher speeds—reaching a maximum velocity on the Champlain Bridge—and function fully autonomously. Although REM trainsets are shorter with a smaller passenger capacity per set, their capacity can be expanded to accommodate increased ridership. Unlike the entirely subterranean Montreal Metro system, REM trains run in outdoor environments exposed to weather elements.