Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent

In June 2016, CDPQ Infra launched a public tender for "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" (MRSEM) in French).{{cite web |date=28 June 2016 |title=Ingénierie, Approvisionnement et Construction des infrastructures du Réseau Électrique Métropolitain de Montréal |trans-title=Engineering, Procurement and Construction of Infrastructure "Réseau Électrique Métropolitain" of Montréal |url=https://www.cdpqinfra.com/sites/all/files/document/appel-de-qualification_01-7001_iac.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822195410/https://www.cdpqinfra.com/sites/all/files/document/appel-de-qualification_01-7001_iac.pdf |archive-date=22 August 2016 |access-date=21 October 2016 |language=fr}}{{cite web |date=28 June 2016 |title=Fourniture du Matériel Roulant, de Systèmes et de Services d'Exploitation et de Maintenance du Réseau Électrique Métropolitain de Montréal |trans-title=Supply of rolling stock, Systems and Services Operation and Maintenance of "Réseau Électrique Métropolitain" from Montreal |url=https://www.cdpqinfra.com/sites/all/files/document/appel-de-qualification_01-8001_mrsem.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823023252/https://www.cdpqinfra.com/sites/all/files/document/appel-de-qualification_01-8001_mrsem.pdf |archive-date=23 August 2016 |access-date=21 October 2016 |language=fr}} This contract would include the delivery of rolling stock, automatic signalling, a control centre for the line, as well as operation and maintenance for a period of 30 years.{{Cite web |date=12 April 2018 |title=Alstom-led consortium to provide complete driverless light metro system for Montreal |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2018/4/alstom-led-consortium-to-provide-complete-driverless-light-metro-system-for-montreal |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Alstom |language=en}}

Following a pre-qualification phase, CDPQ Infra announced on 10 November 2016, that three companies and consortia could place a bid:{{cite web |date=10 November 2016 |title=Appel de qualification : résultats |trans-title=Call for qualifications: results |url=https://www.cdpqinfra.com/sites/all/files/document/annexe_1_fr.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112084008/https://www.cdpqinfra.com/sites/all/files/document/annexe_1_fr.pdf |archive-date=12 November 2016 |access-date=11 November 2016 |language=fr}};

• Bombardier Transportation
• Alliance Montréal Mobilité (a consortium of Parsons Corporation, Hyundai Rotem, RATP Dev and Thales Canada)
• Groupe des Partenaires pour la Mobilité des Montréalais (Groupe PMM{{Snd}}a consortium of Alstom and SNC-Lavalin O&M).

On 8 February 2018, CDPQ Infra announced that Groupe PMM (Alstom and SNC-Lavalin O&M) had been selected for the $2.8-billion MRSEM contract,{{cite web |title=Main partners |url=https://rem.info/en/partners |access-date=1 March 2018 |website=REM.info}}{{cite web |date=8 February 2018 |title=REM: les offres finales des soumissionnaires déposées aujourd'hui |trans-title=New timetable, new route and new name for the REM |url=http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1082815/projet-reseau-electrique-metropolitain-milliards-montreal-consortiums-constrats-sabia-couillard |access-date=8 February 2018 |language=fr}} with the contract award taking place in April 2018. As part of the contract, Alstom would deliver 212 Alstom Metropolis cars, forming 106 two-car trains.

In 2018, a public consultation took place regarding the external design of the trains. Three designs were offered, inspired by Mount Royal, Expo 67 and the Champlain Bridge.{{Cite web |date=2018 |title=Consultation on the REM design |url=https://rem.info/en/consultation |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=REM |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2018-07-12 |title=Consultation on the REM design |url=https://rem.info/en/news/consultation-on-the-rem-design |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=rem.info |language=en}} The final design was unveiled in March 2019, with the Saint-Laurent design chosen by the public, with front lights inspired by the Champlain Bridge.{{Cite web |date=2019-03-29 |title=Discover the REM's metro cars |url=https://rem.info/en/news/design-rolling-stock |access-date=2024-05-02 |website=rem.info |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=1 April 2019 |title=Reveal of Alstom's Metropolis vehicle for Greater Montreal's Réseau express métropolitain |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2019/4/reveal-alstoms-metropolis-vehicle-greater-montreals-reseau-express |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Alstom |language=en}}

Alstom announced the trains would be manufactured at their Sri City plant in India, as manufacturing the trains in India allowed them to offer a lower price.{{Cite news |last=Anand |first=N. |date=2020-12-12 |title=Alstom’s India unit keeps metro trains across the globe rolling |url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/alstoms-india-unit-keeps-metro-trains-across-the-globe-rolling/article33316403.ece |access-date=2024-04-25 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} This decision drew backlash in Quebec due to the lack of local content requirements.{{cite news |date=12 April 2018 |title=Les trains du REM seront construits en Inde |trans-title=REM trains will be built in India |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1094753/debut-travaux-rem-reseau-express-metropolitain-premiere-pelletee-terre-trains-inde-alstom |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=Radio-Canada |language=fr}}

The Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) provincial party was among those who desired at least parts of the contract to be awarded to Bombardier Transportation's factory in La Pocatière, Quebec, instead of to Alstom.{{cite news |date=22 February 2018 |title=La CAQ renégocierait le contrat du REM |trans-title=The CAQ would renegotiate the REM contract |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1085240/bombardier-francois-legault-lapocatiere-renegociation-contrat-rem |access-date=30 January 2024 |work=Radio-Canada |language=fr}} Leader of CAQ François Legault criticised the government for not supporting Quebec industry, and stated that at least 25 percent of the contract should have had Quebec content, similar to provisions in Ontario. Premier Philippe Couillard argued that CDPQ Infra were awarding the contracts for the project, not the government.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2018 |title=Pas de seuil de contenu québécois pour le REM : Couillard se défend |trans-title=No Quebec content threshold for the REM: Couillard defends himself |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1084123/premier-ministre-reseau-express-metropolitain-entreprises-quebecoises-caisse-depot-placement |website=Radio-Canada |language=fr}} Alstom argued that over 65 percent of the $2.8-billion contract value would be spent in Quebec{{Snd}}including platform screen doors, a control centre and 30 years of operation and maintenance.

Completed trains were transported from India to Montreal by ship, with the first arriving in October 2020.{{Cite web |title=Arrival of the first REM cars {{!}} October 2020 {{!}} REM |url=https://rem.info/en/albums/arrival-first-rem-cars-october-2020 |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=rem.info}} They were first unveiled in November 2020.{{Cite web |date=16 November 2020 |title=The first REM car unveiled in Montreal |url=https://www.alstom.com/press-releases-news/2020/11/first-rem-car-unveiled-montreal |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Alstom |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=17 November 2020 |title=First REM light metro trainset unveiled in Montréal |url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/metros/first-rem-light-metro-trainset-unveiled-in-montreal/57808.article |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Railway Gazette International |language=en}} Initial trains delivered had quality issues;{{Cite news |last=Gerbet |first=Thomas |last2=Leiser |first2=Mathiew |last3=Gacon |first3=Alexis |date=12 November 2021 |title=Défauts, risques de blessures : les trains du REM ne sont " pas au niveau attendu " |trans-title=Defects, risk of injury: REM trains are “not at the expected level” |url=https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1839176/trains-voitures-rem-caisse-defaut-securite-inde-alstom |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=Radio‑Canada |language=fr}} however, CDPQ Infra reported by December 2021 that the issues had been resolved.{{Cite news |last=Tomesco |first=Frédéric |date=14 Dec 2021 |title=REM rail cars will be delivered on time with initial flaws fixed: Alstom |url=https://montrealgazette.com/business/local-business/rem-rail-cars-will-be-delivered-on-time-with-initial-flaws-fixed-alstom |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=Montreal Gazette}} By November 2021, 37 of the 106 trains had been delivered and trains were undergoing testing.{{Cite web |date=17 November 2021 |title=Follow-up on cars and dynamic tests {{!}} REM |url=https://rem.info/en/news/follow-cars-and-dynamic-tests |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=rem.info}} {{As of|2023|09}}, 87 of the 106 trains had been delivered.{{Cite web |date=September 2023 |title=Update Réseau express métropolitain Media presentation September 2023 |url=https://rem.info/sites/default/files/document/pdf/Projet-update-REM-sept-2023_EN_v2.pdf |access-date=4 October 2023 |website=Réseau express métropolitain |page=7 |quote=86 trains out of a total of 106 have already been delivered}} The final train was delivered in September 2024.{{Cite web |date=September 2024 |title=Le dernier des 106 trains d’Alstom pour le #RéseauExpressMétropolitain est arrivé au #Canada |trans-title=The last of Alstom's 106 trains for the Réseau Express Métropolitain has arrived in Canada |url=https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alstom_raezseauexpressmaeztropolitain-canada-montraezal-activity-7242930534467735552-x4Z1?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop |access-date=2024-10-09 |website=LinkedIn |language=en}}

The Alstom Metropolis Saint-Laurent{{Cite web |last=Stang |first=Ron |date=10 August 2021 |title=Montreal REM light rail system moves toward summer 2022 debut |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/news-reviews/news-wire/montreal-rem-light-rail-system-moves-toward-summer-2022-debut/ |access-date=6 May 2023 |website=Trains.com |quote=The REM’s Saint-Laurent equipment is based on Alstom’s Metropolis platform}} entered service on 31 July 2023, with the opening of the first five stations of the REM network.{{cite news |date=7 July 2023 |title=Le REM ouvert au public le 31 juillet |trans-title=The REM opened to the public on July 31 |url=https://www.lapresse.ca/actualites/grand-montreal/2023-07-07/le-rem-ouvert-au-public-le-31-juillet.php |access-date=7 July 2023 |newspaper=La Presse |language=fr}}{{Cite news |last=Magder |first=Jason |date=28 July 2023 |title=And they're off: REM starts shuttling people across Montreal area |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/and-theyre-off-rem-starts-shuttling-people-across-montreal-area |access-date=31 July 2023 |work=Montreal Gazette}} In April 2024, CDPQ Infra announced that they would run two-car trains on weekends and other off-peak periods instead of four-car trains, thereby reducing energy consumption and wear on the vehicles.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-18 |title=REM to deploy shorter trains during off-peak periods |url=https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/rem-to-deploy-shorter-trains-during-off-peak-periods-1.6853158 |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=CTV Montreal |language=en}}

Each two-car train seats 64 passengers, with standing capacity for around 300. A four-car trainset can carry a maximum of 780 people at rush hour.{{Cite web |last=Riga |first=Andy |date=21 March 2023 |title=Montreal's much-delayed REM almost ready to roll, officials say |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/montreal-rem-light-rail-train-faq |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Montreal Gazette |language=en-CA}} The livery is white, grey, and bright green, matching the REM logo.

The trains have large front windows, allowing passengers to take in views from the front of the train.{{cite web |date=16 November 2020 |title=Five things to keep in mind regarding REM cars |url=https://rem.info/en/news/five-things-keep-mind-regarding-rem-cars |access-date=8 October 2022 |website=rem.info}} A dedicated space for wheelchair users is available, and the trains features WiFi, air conditioning and heated floors. CDPQ Infra indicated it is "confident that the trains{{nbsp}}... will be able to withstand{{Nbsp}}... winter conditions", with the trains featuring double glazing, ice scraping pantographs and heated automatic couplings.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2019 |title=REM trains will withstand Montreal winters, planners promise |url=https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/rem-trains-will-withstand-montreal-winters-planners-promise |access-date=18 May 2023 |website=Montreal Gazette |language=en-CA |quote=“We’re very confident that the trains we ordered will be able to withstand our winter conditions,” said Mack Tall, the president and chief executive officer for CDPQ Infra, which is managing the project.}}{{Cite web |date=2023-11-09 |title=The REM And The Challenges Of Winter |url=https://rem.info/en/news/rem-and-challenges-winter |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=rem.info |language=en}}

The trains use Alstom's Urbalis 400 communications-based train control signalling system that ensures trains are capable of driving and operating automatically at all times without a driver or attendant on board. The system controls doors, handles obstacle detection and deals with emergency situations.{{Cite web |last= |last2= |first2= |date=16 November 2020 |title=Montreal Unveils first Alstom REM Car |url=https://www.metro-magazine.com/10130428/montreal-unveils-first-alstom-rem-car |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=www.metro-magazine.com}}

The trains are operated and controlled at the Centre d'entretien et de contrôle du REM, close to Brossard station. The trains are also maintained at the Brossard facility. When the REM is completed, light maintenance and storage of the trains will also take place at a facility in Deux-Montagnes.{{Cite news |last=Lampron |first=Alexandre |date=24 July 2020 |title=Le cerveau du REM sera situé sur la Rive-Sud |trans-title=The brain of the REM will be located on the South Shore |url=https://www.lereflet.qc.ca/le-cerveau-du-rem-sera-situe-sur-la-rive-sud/ |access-date=25 April 2024 |work=Reflet |language=fr}}

Compared to the Azur trains used on the Montreal Metro, the REM trains use steel wheels rather than rubber tires, are 17 percent wider, are faster{{Snd}}with a top speed of {{Convert|100|km/h|mph}} on the Champlain Bridge{{Snd}}and are fully automated. However, the REM trains are shorter and can carry fewer passengers per trainset, although the REM has the ability to increase capacity to meet demand. The REM trains are also exposed to the weather, unlike the fully underground metro system.

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