From Early Stories to Today · Drawing 46
The REM's first passengers
2023
In 2023, the REM welcomed its first passengers between Brossard and Montréal. This electric train lets people cross the river by public transport.
Look together
What can you see below the train?
An idea to try
Draw a river with a place on each side. Your child imagines a boat's route and a train's route, then explains what lets each one cross.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The REM's first branch, between Brossard and Montréal's Central Station, was inaugurated on July 28, 2023. Discovery days followed, and regular service began on July 31. REM announcements distinguish these steps: an inauguration and the start of daily service are not always on the same day.
The image focuses on an electric train crossing above the river. Compare its route with the boats in the book and explore what public transport connects. The drawing simplifies the train and the structure carrying it. It is neither an exact depiction of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge nor a map of the lines available today.
Sources and context
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. Source titles appear in their original language; some linked pages are in French.
Source review: 2026-09-12. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.