Mass transit has a major impact on suburban residents’ quality of life. An efficient, well-designed network reduces travel times, eases traffic congestion and minimizes carbon emissions.
Using public transit also frees up time to read, work, scroll—things you can’t do while driving. Certain suburbs in Québec stand out by the quality of their public transit network.
Longueuil
Longueil is often cited as a public transit leader within the Greater Montréal area. The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) has an extensive transit network with high-frequency bus service on routes connecting residential neighbourhoods to Longueil’s main hubs. The Longueuil—Université-de-Sherbrooke metro station (on the yellow line) also provides fast and direct access to Montréal’s downtown core. Plus, the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail project is set to significantly increase the number of transit links between Longueil, Montréal and the other suburbs.
Laval
Laval has a well-developed public transit network, operated by the Société de transport de Laval (STL). With three metro stations along the orange line (Montmorency, De La Concorde and Cartier), Laval’s residents enjoy quick access to Montréal’s metro system. The STL also has several bus lines that efficiently serve the city’s different sectors, allowing smooth travel within its limits and to neighbouring municipalities. Residents can therefore easily do the groceries, go to the library or shop locally, all without a car!
Brossard
Brossard is another South Shore suburb that stands out thanks to its efficient public transit system. The Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) spans the entire city with several bus lines connecting residents to Longueil’s metro stations and bus terminals (Panama, Chevrier, etc.). Movie theatres, restaurants, shopping centres are all just a simple transit ride away! Additionally, the REM, with its future Brossard station, promises to change the face of transit by providing quick and frequent service to downtown Montréal and throughout the metropolitan area.
Gatineau
Bordered by the Ottawa River, the city of Gatineau boasts a public transit network with several routes to Ottawa thanks to the Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO). The Rapibus lines, a high-frequency bus rapid transit (BRT) system, allow users to travel quickly, and with greater flexibility, from Gatineau’s different sectors to Ottawa’s downtown core. The STO continues to improve and expand its network to meet residents’ growing needs. In short, a driver’s license is unnecessary when you live in Gatineau!
Terrebonne
Terrebonne, in Montréal’s North Shore, is served by the Réseau de transport métropolitain (RTM), also called the Exo network. The nearby Mascouche commuter train line allows users to travel easily and directly to Montréal’s downtown core. Several of Exo’s bus lines, moreover, run throughout Terrebone’s neighbourhoods, providing efficient, practical and reliable transit options. And, as is the case in many suburbs, park-and-ride facilities are available, especially by the train station.
Blainville
Blainville, another North Shore suburb, is likewise served by the Exo network. Residents can easily get to Montréal by hopping on the Saint-Jérôme commuter train line from Blainville station. In addition, a well-developed bus network provides local service and transit links to the train stations. Plus, this municipality is full of green spaces just as readily accessible by public transit. Ideal for families!
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville is another community on the South Shore offering excellent public transit thanks to the RTL and the future REM station. Current bus lines allow efficient travel to shopping centres, schools and other major infrastructure. Plus, the coming REM will considerably reduce travel times to Montréal, increasing this suburb’s appeal. .
Deux-Montagnes
North of Montréal, Deux-Montagne is served by the commuter train line of the same name, providing a direct link to Montréal Central Station. As part of the REM project, this line will be modernized to provide faster and more frequent service, significantly improving accessibility.
With ongoing transit projects such as the REM, these suburban communities’ access to public transit as well as the number of transit links will continue to improve, enhancing their standing as sought-after places to live for users and families. Also, it should be noted that proximity to transit infrastructure typically causes nearby properties to appreciate in value.
