We prioritized the review of our network in these sectors in order to align our services with the launch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) on the South Shore. In fall 2022, the REM’s South Shore segment will link Montreal’s Central Station to three stations on the South Shore. From this date forward, buses that used to cross the Champlain bridge will now take passengers to one of the REM stations, where they can travel on to Downtown Montreal or transfer towards other destinations on the South Shore.

Users can enjoy a region that is better connected, notably thanks to simpler transfers to other exo sectors and Réseau de Transport de Longueuil (RTL) services. As well, more citizens will now be within walking distance of a bus stop. The new bus network is also perfectly aligned with the REM, with eight high-frequency routes that directly serve its stations. Service to commercial and industrial hubs has also been improved, during both peak and off-peak periods.

As soon as the REM opens on the South Shore, our buses will no longer have access to the Champlain bridge. To get to Montreal, you may use our bus services to connect with the REM, which can then take you to several Montreal destinations. Certain bus routes will continue to serve major hubs in Longueuil (metro) and Montreal via the Mercier bridge.

Also note that this situation has allowed exo to add more local routes as well as routes that facilitate cross-suburb travel.

Learn more about the new and improved network

The routes that link Chambly-Richelieu-Carignan with Downtown Montreal via the Champlain bridge have been modified in order to serve South Shore REM stations directly when they open. As much as possible, local service has been configured in order to limit the transfers required to access the REM.

Yes! The new bus network offers better cross-suburb service, and we’re planning to better align our services with those of the Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) in order to facilitate travel between regions. The new REM terminals will be privileged areas for transfers between the two networks.

Yes, boarding and disembarking outside the territory we serve as well as transfers with the REM, STM and RTL are permitted, depending on your fare. To board an exo bus and travel into RTL or STM territory, you must hold a valid transit fare.

Learn more about the fare zones and valid fares for exo’s territory (in French)

The preliminary estimated travel times to the REM are as follows^*:

To see the REM travel times, click on the station you’ll be using:

• Brossard Station

• Panama Station

^*This is a preliminary estimate based on current data regarding anticipated traffic conditions. These estimates are valid for periods of traffic congestion (pre-pandemic), during morning rush hour.

Off-peak bus service will be aligned with the REM’s operating hours to cover the last arrival at Brossard Station, at approximately 1 a.m.

Our buses serve some 60 municipalities on Montreal’s North and South Shores, most of which are located in the Montréal Metropolitan Area. However, some municipalities are outside of this territory, such as Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, which has its own bus network.

Exo does not have the power to modify its coverage area. This is the responsibility of the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), which is in charge of public transit planning, financing and fare pricing in the metropolitan area.

However, the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu hospital will be served directly by Route 685, which will notably operate during off-peak hours.

No, the new Route 486 serving Richelieu and Marieville will stop at the Brossard REM station.

According to an agreement between the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) and the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec Infra (CDPQ Infra), as soon as the REM opens, exo and RTL buses will no longer have access to the Champlain bridge.