Radio-Canada reports that Loïc Cordelle has been dismissed as general manager of Pulsar, the operator responsible for the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), with the company confirming that he left the role on May 29. The leadership change comes after several difficult months for REM users and only days after the inauguration of four new stations, as the network continues to expand and stabilize.
Pulsar says the change is part of the REM’s natural evolution from a development phase to a consolidation phase. The transit system now covers 64 kilometers following the launch on May 18 of the new Anse-à-l’Orme branch. When the final segment to the airport opens, the REM will extend to 67 kilometers. In this context, the company says adjustments were made to the leadership team to support a network that is now mainly in operation rather than construction.
Pulsar is responsible for operating and maintaining the REM’s infrastructure and equipment, including vehicles, tracks, traction power supply, 26 stations and two maintenance centers. The company has a 30-year agreement with CDPQ Infra, the REM owner, to run the system over the long term.
The company did not comment on whether Cordelle’s departure was linked to the repeated service disruptions that have affected the network. This winter, the REM experienced on average one interruption every four days. Last month, passengers trapped in a broken-down train had to walk through the tunnel under Mount Royal after no shuttle bus was available to take them onward.
Although reliability has improved in recent weeks, the REM has continued to face technical issues and communication problems. On Wednesday, a slowdown between Brossard and Deux-Montagnes was initially blamed on morning dew before being attributed to rail lubrication.
Pulsar, which is owned by Alstom and AtkinsRéalis, has named Jérôme Berthonneau, previously senior director of operations, as its new general manager. In a statement, the company thanked Cordelle for his commitment and major contribution to the project, saying his leadership helped guide the progressive launch phase in a complex operational environment and laid solid foundations for the next stage of development.
