Today, the development of this neighborhood relies on a powerful synergy between heritage preservation, the rise of the summer river shuttle, and the highly anticipated arrival of the future tramway.

Thanks to its six routes, the shuttles offer a practical, sustainable, and pleasant alternative to commute differently on the river to work or school, avoiding traffic hassles.

The river shuttles allow both citizens and tourists to combine business with pleasure. For example, taking a trip on the water to commute to work or head to a festival. Bicycles are permitted on all shuttles."

The River Shuttle (The "REB"): A Mobility Catalyst Awaiting the PSE

The river shuttle is no longer just a simple Sunday summer leisure activity. In 2026, it is asserting itself as a true public transit tool.

Unofficially dubbed the "REB" (Réseau Express de Bateau / Boat Express Network), this waterborne alternative is already paving the way and changing residents' commuting habits while awaiting the Projet Structurant de l’Est (PSE - future tramway).

While the PSE will eventually solidify the neighborhood's connection to the downtown area 365 days a year, the river shuttle is currently acting as an immediate relief solution.

 It allows citizens to escape the chronic traffic jams of Highway 40 and Notre-Dame Street. For a resident of the new Courtepointe project or a neighboring ancestral home, reaching the Old Port in about thirty minutes while enjoying the breeze has become an unbeatable selling point.

Real Estate and Heritage: The Impact of the "Proximity Premium"

The SDA's intervention, injecting 109 new housing units and local businesses into a historic setting, creates a true "halo" effect. Surrounding properties are seeing their value increase thanks to this new commercial vitality (cafes, microbreweries, public spaces).

This is where the proximity premium comes into play. In real estate, this premium represents the additional value to be within walking distance of heavy transit infrastructure and major attractions. In Vieux-Pointe-aux-Trembles, this premium is twofold:

1. For existing real estate (ancestral and heritage): The enhancement of the sector and pedestrian access to the shuttle (and future tramway) modernize the appeal of these old homes, attracting young professionals and families.

2. For future real estate (like the Courtepointe project): The integration of sustainable mobility principles right from the design phase justifies a higher resale or rental value.

Key statistic: The sector currently shows an estimated land growth potential of 5% per year. The imminent arrival of the PSE will crystallize this proximity premium, guaranteeing that today's investment will be highly profitable tomorrow.

2026 River Shuttles: What You Need to Know About the Service

For the 2026 season, the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) has confirmed the strong return of this service starting May 22.

Service details:

• The Routes: The ARTM has announced that all six routes of its river network will be in service, strategically linking the East End, the South Shore (Boucherville, Longueuil, Varennes), and downtown Montreal (Old Port).

• Active Intermodality: The shuttles are designed to accommodate bicycles (at no extra charge), allowing for a perfect combination of urban cycling on the REV (Réseau Express Vélo) and maritime transport.

• Comfort and Sustainability: Besides bypassing traffic, the vessels offer Wi-Fi, charging outlets, comfortable seating, and breathtaking views, transforming commute time into relaxation or remote work time.

• Integrated Fares: The service is accessible using standard metropolitan transit fares (monthly passes including the appropriate zone often cover the fare), or by purchasing single tickets directly on-site or via the ticketing app.

For More Information and to Plan Your Commute

• For schedules, fares, and the map of the six river routes: Visit the official ARTM website (artm.quebec/navettes-fluviales) or the platforms of partner naval operators (such as Navark or AML, depending on the routes). The Chrono app is also recommended for tracking real-time departures.

• To follow the urban development of the sector: Details on the Courtepointe project are available via the Société de développement Angus (sda-angus.com).

• For updates on the Projet Structurant de l'Est (Tramway): Project advancements and public consultations are documented on the ARTM and City of Montreal websites.

Montreal River Shuttles

The river forged the history of Pointe-aux-Trembles; today, it is shaping its future.