The REM is finally here. You can ride it for free this weekend

The Rseau express mtropolitain (REM), the massive light rail project whose first line, a connection betweenthe South Shore to downtown Montreal, opens this weekend and will be free for thefirst two days.

But as of 1 p.m. Saturday, REM staff began turning awaynew passengers hoping to board thetrain for the first timeso people already on board couldreturn to their departure point.

Anyone who didn't get a chance to try the train for free Saturdayisinvited to line up at one of the five stationsBrossard, Du Quartier, Panama, le-des-Surs and Gare CentraleSunday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The driverless trains have beenrunning along the full length of the tracks which are scheduled to become fully operational on Monday.

CDPQ Infra, a subsidiary of Quebec's pension fund manager the Caisse de dpt et placement du Qubec, is conducting tests.

But the agency wants users to get on board, both to stir up hype so people are more inclined to take the REM when it becomes fully operational and to iron out any final kinks.

As of Monday, July 31, users will have topaya fare toboard atrain.

The ARTM saysusers can access the REM stations by foot, bike, car or Metro for the Gare Centrale station, which is steps away from the Bonaventure Metro station on the Orange line.

It's expected to be a party, of sorts, according to the ARTM. Near the Gare Centrale station, there will be music, treats and other surprises to mark the REM's first day.

The REM has been in the works since 2015. It is the largest public transit project in Quebec in decades.

WATCH | Here's how to ride the REM:

A beginners guide to riding Montreal's REM

1 year ago

Duration 3:50

The hype is real. Its finally here. Watch this before hopping on board.