REM operator Pulsar removes CEO Loic Cordelle amid reliability troubles
REM operator Pulsar removes CEO Loic Cordelle effective May 29 as network reaches 64 km; Jerome Berthonneau takes over amid service reliability concerns.
Pulsar confirms leadership change
The REM operator Pulsar confirmed on Thursday that Loic Cordelle is no longer the company’s chief executive, effective May 29. The change, announced in an email from the company, comes after several months of operational problems that have affected riders across the network.
Pulsar characterized the move as part of the project’s natural evolution from development to consolidation as service becomes the predominant focus. The firm said adjustments to the executive team are intended to better align leadership with an asset now largely in day-to-day operation rather than construction.
Network expansion timeline and mileage update
The REM network now spans 64 kilometres following the May 18 opening of the Anse‑à‑l’Orme branch, the company confirmed. Once the final segment to the airport is opened, the line will extend to 67 kilometres, completing the system’s planned footprint.
Pulsar operates and maintains the REM’s fleet, track infrastructure, traction power, 26 stations and two maintenance centres under a long-term operating arrangement. The company has framed the leadership change as a pivot to managing an increasingly operational system rather than delivering construction milestones.
Operational disruptions and winter reliability record
Riders experienced repeated interruptions this past winter, with Pulsar reporting an average of one service disruption every four days during the cold months. Those disruptions included instances where passengers were left stranded for extended periods and one episode in which riders had to walk through the Mount Royal tunnel after a train failure.
Company spokespeople declined to say whether Cordelle’s departure was directly linked to the series of breakdowns and communication lapses. Pulsar noted, however, that reliability has improved in recent weeks even as sporadic technical and communications issues persisted.
Recent incidents and communications issues
In a separate service interruption earlier this week, an initial explanation pointing to morning dew was later revised; Pulsar attributed the slowdown to track greasing and lubrication activities. That sequence underscored continuing challenges in clearly explaining causes to passengers and transit stakeholders in real time.
Rider groups and municipal officials have pressed for clearer incident reporting and more robust contingency plans, including shuttle services and station staffing during outages. The company says it has been making operational adjustments to bolster reliability and customer information systems.
Contractual framework and operational responsibilities
Pulsar runs the REM under a long-term agreement with CDPQ Infra, the infrastructure arm that owns the system, with the operator contracted to manage the network for decades. The operator is responsible for day-to-day operations, maintenance of rolling stock and wayside systems, and keeping stations and yards functional across the expanding network.
Pulsar has said its role is to ensure continuity of service while handing off infrastructure improvements to the owner where required. The firm emphasized that the leadership changes were intended to support a network that is now “primarily in operation,” rather than continuing in a heavy construction phase.
New leadership and internal promotion
Jérôme Berthonneau, previously senior director of operations, has been named Pulsar’s new chief executive. The company thanked Cordelle for his contributions, saying his leadership helped deliver a phased commissioning of a complex, North American-first project and set strong foundations for future operations.
Pulsar’s statement expressed gratitude for Cordelle’s commitment and noted that the executive transition supports a consolidated operational phase. Berthonneau takes the helm with direct experience overseeing day-to-day running of the system, a background the company cited as well suited to the current priorities of reliability and customer service.
Passengers and transit watchers will be watching whether the new leadership can translate recent improvements into sustained performance. With the network now handling regular passenger flows across multiple branches, expectations for reliable service and transparent communication remain high.
The REM operator Pulsar faces the twin tasks of completing the final airport connection and stabilizing operations for riders, while satisfying contractual obligations to CDPQ Infra and public expectations for a dependable rapid‑transit system.
