As the season of remembrance and celebration unfolds, transit systems across Canada are marking the moment in their own ways—from free rides honouring veterans to festive buses lighting up city streets. Here’s a look at some of the latest transit stories making headlines this week.

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) will offer free rides across its network this weekend to celebrate the opening of the new Deux-Montagnes station. Service will run between Deux-Montagnes and Gare Centrale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 and 16, while regular service continues between Gare Centrale and Brossard. The Deux-Montagnes branch officially opens Nov. 17. Due to expected crowds, bikes and pets won’t be allowed onboard. The free weekend coincides with a full shutdown of STM bus and metro service due to a strike.

On the West Coast, BC Transit and the Cowichan Valley Regional District offered free transit for veterans and Canadian Forces members from Nov. 4 through Remembrance Day. On Nov. 11, service was free for all riders. The offer applied to conventional buses and handyDART, excluding inter-regional routes. Remembrance Day service followed a reduced schedule, with most local routes running on a Sunday schedule and handyDART on a Saturday schedule.

Meanwhile, in Trois-Rivières, the Société de transport de Trois-Rivières (STTR) has unveiled its festive Renn-o-bus, a holiday-themed bus decorated with more than 2,500 Christmas lights. Nicknamed “Rudolph,” the bus will travel various routes across the city in the coming days to spread seasonal cheer and promote public transit. Inspired by last winter’s popular dinosaur-themed campaign, STTR hopes to once again bring smiles to riders and strengthen community pride. The initiative follows all safety regulations, and more themed buses may be rolled out in the future based on the response.

Across the country, these initiatives highlight how transit systems continue to connect people—not just through service, but through shared experiences that honour, inspire, and celebrate their communities.