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Commitment to transparency

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At OC Transpo, we are dedicated to providing up-to-date and factual information and data. Our commitment to transparency is part of being accountable for providing safe, comfortable and reliable transit services. It also ensures that you, our customers and stakeholders, have confidence in the system.

As part of ongoing initiatives to improve our communications with customers, we have enhanced information available on performance and management of our services and programs.

Council memos

Overview

OC Transpo provides regular updates to Ottawa City Council and the Transit Commission regarding transit service improvements, projects, and initiatives, and significant issues affecting customers, among other topics.

October 2024

October 3: Trial Running Starting for O-Train Lines 2 and 4

September 2024

September 23: O-Train Line 1 Service Adjustments for Stage 2 East integration with existing Line 1 system September 6, 2024: OC Transpo is ready to welcome customers returning to work and school

July 2024

July 31, 2024

Transit Services Staffing Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and members of Council of an upcoming change in Transit Services’ Departmental Leadership Team that will take place this fall, and to provide details on the steps we are taking to ensure continuity of support to our Rail Construction Program.

Michael Morgan, Director of the Rail Construction Program, has indicated that he will be leaving the City to pursue other opportunities. Michael will remain at the City until early fall to provide support through the transition.

Michael has built a strong, experienced team who will continue to progress the opening of O-Train Lines 2 and 4, as well as the completion of the east and west extensions of Line 1. That team includes significant support from independent firms such as Ricardo Rail and Sener Canada who have key responsibilities for engineering and safety assurance.

Recognizing that the Stage 2 South extension is of immediate and paramount importance to the City, I have asked Richard Holder, currently the Director of Transit Engineering, to provide interim leadership as the Acting Director of Rail Construction until a permanent replacement can be found.

Richard is very familiar with the Stage 2 South project; he was formerly Manager of Systems and Operations Integration for the Rail Construction Program, and he is actively engaged in the commissioning process. Richard will be working closely with key members of the Rail Construction Program management team, including Denise Lamoureux, Michael Bartlett, Jacelyn Daigle, Eric Dube and Katie Rossolatos.

An executive recruitment process has already been initiated for a new Director of the Rail Construction Program, and I will keep Council informed as it progresses.

Should you have any questions about the information provided in this memo, please do not hesitate to contact Richard Holder at extension 52033 or me at 52111.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

July 29, 2024

O-Train Line 1 Service Updates

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: Richard Holder Acting General Manager Transit Services

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and members of Council with an update on O-Train Line 1 operations during special events in July, the completion of maintenance activities during the recent partial closure of Line 1, and an adjustment to the O-Train schedule that will start on August 26.

Canada Day and Bluesfest

In July, Ottawa is host to many special events, including Canada Day and Bluesfest. Public transit plays a key role in making these high-volume events possible and OC Transpo staff are proud to support the many thousands of residents and visitors travelling to and from these unique events.

On Canada Day, OC Transpo provided free service all day on O-Train Line 1, buses and Para Transpo with additional service throughout the day and into the evening. On July 1, Line 1 ridership was 148,000 trips, an increase of 30 percent from last year. Service operated well and without issue throughout the day.

The City continues to work with Heritage Canada to determine improvements for next year’s event, including the use of Pimisi Station, which would provide a more convenient option for transit customers.

For this year’s Bluesfest, eventgoers’ tickets also included travel on OC Transpo. Throughout the event, additional buses were available to supplement service levels where needed. Service on Line 1 was extended by one hour to midnight on Sundays and operated more frequently in the evenings as event attendees returned home. OC Transpo saw a total ridership on Line 1 of 560,000 trips over the two-week festival. The highest ridership occurred on July 9, with 72,000 trips.

Transit service ran well throughout the festival, without major delays. OC Transpo outreach teams were deployed to support customers at the three O-Train stations near the LeBreton Flats venue – Pimisi, Bayview and Lyon stations. We continue to work with City partners, including Traffic Services and Event Central, to further refine our support to customers during these special events.

Line 1 maintenance and corrective works completed

Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) undertook annual maintenance activities and corrective works from July 15 to 28, requiring Line 1 to be closed between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations. R1 replacement service ran during this period to provide service to customers. Line 1 resumed normal operations between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations this morning and R1 bus service has now ended.

During the partial closure, a number of activities were successfully completed, including:

  • Drilling and grouting of the tunnel from Lyon Station to east of Rideau Station to address excess water infiltration. This advances the work that took place last year and will reduce future maintenance work related to water infiltration and water damage to infrastructure.
  • Application of sealant to concrete infrastructure east of Tunney’s Pasture Station to further reduce the need for future maintenance work related to water ingress and water damage.
  • Continuation of the work started in 2023 and new remediation work to address water infiltration in certain sections of the downtown tunnel and targeted areas within Parliament and Lyon stations.
  • Sealant treatment of concrete beds and track support infrastructure around Tunney’s Pasture Station and adjacent areas.
  • General maintenance and cleaning activities, including the cleaning of glass and artwork, paint removal at specific locations in downtown tunnel stations, concrete, and tile repairs.
  • The Stage 2 Contractor EWC (East-West Connectors) made significant progress with overhead catenary system tie-in work adjacent to Tunney’s Pasture station.

These activities will help to improve service reliability and ensure the long-term sustainability of Line 1.

RTM continues to finalize plans for required maintenance work in October. This work will further corrective measures to continue to improve the long-term sustainability of Line 1. In addition, the Stage 2 contractor may also require some short-term closures to advance the tie-in of the east and west extensions to the existing line. OC Transpo is working to ensure that customer impacts are minimized and will communicate further details to customers when they are available.

We understand that these additional service disruptions are frustrating for customers, but they are necessary to enhance rail service and ensure its future reliability. OC Transpo thanks all customers for their patience while we complete this work to enhance the system.

Line 1 off-peak service adjustments

Our team is continually looking for ways to balance our resources while meeting the travel needs of customers. Earlier this year, Line 1 capacity on weekends was adjusted by moving to single-car service. Since implementing this change, customers have continued to receive frequent service with sufficient capacity to meet weekend service demands.

OC Transpo is now ready to adjust Line 1 service during weekday off-peak periods to better reflect the existing demand and travel patterns of transit customers. Beginning on August 26, in alignment with the fall service change, the Line 1 schedule for the mid-day service period (from approximately 9am to 3pm) will be adjusted to run every 10 minutes during the week, instead of every 5 minutes. Double-car trains will continue to run on weekdays.

The change in frequency will allow Line 1 to continue to offer sufficient capacity to meet off-peak ridership volumes. This change will be closely monitored and, should there be an increase in ridership, adjustments can be made.

Customers will continue to have rail service every 5 minutes during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Weekend service frequencies will also remain the same.

Customers will be informed of this change through all of OC Transpo’s social media channels, octranspo.com, station announcements and transit personnel will be at key stations to monitor the change once it is implemented.

For any additional information, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at 52205.

Original signed by,
Richard Holder Acting General Manager Transit Services

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

July 3, 2024

O-Train Line 1 annual maintenance and corrective actions: July 15 to 28

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services

This memo is to inform the Mayor and Members of Council that O-Train Line 1 will not operate between Tunney’s Pasture and Rideau stations from Monday, July 15 through Sunday, July 28 to allow Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to perform annual maintenance activities and advance corrective action work, as discussed at the Transit Commission meeting on June 13. R1 bus service will run in this section of the line, and regular Line 1 service will resume on Monday, July 29.

For customers this means that from July 15 to 28:

  • Trains will be running in both directions from uOttawa to Blair stations
  • R1 will operate between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations
  • E1 Shuttle Express service is being enhanced to operate seven days a week during all Line 1 service hours
  • Outreach staff will be located at key Line 1 stations to provide support

The work will advance corrective measures for the long-term sustainability and reliability of the system.

All light rail systems require regular maintenance work on a frequent basis. RTM will also be undertaking some of these activities during the period of this closure, including:

  • Continuation of the work started in 2023 and new remediation work to address water infiltration in certain sections of the downtown tunnel and targeted areas within Parliament and Lyon stations
  • Drainage and other repair work at Lyon and Parliament stations
  • Sealant treatment of concrete beds and track support infrastructure around Tunney’s Pasture Station and adjacent areas
  • General maintenance and cleaning activities, including the cleaning of glass and artwork, paint removal at specific locations in downtown tunnel stations, concrete, and tile repairs.

Additional work, including adjustments to the track ballast, surfacing and rail grinding will be required in October. Further information will be shared as timing and more details are finalized.

OC Transpo understand that this work is disruptive and appreciate customers’ patience as this necessary maintenance is completed.

Information, reminders, and updates will be communicated through various channels, including public service announcements, customer alerts, social media updates, outreach staff and signage at Line 1 stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can also use the Travel Planner or Transit app for trip planning assistance or call OC Transpo Customer Service at 613-560-5000.

For any additional information, please contact Troy Charter, Director, Transit Service Delivery and Rail Operations, at 52160.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

June 2024

June 21, 2024

Subject / Objet Canada Day and Bluesfest transit service

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services

This memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update regarding free OC Transpo service on Canada Day as well as service during Bluesfest.

Canada Day

OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across the city, with free service all day on O-Train Line 1, buses, and Para Transpo. To support customers, OC Transpo will have additional service running throughout the day and into the evening.

Canadian Heritage, as the event organizer, in conjunction with emergency services across the national capital region, has a plan to safely manage crowds on Canada Day and ensure emergency services can access the event site. Transit service plans for the day have been designed to get customers to their destination safely in line with the overall event and crowd management plan.

Following the event management safety plan, customers going to the main event site at LeBreton Flats should travel to Lyon Station and follow Wellington Street to access the event site.

When leaving LeBreton Flats, the event management safety plan calls for customers to make their way to Lyon Station via Wellington Street to connect to O-Train Line 1 going east or west, or westbound buses on Albert Street between Kent and Lyon streets that will be running after the fireworks. Signage will be in place to direct customers based on their direction of travel.

All O-Train stations will be open throughout the day. The event management safety plan includes road closures around LeBreton Flats that will restrict access to the main event site from Pimisi Station. More information on available routes and road closures are available at Canada.ca/CanadaDay

Para Transpo will provide direct service to the event site. A designated drop off and pick up location has been established on Vimy Place across from the War Museum's Group Entrance. Service will run until 3 am, with last trips booked for 2 am. Further details on accessibility from the event organizer are available at Canada.ca/CanadaDay

OC Transpo will have an information tent set up on Wellington Street just west of Bay Street and additional staff present in the evening at many O-Train Line 1 stations. Customers are encouraged to download Transit, the recommended trip planning app for OC Transpo customers.

Ottawa Bluesfest

Ottawa Bluesfest concerts will take place at LeBreton Flats between Thursday, July 4 and Sunday, July 14. Travel on OC Transpo is included in the ticket price for event ticketholders. Customers can travel on O-Train Line 1, buses or Para Transpo up to three hours before and two hours after the event on the date their Bluesfest pass is valid. Simply show your wristband or pass to the bus or Para Transpo operator or use the video chat function on ticket machines at Line 1 stations to request access through the fare gate.

Throughout the event, additional buses will be available to supplement service levels where needed. Service on Line 1 will be extended by one hour to midnight on Sundays and will operate more frequently in the evenings as event attendees are returning home. Additional road closures to facilitate crowd management are not anticipated during Bluesfest as the number of attendees is predictable throughout the event. As a result, customers can access Line 1 at Pimisi, Bayview or Lyon station for service to and from the event area.

Information on transit service for Canada Day and Bluesfest will be shared on digital channels including octranspo.com, Transit app, social media, digital screens, printed material, signage, and public service announcements.

For any additional information, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at 52205.

Original signed by

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

June 21, 2024

Summer 2024 Transit Service Changes and OC Transpo On-Demand pilot project concludes

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

This memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s summer service changes, effective Sunday, June 30, 2024, including the conclusion of the OC Transpo On-Demand pilot project in Blackburn Hamlet.

Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

This summer service change includes:

  • Conclusion of the On-Demand pilot project
  • Service adjustments for construction
  • Seasonal service changes

OC Transpo On-Demand pilot project concludes

The OC Transpo On-Demand pilot project in Blackburn Hamlet will end on Sunday, June 23, 2024, following a successful trial period.

Beginning Monday, June 24, Route 28 will resume operating seven days a week, including Sundays. Customers travelling to, from, or within Blackburn Hamlet will be able to use bus Routes 25 and 28 and can use the Travel Planner or Transit app to plan their Sunday trips. The first day of Sunday service on Route 28 will be Sunday, June 30, 2024.

OC Transpo would like to thank customers for participating in the demonstration pilot project, which was designed to test the feasibility of on-demand transit in Ottawa. Feedback received throughout the testing period allowed for the continuous improvement of service, contributed to positive customer experiences and will inform future expansion of the service.

Customers are being informed of changes to local service via on-street signage, audio announcements on buses that serve Blackburn Hamlet and notifications in the On Demand Transit Rider App and Transit app.

The City will issue a Request for Proposals for software for longer-term on-demand transit service across more areas of the city and to integrate it with other OC Transpo online services. Council has approved funding as part of the 2024 budget for the purchase of 10

minibuses for future on-demand service. These vehicles have been ordered and are expected to arrive in 2025.

Service Adjustments for Construction

As a result of road reconstruction, Stage 2 construction activities, and other infrastructure projects, the following routes may experience delays, detours, and additional travel time:

  • Route 7 eastbound will remain on detour between Seneca Street and Bank Street with alternative service on Sunnyside Avenue due to construction related to the Grove Avenue Integrated Renewal Project.
  • Sunday trips southbound on Route 93 and Thursday trips on Shopper Route 304 will be detoured via Findlay Creek Drive, Kelly Farm Drive, and Miikana Road due to the closure of Bank Street between Shuttleworth Drive and Blais Road / Miikana Road for road widening.
  • Routes 45 and 55 will be detoured from the CHEO access roadway to Ring Road to accommodate construction activity within the hospital campus. Temporary stops have been constructed on Ring Road to maintain customer access during the detour.
  • Route 48 will be detoured via Canterbury Avenue, Pleasant Park Road, and St- Laurent Boulevard due to the closure of the Canterbury Avenue and Halifax Drive intersection as part of the Canterbury, Arch and Plesser Integrated Renewal Project.
  • Route 55 westbound will remain on detour via Highway 417 from Greenfield Avenue to Catherine Street to accommodate construction activity related to the Main- Hawthorne-Greenfield Reconstruction Project.
  • Route 56 eastbound will remain on detour between Bank Street and Isabella Street with alternative service to existing bus stops on Bank Street and Isabella Street due to construction activity as part of the Glebe Avenue Integrated Renewal Project.
  • Some Route 88 bus stops on Hazeldean Road between Irwin Gate and Castlefrank Road will have short-term closures due to construction activity.
  • Westbound service on Routes 16, 61, 63, 66, 75, N57, N61, and N75 between Bayview Station Road and Parkdale Avenue will be detoured from Scott Street via Bayview Station Road, Burnside Avenue, and Parkdale Avenue to accommodate construction activity associated with the Scott Street Reconstruction Project.
  • Route 165 will be detoured via March Road, Maxwell Bridge Road, and Marconi Avenue due to construction activity on Klondike Road from March Road to Marconi Avenue.
  • To accommodate Stage 2 rail construction activities, Transitway service between Westboro Station and Lincoln Fields Station will continue to be detoured nightly from 10:30 pm to 6 am on weekdays, and all day on weekends from 10:30 pm Friday through to 6 am Monday (or Tuesday when Monday is a holiday).

Seasonal Service Changes

  • 600-series school routes will not operate during the summer.
  • Summer weekend service to seasonal destinations will return, with specific start dates provided on octranspo.com:
    • Route 139 to Petrie Island
    • Route 185 to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
    • Summer weekend service between the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and Blair Station will be provided as in past years but will now be identified as Route 125.
  • Line 2 bus service and Routes 7 and 25 will have minor frequency reductions during certain time periods on weekdays to reflect reduced ridership levels normally seen on these routes during the summer.

Service to Major Events

  • Bluesfest – Fares to and from the event are included with the event ticket. Additional buses will be available to supplement service levels where needed. Service on O- Train Line 1 will be extended by one hour to midnight on Sundays and will operate more frequently in the evenings to help event attendees depart the festival.
  • Redblacks games – Fares to and from the event are included with the event ticket. Special 450-series service is provided to bring customers to and from the games.

Holidays

  • Canada Day – Monday, July 1, 2024 – Bus, O-Train, and Para Transpo service is free all day. Bus service will operate on a special Canada Day schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate from 6 am to 2 am with enhanced frequency in the evening. Line 2 bus service will operate from 7:15 am to 1 am. Para Transpo service will run until 3 am, with last trips booked for 2 am.
  • Colonel By Day – Monday, August 5, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule with enhanced service on Routes 25, 63, 74, and 85. Select trips on Routes 61, 63, and 75 will be extended to or from Gatineau during peak periods. O- Train Line 1 will operate from 5 am to 1 am. Line 2 bus service will operate from 6:30 am to 12 am.

Customer Information

Full details of these service changes are being communicated to customers. Once the summer service changes begin on June 30, customers can also find up-to-date schedules and real-time information by using several customer-friendly applications and tools. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information (standard rates apply), downloading the Transit app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, visiting octranspo.com, or contacting the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (613-560-5000). Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

These summer service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership and operational data measurements.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services

Original signed by

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

May 2024

May 28, 2024

Launch of Interac® Debit on O-Payment

To: Mayor and Members of Council

This memo is to advise the Mayor and members of Council that starting today, customers can use Interac ® Debit (including on mobile wallet) to pay their fares on any OC Transpo service. This new option expands the O-Payment system which has offered customers the option to pay their fare using a credit card or by tapping their mobile wallet since September 2023. Para Transpo customers have been able to pay with a debit card and credit card on Para Transpo minibuses and taxis since April 2023 using a separate system.

Adult fares can now be paid by tapping a debit card or using debit in a mobile wallet on fare gates at any O-Train station or fare readers on any OC Transpo bus. The same debit card can be used to transfer for free between trips within the set transfer window.

Customers can take advantage of fare capping, which allows them to tap their card all day and never pay more than the price of a DayPass ($11.75). They can also tap their card all month and it will never cost them more than the price of an Adult monthly pass ($128.75).

O-Payment is one of OC Transpo’s 5-Year Roadmap commitments to improve the customer experience. Expanding O-Payment from credit cards to now include Interac Debit cards offers customers another convenient and flexible payment option.

Customers should only tap the card they wish to pay with, and not their wallet or bag, to avoid accidental charges on other cards. Many banks do not charge a debit fee for transit transactions, and customers should check with their bank to be sure.

O-Payment will only charge an Adult fare and is not available on STO buses. Customers who pay a discounted fare, or who transfer regularly to STO, should still use Presto cards to pay their fare.

The availability of the Interac Debit payment will be communicated through OC Transpo’s communications channels, including signage, digital and print advertising, social media and on octranspo.com. Details on O-Payment, including how to check debit card and credit card transactions on the O-Payment website are available on octranspo.com.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

May 21, 2024

Update on St Laurent Station Inspections and Remedial work

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services
Tammy Rose, General Manager, Infrastructure and Water Services

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with a further update on the detailed inspections and remedial work above the rail platforms of St-Laurent Station.

Since our last update on May 20, crews have made progress on the remedial work on the concrete and completed the removal and reinforcement of the suspended ceiling infrastructure. The remedial work on the concrete roof slab adjacent to the Overhead Catenary System requires additional time to complete. In order to expedite this work and support our goal of reopening service on Wednesday, Line 1 service will be temporarily suspended between Blair and Hurdman stations from 10 pm until the end of service tonight. We will provide an update early tomorrow morning indicating the plan for service and status of the station. For customers this means that after 10 pm today:

  • Train service will run in both directions from Tunney’s Pasture to Hurdman stations.
  • R1 service will operate between Blair and Hurdman stations.

Crews will continue to work in the station today to support the remaining remedial work, and final inspections to confirm that any hazards associated with the concrete roof slab and the suspended ceiling have been fully mitigated. The final inspection may require some further remedial work to be completed. The cleaning of the station will also begin today to support the reopening of the station.

Outside of the temporary proactive implementation of R1 service, rail service is running on a normal schedule, with trains running from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Station and skipping St-Laurent Station. The bus shuttles are operating between St-Laurent and Cyrville Stations.

Given the state of the suspended ceiling infrastructure in St-Laurent Station, out of an abundance of caution, OC Transpo has asked RTM to conduct proactive inspections of the suspended infrastructure at Parliament, Rideau and Lyon Stations. More details on the timing and impact of those inspections will be announced once plans are finalised.

In the interests of transparency, we have expanded Wednesday’s media availability to provide a situational update to members of Council and an opportunity for Councillors as well as the media to ask questions about this issue in an open forum. A formal invitation will be sent to Councillors later today.

We will continue to inform OC Transpo customers of service impacts through all our regular channels, including our social media platforms and octranspo.com.

Thank you,

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar and Tammy Rose

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

May 18, 2024

St Laurent Station Inspection Results and Corrective Measures

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services
Tammy Rose, General Manager, Infrastructure and Water Services

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the detailed inspections of the suspended ceiling panels and concrete roof slab above the rail platforms of the St-Laurent Station.

Inspection teams and work crews have been working since Friday May 17 to assess the condition of the concrete roof slab and confirm the integrity of the suspended ceiling structure. There is evidence that water infiltration has caused corrosion of sections of the suspended ceiling structure and contributed to minor delamination of the concrete roof slab. It should be noted that the concrete roof slab pre-dated light rail construction and that section of St. Laurent Station was originally built to serve buses as part of the Transitway system. Accumulated debris has also been observed on the top of the ceiling panels and appears to be comprised of concrete slurry that spilled over from construction during the 2023 St Laurent station platform rehabilitation project. Ceiling panels have been removed to facilitate the inspections and then, based on the recommendation of the Engineer, crews have removed those panels showing significant corrosion or accumulation of debris.

The City requires Engineering Sign-off that, based on inspection and remedial work undertaken on the concrete roof slab:

  • the hazard associated with falling concrete debris has been mitigated; and,
  • that the hazard associated with falling ceiling debris has been mitigated.
Once these points have been confirmed to the City’s satisfaction, and any temporary corrective

or protective measures are completed, OC Transpo will reopen the platforms and return St- Laurent to full service.

Based on the current state of the infrastructure and the evidence of ongoing water infiltration, engineers have recommended that all of the suspended ceiling panels be removed to allow for a full inspection of the concrete roof slab, a process with is expected to take several days.

At the same time, Infrastructure and Water Services will work with Rideau Transit Maintenance to develop a plan to ensure that passenger access can be safely provided while further inspection work and remedial measures are undertaken to address the root causes of this issue. Infrastructure and Water Services will also conduct the planned 2024 OSIM inspection of the tunnel. Further updates on this work will be provided to Council as timelines are confirmed.

To protect the safety of our staff and customers, until the full inspection of the concrete roof slab and any necessary remediation work is completed, Trains will continue to run from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Station and will skip St-Laurent Station and the bus shuttles will continue to operate between St-Laurent and Cyrville Stations.

We will continue to inform OC Transpo customers of service impacts through all our regular channels, including our social media platforms and octranspo.com.

The next update to Council will be provided on Monday afternoon. Service will continue to run as it has today, on a normal schedule with trains skipping St-Laurent Station and a bus shuttle in effect between St-Laurent and Cyrville Station.

Thank you,

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar and Tammy Rose

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

February 2024

Feb 14, 2024

O-Train Line 1 – February 14 service interruption details

To: Mayor and Members of Council

General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with further information regarding the O-Train Line 1 partial service impact on February 14 and OC Transpo’s response to the incident.

O-Train Line 1 experienced two, unrelated, stopped trains on Wednesday morning. This created a complex, evolving situation that required a fluid operational response. Customers travelling on Line 1 at the time of the incident experienced extended delays, and we apologize for this inconvenience.

First stopped train

Shortly before 10am, a westbound train with approximately 50 customers onboard stopped outside of Lees Station after the vehicle experienced a power loss. Preliminary indications are that the power loss may have been due to a mechanical fault with the pantograph which subsequently caused minor damage to the overhead catenary wire.

Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) technicians needed to assess that it was safe to exit the vehicle before customers could be safely escorted to Lees Station. We appreciate the patience of customers who were on the vehicle while this work was undertaken to ensure their continued safety. The vehicle is now being assessed by technicians to determine a more precise root cause.

When this train initially stopped, Line 1 operated between Blair and Tunney’s Pasture stations,

with trains using a single track to travel between uOttawa and Hurdman stations.

Second stopped train

At approximately 10:40am, a second train near uOttawa Station became immobilized due to an unrelated mechanical issue. Due to the location of this stopped train, it was no longer possible to continue travelling through the single track corridor, and R1 bus service was implemented to keep customers moving.

This train was eventually cleared from the line around 12:30pm while repairs near Lees Station were underway. It will undergo further diagnostic testing.

R1 bus service operated between Rideau and St-Laurent stations to allow RTM to safely make temporary repairs to the OCS near Lees Station. Line 1 service ran between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations in the west and Blair and Tremblay stations in the east. Repairs and inspections were completed shortly before 5pm and service in both directions at all stations was restored.

OC Transpo enhanced the number of S1 Shuttle Express buses operating between downtown and Blair Station during the afternoon commute to assist customers.

This situation and the operational response evolved rapidly. Throughout, OC Transpo kept customers informed by providing updates on all communication channels, including octranspo.com, text messages and social media platforms. Staff were also at key stations to support customers and announcements were made at stations.

RTM anticipates completing a more permanent repair to the impacted OCS this weekend during the maintenance period when the O-Train is not normally in service. At this time, it is not believed that this incident is related to current weather conditions or the issue that affected the OCS over the weekend. An investigation into the cause is underway to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place. Further information will be shared at an upcoming meeting of the Transit Commission.

Again, OC Transpo extends our thanks to our customers for their patience while we worked to restore rail service.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Feb 5, 2024

OC Transpo On-Demand transit pilot launch in Blackburn Hamlet

To: Mayor and Members of Council

General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that the first phase of OC Transpo’s On-Demand transit pilot project will launch on Sunday, February 11, 2024.

During the soft launch of this first phase of testing, On-Demand buses will offer service in Blackburn Hamlet and to and from Blair Station and Gloucester Centre only on Sundays from 9 am to 6:30 pm and on select holidays. Route 28 will continue to operate on weekdays and Saturdays, and will also run on February 11, the first Sunday of the On-Demand transit pilot.

The pilot will be extended in the future to include testing on both Saturdays and Sundays. This testing period will provide valuable feedback on the customer experience. Customers in Blackburn Hamlet are encouraged to provide feedback during the ongoing testing by using OC Transpo’s website feedback form or by calling Customer Service at 613-560-5000.

During the On-Demand pilot, participating customers can book same-day and next-day trips between select bus stops in Blackburn Hamlet and at Blair Station and Gloucester Centre using the On-Demand Transit Rider App on their mobile device, or by calling OC Transpo Customer Service.

On-Demand transit uses technology to create responsive service, based on customer trip requests instead of traditional fixed routes and schedules. Software for the pilot project is being provided by Pantonium Inc. at no cost to the City through a grant from Sustainable Development Technology Canada. OC Transpo is working closely with Pantonium Inc. to continually test and improve the software to achieve optimal performance.

The potential benefits of on-demand transit service can include shorter wait and travel times, shorter walking distances, increased travel options for customers, and lower emissions.

OC Transpo hosted a public information session for Blackburn Hamlet residents on November 25, 2023, and has provided information products to local residents. Updates

on this new service are also being communicated in a variety of ways, including on-street signage, social media, and on octranspo.com.

Further updates on the results of the pilot project and on future plans will be provided to the Transit Commission.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

January 2024

Jan 10, 2024

Winter Storm Update: Transit Service

To: Mayor and Members of Council

Renée Amilcar
General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide an update to Mayor and Members of Council on transit operations following the first major winter storm of the year. The winter operations plan for bus, O-Train, and Para Transpo was implemented yesterday to maintain service throughout the storm. The exceptional work done by the Public Works Department to prioritize transit corridors and clear roads was a critical factor in keeping transit moving.

Line 1 Service

Line 1 service operated throughout the storm period and launched this morning as planned with double car-trains.

OC Transpo worked with Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to implement the winter weather operations plan to maintain reliable service. This included having seven trains in operation overnight to prevent ice buildup on the overhead wires and clear the tracks of snow, maximizing the number of carbon strips installed on the fleet, and deploying staff to monitor key rail infrastructure, like switches. Additionally, de-icing solution was applied to the overhead catenary wires to further mitigate possible ice buildup.

Conventional Service and Para Transpo

Yesterday afternoon all road users including transit operators faced challenging road conditions and delays were experienced throughout the bus and Para Transpo network. The safety of our staff and customers is OC Transpo’s number one priority and operators adjust their driving behaviour based on the conditions.

Throughout the weather event updates were shared on octranspo.com, our social media platforms and real-time information was available for customers on the Transit App. Updates will continue to be shared with customers on all channels.

OC Transpo and RTM are monitoring the forecast and are proactively preparing for another possible weather event this weekend. OC Transpo is ready to continue to deliver service, and customers are encouraged to plan their trips on octranspo.com or use the Transit App to get real-time updates on their trips.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team

Jan 5, 2024

O-Train Line 1 returns to double-car train service

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Richard Holder
Acting General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that OC Transpo will provide double-car train service on O-Train Line 1 beginning on Monday, January 8.

Double-car trains will operate on weekdays. The larger trains will accommodate customer volumes during the busiest times on the system, improving customer comfort. Trains will operate approximately every five to six minutes.

The move to double-car trains is due to a new measure that extends the life of the wheel hub assemblies on the vehicles while continuing to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the fleet.

Wheel hub assembly nut pinning

At the joint Transit Commission and Light Rail Subcommittee meeting on December 14, 2023, an update was provided on a proposal to add pins to the restraining nut on the axle hubs to extend their useable life. Axle hub assemblies are currently required to be replaced every 60,000 km as part of the containment plan outlined in the Alstom Safety Note. This has been complicated by supply chain issues and required the careful management of the fleet to sustain service, including the use of single-car trains.

Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) has completed the necessary testing and analysis of the proposed nut pinning solution. OC Transpo and Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) are satisfied that safety requirements have been met and the hub assemblies with the nut pinning solution can now be deployed to in-service vehicles. This added measure allows for the immediate return to double-car trains on Line 1.

The rigorous inspections and maintenance requirements in Alstom’s Safety Note remain as a containment measure until the vehicle supplier is confident the program can be amended.

In addition, a test train will operate during regular service hours over the next couple of months to gather additional data for ongoing safety assurance. This testing allows for early detection of potential issues. Customers may occasionally see this out-of-service test train on Line 1.

Further information and updates on the ongoing work to improve train reliability will be shared as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Richard Holder

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jan 2, 2024

Inspection of St-Laurent Tunnel After Debris Found

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide an update to Mayor and Members of Council on a safety inspection at St-Laurent Station that was required after concrete debris was found early this morning along the track.

To complete the inspection, O-Train Line 1 service is suspended between Blair and St-Laurent stations in order to provide crews with access to the tunnel. There are no issues with any of the train systems or light rail vehicles.

Currently, Line 1 is operating between Tunney’s Pasture and Tremblay stations. R1 buses are running between Blair and Hurdman stations with an R1 shuttle provided from St-Laurent Station to Cyrville Station. S1 shuttle bus service between Blair Station and downtown continues to run during peak periods as usual. Service is operating well, and the Transit Operations Control Centre is closely monitoring service and will adjust if required.

Infrastructure and Water Services Department (IWSD) was notified when the debris was found, as they maintain this tunnel infrastructure. They immediately initiated an inspection and IWSD will provide further details later today on the inspection results and any remediation works.

Moving forward, IWSD will provide updates to Mayor and Members of Council on the inspection to the impacted infrastructure.

To support customers during their trip, staff are at key stations, signage has been installed and updates are being provided on octranspo.com, through text messages, and on all social media platforms. OC Transpo will continue to provide service updates to customers.

Should you have any questions or comments relating transit service, please contact me at

52111 or Richard Holder, Acting General Manager, at extension 52033.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

December 2023

Dec 14, 2023

Winter Readiness: Line 1 Service Preparations and Procedures

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with information on the proactive winter readiness activities on O-Train Line 1 and new procedures to respond to severe winter weather events.

As detailed at the Transit Commission meeting on December 14, OC Transpo started working with its maintainer, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM), to implement its light rail winter readiness plan early in the fall. The focus is on making proactive enhancements to maintain rail service, implement lessons learned and build upon the successes from previous winters. Enhancements include:

  • Improved process for communications, planning and coordination with RTM
  • Enhanced weather monitoring and forecasting to provide additional lead time for operational teams
  • Additional staff deployed to monitor in-service conditions and remote monitoring for electrical anomalies
  • Application of anti-icing solution to the overhead catenary wires
  • Procurement of a diesel-powered tow vehicle by RTM
  • Increasing the number of winter carbon strips installed on trains

Based on lessons learned, the severe winter weather procedure for Line 1 has been updated. Under this procedure, staff will monitor key areas of the line for ice buildup during a freezing rain event both in the field and by camera from the Transit Operations Control Centre. Additionally, RTM will be monitoring train diagnostics and system power for indications that service adjustments may be required to avoid a full disruption to Line 1 or damage to tracks or vehicles.

When the forecast calls for extreme winter weather, service adjustments to Line 1 will be considered. This may include running trains overnight to keep tracks clear, temporary speed restrictions, reducing train frequency or the suspension of service in specific segments or all of Line 1. These actions are to ensure the safety of staff and customers, the protection of track infrastructure and vehicles, and will allow service to resume more quickly.

This procedure will follow a similar process as the bus Severe Storm Schedule and will only be implemented during the most severe weather conditions. It is not anticipated that it will be implemented frequently. OC Transpo is responding to lessons learned from previous winter events to ensure plans are in place to provide safe and reliable light rail service to its customers.

Information for customers during weather events will be shared on all communications channels. This will include frequent service alerts, updates to OC Transpo’s website, signage at bus stops, and public service announcements.

OC Transpo is committed to continuous improvement and will continue to review and implement changes to operational procedures based on lessons learned and best practices.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Troy Charter, Director of Service Delivery and Rail Operations at extension 52160.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Dec 12, 2023

Winter 2024 Transit Service Changes

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s winter service changes, effective Sunday, December 24, 2023. Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

The winter service change includes several types of changes:

  • Service adjustments and improvements
  • Service adjustments for construction
  • Seasonal service changes
Service Adjustments and Improvements
  • Routes 261 and 263 will be changed to operate via Palladium Drive to Highway 417 to improve service to the community surrounding Derreen Avenue. As part of this change, these routes will be removed from stops on Huntmar Drive between Palladium Drive and Cyclone Taylor Boulevard, and from the Canadian Tire Centre bus loop. Service to the Canadian Tire Centre and the Park & Ride lot there will be maintained on Routes 62 and 162.
  • As part of the regular review of schedules to improve on-time performance and service reliability for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to Routes 5, 12, 15, 50, 51, 56, 62, 82, and 110 on weekdays, and Routes 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 30, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 51, 55, 57, 61, 62, 63, 74, 75, 80, 81, 82, 85, 87, 97, 131, 138 and 170 on Saturdays and Sundays.The same number of trips will still provide the same capacity as today.
Service Adjustments for Construction
  • Several road reconstruction and infrastructure projects will be suspended temporarily for the winter and minor service reliability improvements are anticipated as a result. Suspended projects are planned to be reinitiated in the spring.
  • To accommodate ongoing construction activity related to the Stage 2 O-Train extension project, Transitway service between Westboro Station and Lincoln Fields Station will continue to be detoured nightly from 11:30 pm to 6 am.
Seasonal Service Changes
Severe Storm Schedule for Buses
  • OC Transpo will implement a Severe Storm Schedule for buses on weekdays when 31 cm or more of snow is predicted to fall or under other severe weather conditions.
  • When a Severe Storm Schedule is in effect, bus service will follow a reduced schedule in order to provide a safer and more reliable service during major storms.
  • Customers will be able to use OC Transpo’s Travel Planner to see how their trip may change when the Severe Storm Schedule is in effect.
  • Many articulated buses will be replaced with 40-foot and double decker buses to improve service reliability.
  • Para Transpo and O-Train service levels will not be reduced, but customers should still plan ahead and expect delays.
  • When a severe storm is forecast for a Saturday or Sunday, the Severe Storm Schedule will not be implemented but some articulated buses will be replaced with 40-foot and double-decker buses to improve service reliability.
  • OC Transpo will implement a robust communications plan to inform customers in advance of any bus schedule changes due to severe weather. We will communicate through octranspo.com, text alerts, a public service announcement, social media posts, and transit information screens at stations.
  • For more information on OC Transpo’s Severe Storm Schedule, customers can visit octranspo.com.
Year-round Rack & Roll
  • The Rack & Roll program is now permanently year-round, so it will again be offered through the winter on the entire bus fleet. This is great news for all-season cyclists. Whether travelling to work, school, or just out enjoying Ottawa’s winter weather, we encourage customers to consider combining biking and transit with ease through OC Transpo’s Rack & Roll year-round program.
School Services
  • Select school trips on 600-series school routes may be shifted by up to 15 minutes earlier in the morning or up to 15 minutes later in the afternoon, to allow more reliable service system-wide. Information will be provided to customers on these routes through the school boards and customers will be encouraged to check the Travel Planner to confirm any changes to their trip times.
  • Other changes to school service have been made based on observed ridership levels and in consultation with school boards and their student transportation agencies. Full details will be available at octranspo.com.
Holidays
  • Christmas Eve – Sunday, December 24, 2023 – There will be no changes to bus and O-Train Service, which will operate on a Sunday schedule.
  • Christmas Day – Monday, December 25, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:15 am to 11 pm. The Shopper Route 301 will not operate.
  • Boxing Day – Tuesday, December 26, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule, with additional resources available to supplement busy routes as required. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.
  • Christmas Week – Wednesday, December 27 to Friday, December 29, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am (2 am on Friday), with peak period frequency reduced to every five minutes. Line 2 bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. School service including 600-series routes will not operate as schools will be closed on these days.
  • New Year’s Eve – Sunday, December 31, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule, with additional resources available in the evening to supplement busy routes as required. O-Train Line 1 will operate on an extended Sunday schedule from 8 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on an extended Sunday schedule from 7:15 am to 1 am. Para Transpo will operate until 3 am. Free transit service will be provided after 6 pm on buses, O-Train Line 1 and Para Transpo courtesy of Safer Roads Ottawa and MADD.
  • New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:15 am to 11 pm.
  • New Year’s Week – Tuesday, January 2 to Friday, January 5, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am (2 am on Friday), with peak period frequency reduced to every five minutes. Line 2 bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. School service including 600-series routes will not operate as schools will be closed on these days.
  • Family Day – Monday, February 19, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a normal weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a normal weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a normal weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. Service on the 600-series routes will be suspended, however school trips on regular routes will operate.
  • March Break – Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am (2 am on Friday), with peak period frequency reduced to every five minutes. Line 2 bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. School service including 600-series routes will not operate as schools will be closed on these days.
  • Good Friday – Friday, March 29, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:15 am to 11 pm.
  • Easter Monday – Monday, April 1, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am, with peak period frequency reduced to every five minutes. Line 2 bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. As schools will be closed, school service including the 600-series routes will not operate.
Customer Information

Full details of these service changes will be communicated to customers throughout December. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading the Transit app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, as well as visiting octranspo.com. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

Once the winter service changes begin on December 24, customers can find up-to-date schedules and real-time information by using these applications and tools. Customers can visit octranspo.com or contact the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (613-560-5000) for more information.

These winter service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership and operational data measurements. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service for customers as their travel needs change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

November 2023

Nov 26, 2023

Resolved: West Transitway Detour Ends November 27

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to inform the Mayor and Members of Council that the repairs to the temporary Roosevelt Bridge near Dominion Station are almost complete, and normal bus operations will resume on Monday, November 27.

Transit Services

Buses travelling between Westboro and Lincoln Fields stations will continue to be on detour via Churchill Street, Richmond Road and Carling Avenue until the end of service day today, Sunday, November 26. The detour will be lifted prior to the start of service on Monday, November 27, and buses will go back to operating on the Roosevelt Bridge.

OC Transpo appreciates the assistance of Traffic and By-law Services to prioritize transit trips while the on-street detour has been in place.

Bridge repair works

The contractor expects repairs to the bridge will conclude this evening with the pouring of cold weather concrete. Upon completion, the repairs will be thoroughly inspected. The bridge will undergo regular inspections to ensure its continued safe operation.

Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates, signage at stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com or use the Transit app for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.

OC Transpo recognizes the impact this detour has had on travel times and thanks customers for their patience while we worked to return to normal bus operations.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Nov 24, 2023

Update on Repairs to Roosevelt Bridge and West Transitway Detour

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing repairs to the temporary Roosevelt Bridge, at the north end of Roosevelt Avenue near Dominion Station, and the ongoing detour of the Transitway between Westboro and Lincoln Fields stations.

Bridge repair works

Yesterday, the contractor installed a patch at the expansion joint between the bridge deck and road surface. After reviewing and testing this patch, it was determined a higher quality repair would be required to withstand frequent bus traffic. The bridge will remain closed while this repair is completed over the weekend.

Today, the contractor will continue to work on a robust, technical repair. This will include the removal of the plate and an angle bracket at the expansion joint, concrete work, installation of new bolts for bracket attachments and reinstatement of both the concrete and the bracket. The goal is to have the repair completed by Monday morning, which may require overnight work this weekend. While overnight work is generally avoided to reduce impacts on area residents, sufficient time is needed to be able to pour cold-weather concrete and ensure it has enough time to cure properly prior to opening. It is anticipated that these repairs will allow buses to safely resume operation on the bridge.

Work will continue throughout the day and this weekend to complete this additional work. Further updates on the repairs and the re-opening of the bridge to buses will be provided by Sunday, November 26.

Transit Services

Buses continue to be on detour via Churchill Street, Richmond Road and Carling Avenue. This morning, the detour route ran well, and lower traffic volumes were observed. The Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC) and the Traffic Control Centre are working together to monitor traffic volumes and make adjustments as required. Transit staff will be at key locations during the afternoon peak period to support customers during their trips.

OC Transpo recognizes that this longer route is causing delays to customer travel time and increased trip cancellations. We thank customers for their patience as we work to safely restore bus service in this corridor.

A number of measures have been put in place with Traffic Services to prioritize bus service along the detour route, including posting no parking and stopping and adjusting signal timing to assist bus movements at intersections.

Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates, signage at stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com or use the Transit app for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Nov 23, 2023

West Transitway Detour – closure of Roosevelt Bridge

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to inform the Mayor and Members of Council that the Transitway is being detoured between Westboro and Lincoln Fields stations as the temporary Roosevelt Bridge, located at the north end of Roosevelt Avenue near the Dominion Station, has been temporarily closed for repairs.

Buses that normally use this bridge are being detoured via Churchill Street, Richmond Road and Carling Avenue in order to continue to connect customers travelling west of Westboro Station with their destinations. Customers can expect that there will be significant delays to their trips, particularly during the rush hour periods this evening and on Friday.

Routes that are impacted include: 57, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 73, 74, 75, 82, 87, 252, 256, 257, 258, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 267, 268, 270, 271, 272, 277, 278, 282, 283.

OC Transpo is working with Traffic Services and other City departments to prioritize transit services. A number of measures are being implemented, including:

  • Removing parking and stopping from Churchill, between Scott and Richmond, and Richmond, between Churchill and Woodroffe
  • No stopping at any time within 50m from the intersections at Churchill and Richmond and Churchill and Woodroffe
  • Adjusting signal timing where possible to assist bus movements at intersections

The Roosevelt Bridge is a temporary bridge installed to connect the Transitway between Westboro and Dominion stations while the Stage 2 O-Train West extension is being constructed in the trench through the area. As part of winter preparations, the contractor installed an additional plate, required to cover the interface between the road and the bridge. One of the plates came loose and, during an inspection of the plate, additional damage at this location was discovered. The contractor is working on a technical repair plan. It is expected that the repairs will require the bridge to remain closed for the weekend.

Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates, signage at stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com or use the Transit app for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.

OC Transpo will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Nov 17, 2023

Stage 2 South – Successful Operation of Nine Trains Begins

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update regarding a recent milestone in the ongoing testing and preparations to operate the Stage 2 south O-Train extensions, lines 2 and 4.

TransitNext, the contractor responsible for building, testing, and maintaining the system, has begun demonstrating the ability to safely operate nine trains, the number required for revenue service, on Line 2, between Bayview and Limebank stations, and on Line 4, between South Keys and Airport stations. This is a key milestone in the program, as it tests the integration of the control and signaling systems, vehicles, track infrastructure, operating procedures, and training programs. This allows the project team to increase test running of trains as part of validating consistent and reliable performance ahead of trial running.

As outlined at the Light Rail Sub-Committee on September 29, 2023, this important milestone will also allow for an increase in the training of new diesel rail operators. New operators have been undertaking in-class training, including on simulators, and can now increase the time spent on the vehicles training for real-world, operational scenarios. There are currently ten rail operators who have completed their program that will help support the training of additional rail operators under simulated train operations.

Train testing on the south extension began in winter 2022 and has since extended across the line with a gradual ramp up of both vehicle quantity in use as well as the testing of the signaling and train control systems. OC Transpo continues to work with TransitNext on successfully achieving key milestones in the testing and commissioning program.

Further information on the ongoing testing and commissioning program for Lines 2 and 4 will be shared at the Light Rail Sub-Committee on December 11, 2023.

Should you have any questions, please contact Michael Morgan, Director, Rail Construction

Program at ext. 52718, or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

September 2023

Sept 25, 2023

Succession Plan Update: Associate Director Program’s Second Cohort

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Wendy Stephanson
City Manager

The purpose of this memo is to announce the second cohort of the City of Ottawa’s Associate Director (AD) Program who will begin their year-long development placements effective October 9, 2023.

The senior leadership team (SLT) has invested significantly over the past several years in building a robust succession plan and talent management strategy to ensure the long-term success of the organization. Originally launched in March 2022, the AD program provides experiential learning opportunities to City staff and is a key part of the City’s succession management strategy which aims to retain talent from within, stabilize the workforce and prepare for the future in the face of continued retirements at leadership levels.

A call for applications for the 2023-2024 AD program was launched in April, and the successful candidates are as follows:

  • Jason Barney, Manager, Applications, will assume the role of Associate Chief Information Officer, in Finance and Corporate Services, under the leadership of Sandro Carlucci.
  • Tyler Hicks, Manager, Design and Construction (ROPEC Project), will assume the role of Associate Director, Water Linear and Customer Services, in Infrastructure and Water Services, under the leadership of Marilyn Journeaux.
  • Krista Tanaka, Manager, Traffic Safety and Mobility, will assume the role of Associate Director, Traffic Services, in Public Works, under the leadership of Philippe Landry.
  • Rami El Feghali, Manager, Customer Service, will assume the role of Associate Director, Transit Bus Operations and Maintenance, in Transit Services, under the leadership of Jim Greer.

Succession planning continues to be a key strategic priority for SLT to ensure potential successors are equipped with the leadership skills and capabilities required to compete for new career opportunities as they arise. SLT remains committed to the growth and development of our workforce and appreciates your continued support on these important initiatives.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Original signed by Wendy Stephanson
City Manager

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Extended Senior Leadership Team
Nathalie Gougeon, Auditor General
Bryce Conrad, Hydro Ottawa
Sonia Bebbington, Ottawa Public Library
Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa Public Health
Chief Eric Stubbs, Ottawa Police Service

Sept 8, 2023

Enhancements to O-Train Line 1 service levels   

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide information to Members of Council and the Transit Commission about proactive improvements to service levels on O-Train Line 1.

O-Train Line 1

OC Transpo committed to monitoring and responding to anticipated increases in Line 1 customer volumes as the system continues to operate with single-car trains. We are proactively planning to adjust the service level next week as it is anticipated that customer demand may be higher during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

Beginning on Monday, September 11, OC Transpo will introduce double-car trains as an enhancement to rail service. The number of single-car trains in operation will increase from 13 to 17, with some of these operating in the two-car configuration throughout the day to provide customers with frequent service. Trains will operate approximately every four minutes at the busiest times of the morning and afternoon commute.

OC Transpo anticipates that this service frequency will provide sufficient capacity for customers. The operations team will continue to closely monitor and adjust service as needed.

In addition, the Shuttle Express continues to operate every 10 minutes during weekday morning and afternoon rush hours. Ridership on the shuttle service between Blair Station and downtown has remained steady with about 50 customers per trip. Ridership between Tunney’s Pasture Station and downtown is significantly lower with approximately five to 10 customers per trip.

As a result, the last day of operations for the Shuttle Express service between Tunney’s Pasture and downtown will be today, September 8. The western shuttle will not operate beginning on Monday, September 11. The shuttle service in the east will continue to operate. OC Transpo will continue to monitor ridership levels.

Customers looking for the most up-to-date information about their trips, can use the travel planner, call 613-560-1000 or text 560560 and enter your bus stop number.

Should you have any questions, please contact me via email or at ext. 52111.

Original signed by Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

August 2023

Aug 18, 2023

Fall 2023 Transit Service Changes   

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: Acting General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s fall service changes, effective Sunday, August 27, 2023. Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

The fall service change includes several types of adjustments:

  • Service adjustments
  • Service adjustments for construction
  • Seasonal service changes
Service Adjustments
  • On weekdays, service on O-Train Line 1 during peak periods will operate every five minutes and will be monitored and increased based on observed ridership levels, as outlined in the memo on August 14, 2023. On weekends, service on Line 1 will operate every 10 minutes.
  • The Shuttle Express service that began on August 15, 2023, will continue to operate as an alternative to O-Train Line 1.
  • On weekdays, a supplemental trip on Route 7 will be added in the evening, from Carleton University to the Rideau Centre, to increase capacity and better accommodate current ridership levels.
  • Route 18 will be extended to Parliament Station via Queen Street.
  • On weekdays, westbound morning trips on Route 51 will be adjusted to follow the regular routing via Lincoln Heights instead of remaining on Croydon Avenue, to provide consistent and more reliable service.
  • On weekends, select trips on Route 61 will be extended between Terry Fox Station and CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn on Shea Road to improve transit connectivity to employment areas, principally on Stittsville Main Street.
  • On weekdays, as part of the regular review of schedules to improve service reliability for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to Routes 74 and 75 to improve on-time performance. The same number of trips will still provide the same capacity.
  • Route 74 will be extended from Nepean Woods Station to Riverview Station, in preparation for the future further extension to Limebank Station when O-Train Line 2 opens.
  • On weekdays, one trip northbound in the morning and one trip southbound in the afternoon on Route 75 will be extended between Barrhaven Centre Station and Cambrian (Minto Recreation Complex), to better reflect ridership levels south of Barrhaven Centre Station.
  • On weekdays, new trips on Route 88 will be added between Baseline and Hurdman Stations, to increase capacity and better accommodate current ridership levels.
  • On weekdays, the short trips on Route 198 that do not serve Greenboro Station will be withdrawn, due to very low ridership.

Service Adjustments for Construction

As a result of road reconstruction and other infrastructure projects, the following routes may experience delays and additional travel time:

  • Routes 10 and 16, due to ongoing road reconstruction along Albert and Slater Streets, between Empress Avenue and Bay Street.
  • Routes 11, 16, and 19, due to the ongoing rehabilitation project of the Mackenzie King Bridge.
  • Route 16 and Gatineau trips on Routes 57, 61, 63, 66, and 75, due to road reconstruction on Scott Street between Parkdale Avenue and Bayview Road (westbound direction only).
  • Transitway service between Westboro Station and Lincoln Fields Station will continue to be detoured every night due to Stage 2 rail construction. Starting on Tuesday, September 5, the detour start time will be set back from 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. to accommodate students returning to evening classes. Service is also being detoured on weekends until Monday, October 9, when NCC bike day closures end for the year.

Seasonal Service Changes

Seasonal Adjustments

  • Frequency on Line 2 replacement buses serving Carleton University will be increased from summer service levels to accommodate the seasonal return of higher ridership. Peak period service will operate every 10 minutes, and midday and evening service will operate every 12 minutes. Additional trips will operate at major class times where needed to increase capacity.
  • Routes 25, 56, and 57 will return to their regular non-summer schedules.

Summer Weekend Service to Seasonal Destinations

  • Labour Day, Monday, September 4, will be the last day of operation for the seasonal service on Route 25 to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Route 139 to Petrie Island, and Route 185 to the Canada Agriculture Museum.

School Services

  • School service is being increased, in consultation with the school boards and their student transportation agencies. Funding for these increases was approved by Council in the 2023 operating budget:
    • Cedarview Middle School – New school Routes 682 and 683 will be introduced to provide service for students living in the Barrhaven, Jockvale, and Half Moon Bay neighbourhoods.
    • St. Joseph High School – New school Routes 677 and 679 will be introduced to provide service for students living in the Old Barrhaven / Barrhaven West area.
  • Other changes to school service have been made based on observed ridership levels and in consultation with school boards and their student transportation agencies. Full details will be available at octranspo.com.

Service to Major Events

  • Redblacks Games – Fares to and from the event are integrated with the event ticket. Special 450-series service is provided to bring customers to and from the games.
  • Supplementary service for CityFolk, Army Run and the Panda Game will be determined closer to the event dates, in consultation with event organizers. Any supplemental or adjusted service for the events will be communicated to customers through OC Transpo’s usual channels.

Holidays

  • Labour Day, Monday, September 4, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:30 am to 11 pm.
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.
  • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (observed), Monday, October 2, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a weekday schedule from 5 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a weekday schedule from 5:30 am to midnight.
  • Thanksgiving, Monday, October 9, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:30 am to 11 pm.
  • Remembrance Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.
  • Remembrance Day (observed), Monday, November 13, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a weekday schedule from 5 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a weekday schedule from 5:30 am to midnight.

Customer Information

Full details of these service changes will be communicated to customers throughout the rest of August. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading the Transit app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, as well as visiting octranspo.com. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

Once the fall service changes begin on August 27, customers can find up-to-date schedules and real-time information by using these applications and tools. Please direct customers to octranspo.com or to the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (613-560-5000) for more information.

These fall service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership levels and operational data measurements. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service for customers as their travel needs change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by Michael Morgan

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director,
Public Information and Media Relations

Aug 17, 2023

O-Train Line 1 – Required Track Adjustments

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Michael Morgan
Acting General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to inform the Mayor and Members of Council that during enhanced track inspections put in place since O-Train Line 1 service resumed on Monday, August 14, contact was observed between a restraining rail and the wheels of a light rail vehicle between Hurdman Station and the Rideau River Bridge. Out of an abundance of caution O-Train Line 1 is now running on one track between Hurdman and Lees Station to make further track adjustments in this area.

As previously advised, the Safety Note from Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom requires that there can be no contact between the restraining rail and wheels as part of the safe return to service plan. To accommodate further track assessment and make the necessary adjustments, trains are not operating on the section of westbound track between Hurdman and uOttawa stations. No contact has been observed elsewhere on the line, and therefore it is safe to continue rail operations on the remainder of the system.

As a result, Line 1 service continues to operate between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations approximately every 15-minutes, and customers should expect delays as trains travel through the section of single track between uOttawa and Hurdman stations. To supplement rail service during the afternoon peak period, the following service is being implemented:

  • Shuttle Express will be enhanced from operating every 10 minutes to every five minutes from 3 to 6 pm between downtown and the terminus stations at Tunney’s Pasture Station and Blair Station.
  • Customers travelling to an intermediate station, including Bayview, Pimisi, Lyon, Parliament, Rideau, uOttawa, Lees, Hurdman, Tremblay, St. Laurent, and Cyrville should use Line 1 to go to their destination.
  • Para Transpo will take same day requests for trips between Line 1 stations; customers should call 613-560-5000 to book the service.
  • Staff will also be present at stations to support customers during their trips.

OC Transpo continues to monitor service and will make adjustments to respond to customer volumes if required.

RTG will be making adjustments to the restraining rail overnight in order to restore service in the affected section of the line. It is currently anticipated that Line 1 will resume normal operations on Friday, August 18, but further investigation and testing will be required before the service plan for Friday is confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

OC Transpo, RTG and Alstom continues to closely monitor and inspect the track and trains to ensure the ongoing safe operations for our customers and employees.

Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates, signage at Line 1 stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com and use OC Transpo’s travel planner for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.

Original signed by,
Michael Morgan

c.c.:    Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Aug 13, 2023

Resumption of O-Train Line 1 service

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to confirm for the Mayor and Members of Council that O-Train Line 1 service between Blair and Tunney’s Pasture stations will safely resume on Monday, August 14, at 5 am.

Safe Resumption of Service

Trial running has been carried out to ensure that all train systems are functioning, and preparatory activities have been done to ensure that all stations are ready to welcome customers.

On Monday, August 14, customers can expect the following service: 

  • Line 1 will operate between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations
  • During the morning peak period, 11 single-car trains will provide service every five minutes
  • During the afternoon peak period, 13 single-car trains will provide service every four minutes
  • During the rest of the day and on weekends, nine single-car trains will provide service every 6 minutes
  • This level of service will meet customer volumes throughout the day

R1, R1 Express, and R1 Para service will operate for the entire day. Shuttles will continue to run to Lees Station every 30 minutes and to Cyrville Station every 15 minutes. Tomorrow, we will provide additional information about R1 service going forward.

Information on the safe, gradual restart of service is being shared with customers on all platforms and on octranspo.com. Staff will also be at stations to support customers during their trips. Attached are additional communication materials to assist Councillors in sharing information with their communities.

Ongoing Track and Vehicle Work

As previously mentioned, Rideau Transit Group (RTG) completed repositioning of the restraining rails at 16 locations to fulfill the last requirement of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom. Testing was successfully conducted over the weekend to confirm the work and the system’s readiness to safely welcome customers.

OC Transpo, together with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA), have conducted a final review of RTG’s documentation to confirm that the requirements for the restart of full Line 1 service have been met. These documents have been provided to the Interim City Manager, with a recommendation to resume service. The City Manager is satisfied that the regulatory regime is in compliance, and has agreed with the recommendation to resume service on August 14, at 5am.

In parallel to the track infrastructure work, RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 28 trains. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to go into service. 

We will continue to provide updates to Council as they become available. Should you have any questions or comments, please contact me at extension 52111.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Aug 9, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

R1, R1 Express, and R1 Para services continue to operate. An update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.

Safe return to service.

Yesterday, partial Line 1 service between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations began. Rail service is running well, with single-car trains operating every five minutes to meet current customer volumes. The Transit Operations Control Centre is monitoring service closely and can launch an additional train if required to accommodate customers. Staff are at stations supporting customers during their trips, and updates continue to be shared on all of OC Transpo’s customer information channels.

OC Transpo continues to anticipate that full Line 1 service will resume on August 14. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Ongoing Investigation

Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to work to adjust the restraining rails to prevent contact between the train wheel and the rail. As previously noted, this is the final requirement of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom that remains to be fulfilled to safely restore service across the entire Line 1 corridor. To date, 12 of the 16 locations have been repositioned.

RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 25 trains. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to go into service.

There will be a special virtual information session today from 2:30 to 4pm to provide an opportunity for Members of Council to ask questions and receive an update. A media availability will follow the session.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

Aug 8, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

R1, R1 Express, and R1 Para services continue to operate. An update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.

Safe return to service.

Today, Line 1 resumed operation between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations. Single-car trains are running every five minutes. An additional train can be launched during peak periods to accommodate higher customer volumes if required. So far, this service is sufficient to meet customer needs. Staff are at stations supporting customers during their trips, and updates continue to be shared on all of OC Transpo’s channels

OC Transpo anticipates that full Line 1 service will resume on August 14. Service plans continue to be finalized, but it is anticipated that for the rest of August, 11 single-car trains will operate during the morning peak period and 13 single-cars will run in the afternoon peak. For the remainder of the day, nine single-car trains will provide service. This will accommodate current customer demand during the busiest times, without the need for R1 bus service, and allow OC Transpo to sustainably manage fleet availability over the long term.

The service plan for September ridership is still being prepared, and an update will be provided when final.

Ongoing Investigation

As previously noted, adjusting the restraining rails to prevent any contact between the train wheel and the rail is the final requirement of the Safety Note from Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom that remains to be fulfilled to safely restore service across the entire Line 1 corridor.

Since August 3, RTG completed adjustments to the restraining rails between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations. This allowed partial Line 1 service to safely resume today in this section of the line. Work on the remaining restraining rails continues across the rest of the alignment. To date, 10 of 16 locations have been repositioned.

RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 24 trains. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to go into service.

There will be a media availability today at 4pm.

In addition, a virtual Councillor information session will be held on Wednesday, August 9 from 2:30 to 4pm to provide an opportunity for Members of Council to ask questions and receive an update. The regular media availability will follow the session.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

Aug 7, 2023

O-Train Line 1 - Gradual Service Resumption

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the safe, gradual resumption of service on O-Train Line 1. Partial service will be restored between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations on Tuesday, August 8.

As previously noted, adjusting the restraining rails to prevent any contact between the train wheel and the rail is a requirement of the Safety Note from Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom, which must be fulfilled to safely restore service. RTG has been working since Thursday, August 3 to reposition restraining rails across the alignment. The required work between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations is complete, and OC Transpo has conducted trial running in this section to confirm that all train systems are safe and ready for service.

OC Transpo, together with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA), is conducting a final review of RTG’s documentation to confirm that the requirements for partial service have been met. These documents will be provided to the Interim City Manager, who has delegated authority in this matter, with a recommendation to resume service. Based on the information, once the City Manager is satisfied that the regulatory regime is in compliance, and agrees with the recommendation, OC Transpo will proceed with partial service resumption.

Line 1 Service

As it has been deemed safe, OC Transpo is now able to begin gradually restoring service by providing partial Line 1 service in the west beginning on Tuesday, August 8 at 5am. For customers this means:

  • Line 1 service will operate between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations
  • Five single-car trains will provide service every five minutes
  • R1, R1 Express and Para R1 services will continue to operate with no changes
  • An additional train can be launched during peak periods to accommodate high customer volumes
  • Customers may notice slower train speeds in the tunnel due to a speed restriction as part of safety requirements during the gradual resumption of service
  • Staff will be at stations supporting customers during their trips

RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 22 trains. By operating with single-car trains, OC Transpo can accommodate current customer volumes and manage the fleet availability over the long term.

OC Transpo has completed a number of preparatory activities in the west end of the line to provide a positive customer experience.

These Include:

  • Trial running between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations to verify train systems
  • Cleaning stations
  • Reactivating escalators and elevators
  • Verifying all announcement systems are working and updating messages
  • Placing wayfinding signage for station navigation
  • Preparing outreach staff
  • Installing new decals to identify single-car boarding locations at the platforms

Information on the safe, gradual restart of service is being shared with customers on all platforms and on octranspo.com. Attached are additional communication materials to support Councillors in sharing information with their communities.

Work on the remaining restraining rails continues across the rest of the alignment. To date, nine of 16 locations have been repositioned. OC Transpo anticipates that full Line 1 service will resume on August 14.

There will be a media availability today at 1pm, and we will continue to share information as it becomes available

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

Aug 4, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

R1, R1 Express, and R1 Para services continue to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.

Ongoing Investigation

Work continues to ensure that all the parameters of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom are implemented to ensure the safe operations of Line 1. The remaining requirement is the repositioning of the restraining rails.

As advised yesterday, adjustments to the restraining rails have begun. RTG is working at the 16 locations that have been identified for adjustments. A few remaining items in the Atkins Global report are being finalized, and the risk assessment is almost complete.

In parallel, RTG also continues to replace the wheel hub assemblies on the light rail vehicles. To date, 19 trains have had their hub assemblies replaced. RTG can replace two hubs every two days. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to operate when it is safe to resume service.

Resumption of Service

As this work proceeds, OC Transpo is also preparing to welcome back customers and we are taking the necessary measures to ensure we are ready. These activities include:

Action

Status

Review all stations to ensure they are clean and ready to open

Validation during trial running - in progress

Re-activate all escalators and elevators at all stations

Validation during trial running - in progress

Conduct trial running to verify train systems

Now under way

Ensure all customer signage at Line 1 stations are in place

In process

Verify that announcement systems are in working order and update messages

Validation during trial running - in progress

Review and prepare wayfinding signage and materials to assist customers in navigating the stations

In process

Prepare all outreach staff at key stations along Line 1 to support customers

In process

Install new decals at Line 1 stations to identify boarding for single car locations

Completed

At this time, OC Transpo continues to anticipate full Line 1 service will safely resume on August 14. OC Transpo is closely following this progress and will continue to provide updates on the timing to gradually restart service.

Work on the restraining rail adjustments and all areas of the resumption of service will continue over the weekend.

There will be a media availability today at 4pm. Over the weekend, we will continue to provide daily updates by email, and we will provide information about the next media availability.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

Aug 3, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

  • R1, R1 Express and R1 Para service continue to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.
  • The Transit Operations Control Centre is aware of a potential motorcycle rally in the downtown area on Saturday, August 5th, and is coordinating with other City services. They will monitor for any impacts and adjust service, if required.

Ongoing Investigation

Work continues to ensure that all the parameters of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom are implemented to ensure the safe operations of Line 1. The remaining requirement is the repositioning of the restraining rails.

OC Transpo received the draft Atkins Global restraining rail report yesterday. RTM, Alstom, Atkins, and OC Transpo along with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) are working together to finalize the report. In the interim, RTG has enough information to begin repositioning some of the restraining rails, and this work began today. The risk assessment is also almost complete.

RTG anticipates completing the repositioning work will take up to 10 days. Here is the latest update on the remaining action items:

Action

Start date

End date

RTG to retain Atkins Global, an engineering expert in the field, to advise where to reposition the restraining rails

July 31

August 4

Continue to discuss the risk assessment until final

July 29

August 4

Proceed to reposition the restraining rail

August 3

August 13

Conduct trial running

Parallel process

August 14

At this time, OC Transpo believes that full Line 1 service will be ready to safely resume on August 14. OC Transpo is closely following this progress and will continue to provide updates on the timing to gradually restart service.

Fleet availability

Important progress continues to be made on changing the wheel hub assemblies to increase the availability of the train fleet. To date, 18 light rail vehicles have had their hub assemblies replaced. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to operate, when it is safe to resume service. OC Transpo is proactively preparing service plans based on the projected number of vehicles and is looking at several scenarios for service resumption.

Resumption of Service

OC Transpo and RTG are working collaboratively to ensure that the system is ready to welcome customers back. Trial running is being done in parallel to the repositioning of the restraining rails. In addition, we will ensure that all train systems, stations and platforms, signage, and other key aspects are ready. Staff are currently undertaking the following activities:

Action

Status

Review all stations to ensure they are clean and ready to open

Validation during trial running in progress

Re-activate all escalators and elevators at all stations

Validation during trial running in progress

Conduct trial running to verify train systems

ASAP

Ensure all customer signage at Line 1 stations are in place

In process

Verify that announcement systems are in working order and update messages

Validation during trial running in progress

Review and prepare wayfinding signage and materials to assist customers in navigating the stations

In process

Prepare all outreach staff at key stations along Line 1 to support customers

In process

Install new decals at Line 1 stations to identify boarding for single car locations

Completed

Work on the restraining rail adjustments and all areas of the resumption of service will continue over the weekend.

There will be a media availability today at 4 pm and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

Aug 2, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

  • R1 and R1 Express bus service continues to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.
  • Based on customers’ feedback we continue to enhance R1 service. Today, R1 Para bus service was implemented to provide additional transit options for Para Transpo customers and customers who may require accessible service.
  • R1 Para will service Line 1 stations between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations. Customers can book this service the same day or speak to OC Transpo staff at stations to request the service. Customers who require additional supports should call 613-560-5000.
  • R1 Para service is in addition to our existing Para Transpo service and will not impact current operations.

Ongoing Investigation

Work continues to ensure that all the parameters of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom for the safe operations of Line 1 are implemented. RTG and Alstom are now working on the remaining requirement which is ensuring there is no contact between the wheel of the light rail vehicle and the restraining rail.

OC Transpo continues to expect the independent risk assessment and the report from Atkins Global to be provided on August 3. This work will outline:

  • The risk profile associated with the repositioning of each of the restraining rails
  • Which restraining rails should be repositioned
  • The amount by which the rails need to be moved to avoid contact with the back wheels of the light rail vehicles.

Here is the latest update on the remaining action items:

Action

Start date

End date

RTG to retain Atkins Global, an engineering expert in the field, to advise where to reposition the restraining rails

July 31

August 3

Continue to discuss the risk assessment until final

July 29

August 3

Proceed to reposition the restraining rail

10 days of work; can only commence after acceptance of the risk assessment

August 14

Conduct trial running

In parallel to the repositioning of the restraining rails

To be confirmed

Based on the information noted above, OC Transpo continues to estimate that Line 1 service may be able to safely resume as early as August 14. This continues to be an early estimate, based on projected timelines for these action items. As work continues to progress, we will provide an update on the potential timing to gradually restart service.

Fleet availability

Progress continues to be made on changing the wheel hub assemblies to increase the availability of the train fleet. To date, 15 light rail vehicles have had their hub assemblies replaced. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to operate, when it is safe to resume service. Our team is proactively preparing service plans based on the projected number of vehicles that may be available.

There will be a media availability at 4pm and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

Aug 1, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

  • R1 and R1 Express bus service continue to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.

Ongoing Investigation

As described yesterday, the final Safety Note from RTG and Alstom outlines the following parameters of the plan for the safe operations of Line 1:

  • Continue with all mitigation measures already in place
  • Replace the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles every 60,000 kilometres
  • Implement a new inspection regime for the middle bogies
  • Avoid any contact between the wheel and the restraining rail

There continues to be progress made on the risk assessment and the needed work to reposition the rails.

Here is the latest information:

Action

Start date

End date

RTG to retain Atkins Global, an engineering expert in the field, to advise where to reposition the restraining rails

July 31

August 3

Continue to discuss the risk assessment until final

July 29

August 3

Proceed to reposition the restraining rail

10 days of work; can only commence after acceptance of the risk assessment

To be confirmed

Conduct trial running

Start date to be confirmed

To be confirmed

Based on the information noted above, OC Transpo estimates that Line 1 service may be able to safely resume as early as August 14. This is an early estimate, based on projected timelines for these action items. As work progresses, we will provide an update on the potential timing to gradually restart service.

Fleet availability

Progress continues to be made on changing the wheel hub assemblies to increase the availability of the train fleet. To date, 14 light rail vehicles have had their hub assemblies replaced. The ongoing replacements will increase the number of cars available to operate, when it is safe to resume service.

There will be a media availability at 4pm and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

July 2023

Jul 31, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

  • R1 bus service continues to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service.
  • R1 Express service was successfully launched this morning from Blair to downtown. This service operates in addition to the R1 bus service and normal bus routes. The Express service is operating in the opposite direction from downtown to Blair beginning at 3pm this afternoon and provides customers with additional travel options at the busiest times of the day. OC Transpo continues to monitor the service and will make adjustments, where possible.

Ongoing Investigation

As previously indicated, to safely resume service, there are three milestones that must be achieved:

  1. Inspection of all light rail vehicles:
    • This was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations.
  2. Texelis report based on the manufacturer’s disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance hub:
    • The Texelis report was received on July 28. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom have completed the analysis and confirmed that the degradation of the wheel hub is similar to what was found on the hub assemblies in the previous two incidents in August 2021 and July 2022. This reinforces Alstom’s conclusion that the final fix to the bearing issue is the redesign of the wheel hub assembly, which is now underway.
  3. The final Safety Note from RTG and Alstom, outlines the following parameters of the plan for the safe operations of Line 1:
    • Continue with all mitigation measures already in place
    • Replacement of the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles every 60,000 kilometres
    • Implement a new inspection regime for the middle bogies
    • Avoid any contact between the wheel and the restraining rail. This is a new requirement received on Friday, July 28 based on the results of instrumented bogie tests.

Over the weekend, RTG, Alstom and OC Transpo with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) worked to determine the required actions to begin a full risk assessment. Discussions indicate the following actions will be needed:

Action

Start date

End date

RTG to retain Atkins Global, an engineering expert in the field, to advise where to reposition the restraining rails

July 31

To be confirmed

Continue to discuss the risk assessment until final

July 29

To be confirmed

Proceed to reposition the restraining rail

10 days of work; can only commence after acceptance of the risk assessment

To be confirmed

Conduct trial running

Start date to be confirmed

To be confirmed

At this time, OC Transpo cannot provide an anticipated date for the safe resumption of service. As work progresses, we will provide an update on the potential timing to restart service.

Fleet availability

In the meantime, Alstom continues to change the wheel hub assemblies to increase the availability of the train fleet. To date, 12 cars have had their hub assemblies replaced. The ongoing replacements will increase the number of cars available to operate, when it is safe to resume service.

OC Transpo recognizes that the ongoing service disruption is frustrating for our customers and is committed to restoring service as soon as it is safe to do so.

There will be a media availability at 4pm and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

Jul 28, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

  • R1 bus service continues to operate in place of the rail alignment. An update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service.

Ongoing Investigation:

As previously indicated, to safely resume service, there are three milestones that must be achieved:

  • Inspection of all light rail vehicles:
    • This was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations.
  • Texelis report based on the manufacturer’s disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance hub:
    • The Texelis report has been received. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) is currently conducting a review.
  • The final safety note from RTG, outlining the parameters of the new containment plan for the safe operations of Line 1:
    • A draft Safety Note was received on July 26
    • RTG informed us that the Safety Note requires additional actions to ensure that there is no contact between the train wheel and the restraining rail.

RTG and Alstom have conducted numerous instrumented bogie tests, which have resulted in the need for additional track infrastructure work to ensure that the train wheels do not make contact with the restraining rail. The need for this additional work means that the gradual resumption of service, initially anticipated to occur on July 31, will be delayed.

OC Transpo is working with RTG to determine the next steps, including a new risk assessment for the work to ensure that the track infrastructure conforms to the new Safety Note.    

Work on the risk assessment and next steps for adjusting rail infrastructure will proceed through the weekend. Once the risk assessment is complete, it will take approximately 10 days to complete the track infrastructure work.

More information on the requirements for this work and timelines for the safe resumption of service will be provided on Monday, July 31.

In the interim, RTG will continue to change the wheel hub assemblies. This will increase the number of light rail vehicles available for operation, when it is determined service can safely resume.

OC Transpo recognizes that the ongoing service disruption is frustrating for our customers. However, the safety of our customers and employees is paramount.

There will be a media availability at 4 p.m. and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

Jul 27, 2023

Line 1 Service Update   

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe, progressive return to service.

Safe Return to Service

Currently, the safe progressive return to service is expected on Monday, July 31. To safely resume service, three milestones are required:

  • Inspection of all light rail vehicles:
    • This was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations.
  • Texelis report based on the manufacturer’s disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance hub:
    • The disassembly has been done and inspection work is taking place. This report is expected on July 28.
  • The final safety note from Rideau Transit Group (RTG), outlining the parameters of the new containment plan for the safe operations of Line 1:
    • OC Transpo and RTG are working collaboratively to finalize this document.

Fleet Availability

RTG continues to make progress on increasing the number of single-car trains available for operation and currently have eight which are fit for service. We anticipate having the required vehicles for service resumption on Monday.

This means that operational plans for July 31 continue to be:

  • Eight single-car trains serving all stations across Line 1, approximately seven to eight minutes apart
  • R1 bus service operating parallel to Line 1
  • OC Transpo staff available at key stations to support customers during their trips
  • Transit Operations Control Centre continuing to monitor customer volumes on the system and are making adjustments as necessary

Resumption of Service

Work is underway to prepare to welcome customers back to Line 1. Over the weekend, trains will run across Line 1 as part of testing and trial running in preparation for the resumption of service.

Other preparations include:

  • Reviewing all stations to ensure they are clean and ready to open
  • Verifying the stations and tracks are ready for operation
  • Ensuring all the customer signage and announcement systems are working
  • Reviewing and preparing new wayfinding signage and communications materials to assist customers in navigating the stations and R1 stop locations
  • Preparing red-vested outreach, Transit Supervisors and Rail Operations staff to be at key stations along Line 1 to support customers
There will be a media availability at 4 p.m. today and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jul 26, 2023

Line 1 Service Update   

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe, gradual return to service.

At this time, OC Transpo continues to anticipate that the gradual resumption of service will begin on Monday, July 31. In order to safely resume service, three items are required:

  • Inspection of all rail vehicles, which was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations
  • Texelis report based on the manufacturer’s disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance axle hub, expected on July 28
  • Safety Note from Alstom and RTG, outlining the parameters of the new containment plan for the safe operations of Line 1

Earlier today, Alstom and RTG provided the draft Safety Note. The document is being reviewed by OC Transpo. At a high level, the Safety Note lays out plans for a new inspection and replacement regime that requires:

  • Continuing with all mitigation measures already in place
  • Replacement of the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles every 60,000 kilometres
  • Implement a new inspection regime for middle bogies

As a result of this enhanced inspection and replacement program, not all trains will be available to operate as they undergo wheel hub assembly replacement based on their current mileage. OC Transpo is committed to restoring O-Train service as soon as it is safe to do so. Based on this information, current reduced ridership levels, and that Line 1 can operate with either single or double-car trains, customers can expect the following progressive return to service:

  • Eight single-car trains serving all stations on Line 1, approximately every seven to eight minutes
  • R1 bus service will continue to operate in parallel to Line 1 service
  • OC Transpo staff will continue to be at key stations to support customers during their trip
  • The Transit Operations Control Centre will be closely monitoring passenger volumes at stations

This fleet size in combination with the ongoing R1 bus service will provide the capacity required to meet current customer volumes. This temporary single-car train configuration enables OC Transpo and RTG to manage the supply of rail vehicles while meeting the more frequent inspection and replacement regime in order to ensure the sustainable delivery of service.

OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) conducted a risk assessment and confirmed that since the system was originally designed to accommodate both single and double-car train operations, there are no additional risks to customer safety at station platforms.

As RTG progresses with the wheel hub assembly replacement, more trains will become available to maintain the sustainability of the eight trains in operation. Once OC Transpo can be assured that there is a sustainable number of vehicles available for service, we will assess an increase to the number of operating trains.

OC Transpo continues to work with RTG and Alstom to finalize the Safety Note and the gradual safe return to service plan. Once plans are final, full details will be communicated to customers prior to the start of service through all of OC Transpo’s channels.

There will be a media availability at 4 p.m. today and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jul 25, 2023

Line 1 Service Update   

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on current transit service levels and the status of the ongoing investigation and safe return to service plan for O-Train Line 1.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available. A media availability will be held at 4 p.m. today.

R1 Service

  • R1 bus service continues to operate in place of the rail alignment. An update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service.

Ongoing investigation and return to service plan

There continues to be important progress made across all key areas of the investigation into the wheel hub assembly issue to safely restore service on Line 1.

Inspections:

  • The inspection of 44 light rail vehicles was completed yesterday. One out of service vehicle in Kingston will be inspected at a later date. Six (6) light rail vehicles are undergoing further inspections.
  • Track measurements are being verified in the field prior to re-setting of the gauge.
  • The restraining rail is being adjusted to an optimized position on several curves and this work is expected to be complete by July 30. This work will help minimize the contact between the wheel of the light rail vehicle and the rail to improve overall vehicle sustainability.
  • The out of tolerance axle hub is in France; dismantling and analysis will commence shortly. The report from this investigation is expected by July 28.

Bogie tests:

  • An instrumented bogie test train fitted with an out-of-tolerance axle hub will run along the line at regular speeds today to determine the vibration signature which will help with further analysis of the issues affecting the wheel hub assembly.
  • Detailed analysis of completed bogie tests continues.

Return to Service plan:

  • The Return to Service Plan includes critical activities and includes a safety letter provided by Alstom, through the Rideau Transit Group (RTG), and a report from Texelis. These documents will be subject to review and acceptance (approval) by the City. Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) continues to work with the City and its partners, providing input and advice on the work underway.
  • Progress continues to be made on all aspects of this work, and we continue to anticipate a gradual, safe return to service by July 31.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jul 24, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar
General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels, completed and planned work on the ongoing investigation, and an update on the safe resumption of service, which is expected by July 31st.

We will continue to provide further updates as they become available. A media availability will be held at 10 a.m. today, and at 4 p.m. daily for the remainder of the week.

R1 Service

  • An update was sent early this morning regarding R1 service.

Ongoing investigation

The difficult decision to suspend service was made to ensure the ongoing safety of our customers and staff.

Since then, there has been important progress on all three key areas of the ongoing investigation and the suspension of service on Line 1.  

The following tests have been undertaken since the temporary suspension of service:

Ongoing Investigation – Inspections

Required Work

Purpose/Description

Latest Information

Planned Work

Prybar test

The prybar test is used to ensure the bearing hub assembly is within tolerance.

44 light rail vehicles have been checked. No issues have been discovered.

 This work is complete.

One vehicle that was previously out of service is in Kingston and will be completed at a later date.

Visual track inspection

The mainline infrastructure needs to be inspected for abnormalities.

A visual inspection was undertaken. No issues were identified.

This work is complete.

Rail geometry

Rail to rail measurements were undertaken to confirm adherence to maintenance tolerances.

Multiple digital Geismar tests were conducted.

Results being analyzed to identify any non-conformances.

Restraining Rail

Correct alignment of this safety rail is required to minimize forces on the axle hub.

Several restraining rails have been set to the optimum position.

The remaining restraining rails will be adjusted by July 30.

Failed axle hub

A tear down of the axle hub assembly will be undertaken as part of the root cause.

The failed axle hub assembly is in France with the manufacturer.

Analysis will start this week, with a report expected July 28.

Ongoing Investigation – Instrumented Bogie Tests

Required Work

Purpose/Description

Latest Information

Planned Work

Tests with varying configurations and loads

Instrumented axles record vibrations and forces under different vehicle loading conditions, speeds, and track infrastructure configurations to check if design parameters are being exceeded.

Multiple load tests were completed:

·         In high temperatures.

·         With varying weights to the light rail vehicle.

·         With and without temporary speed restrictions in place.

·         Restraining rails set at different offsets.

Preliminary indications are that forces recorded are unlikely to have caused an acute failure, but repetitive loading cycles contribute to degraded performance.

Detailed analysis of the data from the tests.

Vibration sensors (Smart Bugs®)

A vehicle fitted with vibration monitors is coupled to the instrumented bogie test train to gather data.

The test train was coupled with a light rail vehicle fitted with vibration sensors to complete numerous tests.

Results from tested to be analyzed.

Vibration Sensor signature

A test train equipped with vibration sensors (Smart Bugs®) is operated to determine the vibration signature of a failed hub assembly.

The test train is being configured to undertake these tests.

Test plans are being reviewed with testing expected to take place later this week.

Return to Service Plan

Line 1 service will resume when it is safe to do so.

We continue to meet with Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom to finalize a safe return to service plan that is sustainable. Our focus is ensuring the increased reliability and long-term sustainability of the system.

The Return to Service Plan has several critical activities and includes a safety letter provided by Alstom, through RTG, and a report from Texelis, the manufacturer of the axles. These documents will be reviewed by OC Transpo, in association with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA), OC Transpo’s third party expert.

RETURN TO SERVICE PLAN

Required Work (investigation)

Status

Expected Completion

Prybar Tests

44 light rail vehicles have been inspected.

Complete. The out of service vehicle in Kingston will be completed later.

Findings of the failed hub assembly from the manufacturer

The failed hub assembly has arrived in France.

Report from manufacturer by July 28.

Restraining Rail adjustments

Restraining rail adjustments are underway.

July 28

Safety note from Alstom and RTG  

A draft safety note is being reviewed.

July 31

Gradual safe resumption of service.

July 31

Additionally, I am very pleased to announce that Alstom and RTG have agreed to a design modification to the wheel hub assembly. This means that Ottawa will finally have a permanent fix to this bearing issue, which will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of Line 1.

Reminder: We will continue to provide further updates as they become available. A media availability will be held at 10 a.m. today, and at 4 p.m. daily for the remainder of the week.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations         

Jul 21, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar
General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels and ongoing investigation.

New R1 Service Adjustments

Throughout the week, the Transit Operations Control Centre has been adjusting R1 service based on feedback from customers and collaboration with our partners in Traffic Services.

Today, new enhancements and improvements were implemented and have improved service; this continues to be closely monitored. 

Customers should know that:

  • R1 bus service now uses Albert and Slater streets downtown, instead of Queen Street. For customers, this means:
    • Westbound R1 buses are running on Albert Street, with stops at Bank and Kent
    • Eastbound R1 buses are running on Slater Street, with stops at Kent and O’Connor
  • Westbound R1 service is running from Blair to Tunney’s Pasture, stopping at each station, except for Lees
  • A shuttle operates between Lees, uOttawa, and Rideau stations. For customers, this means:
    • Customers travelling to Lees station from the east can connect with the shuttle and eastbound R1 service at uOttawa station
    • Eastbound R1 service will continue serve Lees station
  • A shuttle is running between Cyrville station and St-Laurent station in order to connect customers with R1 service
  • Additional signage has been installed to inform customers

We encourage customers to visit OCTranspo.com for the latest information about their trips.

Ongoing investigation

Our team continues to meet regularly with RTG. Progress continues to be made on all key areas of the ongoing investigation:

  • Inspections
    • Completed work to date:
      • The axle hub assemblies of 24 light rail vehicles have been checked. No issues have been discovered
  • Planned work:
    • Continued analysis of the results of the rail geometry assessments to identify non-conformances
  • Remaining light rail vehicles will be checked for wear and tear to the axle hub assembly
  • The out of tolerance axle hub assembly will be assessed by the manufacturer in France. Additional resources from the manufacturer of the wheel hub assembly are being deployed to assist in Ottawa
  • Instrumented Bogie Tests:
    • Completed work:
      • The test train completed several additional runs in different train and track configurations, including different loads, to simulate real world conditions
      • A test train was also coupled with a light rail vehicle fitted with Smart Bugs. It completed several runs and captured additional data
    • Planned work:
      • Additional test train and track infrastructure work will continue
      • Results from previous tests will be analyzed
  • Return to Service Plan:
    • RTG is discussing return to service scenarios with the City. Key data analysis is being conducted to provide additional information for the return to service plan, with a view to providing a more comprehensive update on Monday, which will also outline next steps 

Weekend Communications

Brief updates will be provided on both Saturday and Sunday.

Please rest assured that work on all key areas of the investigation will continue around the clock.

Thank you,

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jul 20, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar
General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels and ongoing investigation.

R1 Service

Currently, OC Transpo is providing the following service levels to our customers:

  • R1 bus service continues to run between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair Stations
  • During peak periods, 36 buses are in This helps mitigate traffic issues and increases reliability for our customers

New R1 Service Adjustments

  • Starting at 3:00 PM, R1 service will be enhanced with the introduction of a shuttle between Lees and Rideau This will improve reliability and reduce travel times for customers
  • For customers, this means:
    • Westbound R1 service will run from Blair to Tunney’s Pasture stations, stopping at each station except for Lees station
    • A shuttle will run between Lees, uOttawa and Rideau stations
    • Customers travelling to Lees Station from the east can connect with the shuttle and Eastbound R1 service at uOttawa Station
    • Eastbound R1 service will continue serve Lees Station
  • Our Transit Operations Control Centre is working on finalizing additional R1 route enhancements to ensure we deliver the best possible service to our At the start of service tomorrow, R1 bus service will use Albert and Slater Street downtown, instead of Queen Street. For customers, this means:
    • Westbound R1 buses will run on Albert street with stops at Bank and Kent
    • Eastbound R1 buses will run on Slater street with stops at Kent and O’Connor
    • New signage is being installed to notify customers about the alternate R1 stops
  • Staff are at stations supporting customers during their trips

We encourage customers to visit OCTranspo.com for the latest information about their trips.

Ongoing investigation

Important progress continues to be made on all key areas of the ongoing investigation:

  • Inspections
    • Completed work:
      • The axle hub assemblies of 15 light rail vehicles have been No issues have been discovered
      • An inspection of the light rail vehicle where the wheel hub assembly was identified uncovered no additional issues
    • Planned work:
      • Continued analysis of the results of the rail geometry assessments to identify non-conformances
      • The underbodies of the remaining light rail vehicles will be inspected for excess grease
      • Remaining light rail vehicles will be checked for wear and tear to the axle hub assembly. RTG is pursuing additional equipment and resources to expedite this work
      • The out of tolerance axle hub assembly will be assessed by the manufacturer
  • Instrumented Bogie Tests:
    • Completed work:
      • The test train completed several runs in different train and track configurations, including different loads, to simulate real world conditions
      • A test train was also coupled with a light rail vehicle fitted with Smart Bugs. It completed several runs and captured additional data
    • Planned work:
      • Additional test train runs will be conducted with various configurations
      • Results from previous tests will be analyzed
  • Return to Service Plan:
    • RTG is discussing return to service scenarios with the City

I will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Thank you,

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jul 19, 2023

Line 1 Service Update

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels and ongoing investigation.

R1 Service

Currently, OC Transpo is providing the following service levels to our customers:

  • R1 bus service continues to run between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations
  • We will be increasing the number of buses for the afternoon peak service. 32 buses will be in operation this afternoon, instead of 28
  • Starting tomorrow, 36 buses, instead of 28, will run during peak periods
  • This change is being made to increase reliability and mitigate traffic issues that impact bus service
  • Service continues to run well, and our Transit Operations Control Centre is working with Traffic Services, to make adjustments to R1 service to further increase reliability and reduce wait times for customers
  • Staff continue to be at stations supporting customers during their trips

We encourage customers to visit OCTranspo.com for the latest information about their trips.

Ongoing investigation

Work is progressing on all key areas for the ongoing investigation:

  • Inspections
    • Completed work:
      • Rail geometry assessments were completed
      • The axle hub assemblies of 9 light rail vehicles have been checked and none have been discovered that are out of tolerance
      • The underbodies of 35 light rail vehicles have been inspected and no evidence of excess grease has been found
      • The axle hub assembly from the light rail vehicle where an issue was discovered has been sent to the manufacturer for detailed investigation
    • Planned work:
      • Analysis of the results of the rail geometry assessments to identify any non- conformances
      • Remaining light rail vehicles will be checked for wear and tear of the axle hub assembly
  • Instrumented Bogie Tests:
    • Completed work:
      • The test train completed several runs in different train and track configurations, to simulate real world conditions
    • Planned work:
      • Additional test train runs in various configurations
      • Test train will be coupled with a light rail vehicle fitted with Smart Bugs to gather additional data
      • Results from previous tests to be analyzed
  • Return to Service Plan:
    • RTG is currently developing a plan

I will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. Thank you,

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

c.c. Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jul 4, 2023

Children aged 12 and under ride free on OC Transpo

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Michael Morgan, Director, Rail Construction Program, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council about the expansion of free transit service to children aged 12 and under.

As approved in the 2023 budget, effective July 1, children aged 12 and under ride OC Transpo for free. This includes OC Transpo buses, trains and Para Transpo. Previously, free service was available to children aged seven and under.

The initiative, called “Kids Go Free”, will make transit more accessible to our younger residents and their families.

  • Children taking a bus or Para Transpo can simply board without paying a fare.
  • On O-Train Line 1, children can enter through an accessible (wide) fare gate along with a fare-paying adult.
  • On buses, or at O-Train stations, children can also tap an OC Transpo child card (available for free at the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre) or use a Presto card issued by a school board.
  • Customer service agents are also available to help on video chat at ticket machines, at the information phone near the fare gates, or by calling 613-560- 5000.

As a result of this change, some of our fare products have changed, including:

  • Presto cards for a child fare are no longer required after July 1
  • The Family DayPass has changed to the 2-for-1 DayPass.
    • Two customers aged 13 or older can take unlimited rides on a single DayPass.
    • The 2-for-1 DayPass is available on weekends and statutory holidays.
  • Child tickets, child transfers, and child DayPasses (1-day or multi-day) will no longer be required.

Information on these changes is being shared through OC Transpo’s customer communications channels, including octranspo.com, social media, and posters at stations. A promotional video has also been developed to share with customers.

For additional information, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

June 2023

Jun 27, 2023

Free OC Transpo service on Canada Day

To: Mayor and Members of Council

General Manager Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update regarding free OC Transpo service on Canada Day.

OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across the city, with free service all day on O-Train Line 1, buses and Para Transpo. To better support customers, OC Transpo will have additional service running throughout the day and into the evening. With the main event taking place at LeBreton Flats again this year, customers should travel to Lyon Station and follow Wellington Street to access the event site. Customers with accessibility requirements can use Pimisi Station.

Full Canada Day service details are available on octranspo.com. Information on transit service is being widely shared to ensure residents and visitors know how to get to and from the event site with ease, and to remind everyone that transit is free. This includes:

Additionally, on Canada Day, OC Transpo will have red-vested outreach staff at high- traffic locations to support and assist customers, and an information tent will be set up on Wellington Street just west of Bay Street. Customers are also able to get regular updates through @OC_TranspoHelps and @OC_TranspoAide, and are encouraged to download and try the new Transit app for service information.

To support Members of Council, social media messages and graphics are attached to this email to share information on July 1 service with residents and community networks.

I would like to acknowledge the OC Transpo staff, as well as our emergency services partners, who will be working over the long weekend to ensure the public can have a

safe and fun celebration. There is a lot of hard work that goes into planning transit service for such a large event, and it takes a dedicated team to make it a success.

For additional information, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jun 21, 2023

New OC Transpo and Transit app partnership

To: Mayor and Members of Council

General Manager Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that OC Transpo is partnering with the Transit app to offer a subscription of their “Royale” service to all users of the app in Ottawa. OC Transpo will also be retiring its current iPhone app. This information was shared with Transit Commission at its meeting in May.

Transit App - Royale

As of today, anyone who downloads or uses the latest version of the Transit app will have access to the expanded Royale service. App users must download the latest version (5.14.7) of the app to receive the Royale upgrade.

The expanded service offers free additional features to what has existed to date, including:

  • Wider geographical range for real-time bus tracking
  • Full transit schedule, instead of only short-term departures
  • Fun interactive features such as theme options, a custom avatar and nicknames, and more!

In addition to the enhanced features noted above, customers can also check departure times, track their bus, and sign up to receive service alerts as notifications. Transit also offers interconnected trip planning for STO and OC Transpo services.

Retiring of OC Transpo iPhone App

OC Transpo is also retiring the OC Transpo iPhone app, effective today. The OC Transpo app no longer meets the needs of our customers, is limited to iOS mobile devices, and the departure data is not as accurate as it is on the Transit app.

Retiring the OC Transpo app and moving to the Transit app will allow us to focus on improving our real-time data quality to improve the customer experience.

Information about these two mobile developments will be communicated to customers through OC Transpo’s information channels, including octranspo.com, social media and a notification to OC Transpo iPhone app users.

For additional information, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jun 19, 2023

Testing begins for credit card and mobile wallet payment (O-Payment)

To:  Mayor and Members of Council
From: General Manager, Transit Service Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that OC Transpo is advancing to the testing phase of the O-Payment system, a new and convenient way for customers to pay for their transit fare using credit card or mobile wallet.

New smartcard fare readers have been successfully installed on all O-Train Line 1 fare gates and the entire conventional bus fleet. Staff are now beginning testing of the fare readers at O-Train Line 1 fare gates, and testing will begin on buses in early July. This testing will continue until O-Payment is ready to officially launch across the entire transit system, which is expected to occur in the coming months. As a reminder, credit card and mobile wallet payment options have been available for customer use on Para Transpo vehicles since April 2023.

During the testing period, customers may notice the VISA and Mastercard logos on fare reader screens. We ask that customers continue to pay using existing payment methods until testing is complete. Customers who wish to pay by credit card or mobile wallet at Line 1 stations can continue to do so at the specially marked white fare gates, which have been available as a trial for customers since early 2021. Customers are reminded to take their credit card out of their wallet when tapping.

Details about system testing will be communicated to customers through OC Transpo’s information channels, including octranspo.com, social media and printed material.

More information will be provided in advance of the full system launch.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by Renée Amilcar
cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Jun 12, 2023

Summer 2023 Transit Service Changes

To: Mayor and Members of Council, Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s summer service changes, effective Sunday, July 2, 2023. Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

The summer service changes redistribute existing resources and include several types of changes:

  • Seasonal service changes
  • Service adjustments for construction
  • General service adjustments

Seasonal Service Changes

  • Line 2 bus service and Route 25 will have minor frequency reductions during certain time periods on weekdays, to reflect reduced ridership levels normally seen on these routes during the summer.
  • School Service will not operate during the summer.
  • Summer weekend service to seasonal destinations will return on Route 25 to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, on Route 139 to Petrie Island, and on Route 185 to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Specific start dates will be provided on octranspo.com.

Service Adjustments for Construction

As a result of various road reconstruction and other infrastructure projects, the following routes may experience delays and additional travel time:

Route 16 and extensions of routes 57, 61, 63, 66, and 75 from Tunney’s Pasture to Gatineau due to road reconstruction on Scott Street between Parkdale Avenue and Bayview Road (westbound direction only).

  • Routes 61, 63, 66, 75, and 85 due to ongoing projects along the Chaudière Crossing. The existing route detours are expected to continue through much of the summer service period.
  • Routes 10 and 16 due to ongoing road reconstruction along Albert Street and Slater Street, between Empress Avenue and Bay Street.
  • Routes 11, 16, and 19 due to the ongoing rehabilitation project along the Mackenzie King Bridge.
  • Route 49 due to a detour to accommodate the infrastructure project on Valley Drive, impacting Pleasant Park Road.
  • Routes 5 and 6 due to road reconstruction along Bank Street between Billings Bridge Station and Riverdale Avenue.
  • Route 7 due to a detour to accommodate road reconstruction on Grove Avenue from July through the duration of the summer service period.

The Transitway, between Westboro Station and Lincoln Fields Station, will be detoured on a nightly basis throughout the summer service period due to Stage 2 construction:

  • On weekdays, the detour will operate from 10:30 pm to 6 am.
  • On weekends, the detour will begin at 10:30 pm on Friday evenings and will remain in effect until 6 am on Monday mornings (6 am on Tuesday mornings in instances where Monday is a holiday).
  • Passengers travelling this segment may experience increased travel times during the detour periods and walking distances may increase slightly for customers who normally connect at Dominion and Lincoln Fields stations.

General Service Adjustments

  • As part of the regular review of schedules to improve service reliability for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to routes 6, 7, 48, 85, 252, 256, 257, 258, 261, 264, and 272 on weekdays.
  • The first westbound trips on Route 38 that start at Place d’Orléans Station will be extended to start at Trim Station.
  • On weekdays, supplemental trips on Route 88 will be added between Baseline and Hurdman stations, to better reflect ridership levels.

Service to Major Events

  • Canada Day – Free service is offered all day on Saturday, July 1. Bus service and O-Train Line 1 will operate on a special Canada Day schedule, with Line 1 operating from 6 am to 2 am.
  • Bluesfest – Fares to and from the event are included with the event ticket. Additional buses will be available to supplement service levels where needed. Line 1 will be extended by one hour on Sundays (ending at midnight instead of 11 pm) and is expected to have additional capacity during egress times.
  • Redblacks games – Fares to and from the event are included with the event ticket. Special 450-series service is provided to bring customers to and from the games.

Holidays

Canada Day Holiday (observed) - July 3, 2023:

  • Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule, with enhanced service on routes 25, 63, 74, and 85. Select trips on routes 61, 63, and 75 will be extended to or from Gatineau during peak periods.
  • Line 1 will continue a weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am.
  • Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.

Civic Holiday - August 7, 2023:

  • Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule with enhanced service on routes 25, 63, 74, and 85. Select trips on routes 61, 63, and 75 will be extended to or from Gatineau in peak periods.
  • Line 1 will continue a weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am.
  • Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.

Customer information

  • Full details will be communicated to customers throughout June, before the service changes take effect. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading an independent app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, and visiting octranspo.com from a smartphone. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

These summer service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership and operational data measurements. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service for customers as their travel needs change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Scott Laberge, Associate Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 14120.

Original signed by Renée Amilcar
cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

May 2023

May 23, 2023

O-Train Line 1 Annual Track and Maintenance Work and Service Adjustments (June 5-19)

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to advise Members of Council that Rideau Transit Group will be performing work on O-Train Line 1 at varying times for two weeks, from Monday, June 5 until Monday, June 19. Train service will continue to be delivered, but R1 bus service will be required in some sections.

All light rail systems require regular maintenance to ensure their long-term sustainability and reliability. This year’s maintenance work includes the following activities:

  • Work to address water infiltration in the tunnel, east of Rideau Station
  • Annual rail grinding across the entire line to reduce noise and vibration
  • Overhead Catenary System, switch and track related maintenance and inspections
  • The removal of vegetation within the guideway
  • General maintenance and cleaning activities including the cleaning of glass and artwork, paint removal at specific locations in downtown tunnel stations, concrete, and tile repairs

During the work, O-Train Line 1 service will continue, but R1 bus service will operate in some sections of the line at specific times. The schedule below provides a full outline of service during this period.

Where possible, maintenance will occur during the evening hours to minimize impacts to customer travel. There are eight days, however, where R1 bus service will operate on a portion of the line for the full day.

Here is the service schedule for the two-week period:

Date

Time effective

Line 1 train service

R1 replacement bus service

Monday, June 5

8 pm – 1 am

Hurdman to Blair

Tunney’s Pasture to Hurdman

Tuesday, June 6

8 pm – 1 am

Tunney’s Pasture to Parliament;

Tremblay to Blair

Lyon to Blair

Wednesday, June 7

8 pm – 1 am

Tunney’s Pasture to

Parliament; Tremblay to Blair

Lyon to Blair

Thursday, June 8

8 pm – 1 am

Hurdman to Blair

Tunney’s Pasture to Hurdman

Friday, June 9

5 am – 8 pm

Tunney's Pasture to

Parliament; Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Hurdman

8 pm – 2 am

Tunney's Pasture to Parliament

Lyon to Blair

Saturday, June 10

6 am – 8 pm

Tunney's Pasture to Parliament;

Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Hurdman

8 pm – 2 am

Hurdman to Blair

Tunney's Pasture to Hurdman

Sunday, June 11

8 am – 8 pm

Tunney's Pasture to

Parliament; Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Hurdman

8 pm – 11 pm

Hurdman to Blair

Tunney's Pasture to Hurdman

Monday, June 12

5 am – 8pm

Tunney's Pasture to Parliament;

Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Hurdman

8 pm – 1 am

Hurdman to Blair

Tunney's Pasture to Hurdman

Tuesday, June 13

8 pm – 1 am

Lyon to Blair

Tunney’s Pasture to Rideau

Wednesday, June 14

8 pm – 1 am

Tunney’s Pasture to Rideau

Rideau to Blair

Thursday, June 15

N/A

Full Line 1 service

N/A

Friday, June 16

5 am – 8 pm

Tunney's Pasture to Parliament;

Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Hurdman

8 pm – 2 am

Tunney's Pasture to Parliament

Lyon to Blair

Saturday, June 17

6 am – 8 pm

Tunney's Pasture to

Parliament; Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Hurdman

8 pm – 2 am

Tunney's Pasture to Parliament

Lyon to Blair

Sunday, June 18

8 am – 8 pm

Tunney's Pasture to Parliament;

Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Hurdman

8 pm – 11 pm

Tunney's Pasture to

Parliament; Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Blair

Monday, June 19

5 am – 8 pm

Tunney's Pasture to Parliament;

Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Hurdman

8 pm – 1 am

Tunney's Pasture to

Parliament; Hurdman to Blair

Lyon to Blair

During this time:

  • R1 replacement bus service will run frequently to meet ridership requirements
  • Outreach staff will be located at key O-Train Line 1 stations to assist customers
  • Signage will be posted in advance across the system to notify customers of the service changes and to direct customers to R1 bus stops

Regular O-Train Line 1 operations will resume on Tuesday, June 20.

We appreciate that this work can be disruptive for our customers, and we apologize for the inconvenience this service adjustment will cause.

Information, reminders, changes, and updates, will be communicated through various channels, including public service announcements, customer alerts, social media updates, signage at Line 1 stations, and on octranspo.com.

Customers can visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000. Schedules are available by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560 plus the bus stop number.

If you have any questions, please contact Troy Charter, Director, Transit Operations, at 613-580- 2424 ext. 52160 or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by Renée Amilcar
cc:  Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

May 9, 2023

O-Train Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project Quarterly Update (Q1 2023)

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Michael Morgan, Director, Rail Construction Program, Transit Services Department

The following memo outlines the progress made during Q1 2023 on the Stage 2 project and provides an overview of the planned work for Q2 2023.

Stage 2 Trillium Line Project
Schedule

The City has been working closely with TransitNEXT to advance critical works that would enable the handover of the system to the City this year. Based on the current review of all inputs including an agreement on the training requirements, the current working timeline for the project handover is the beginning of October.

Subsequent to project handover, the City will make an assessment regarding the timing for start of public service. Final readiness activities and an assessment of system maturity will be made after handover from the build team.

Note that this timeline is based on the information we have available and assumes that completion of remaining milestones will be relatively smooth. There remains some risk and uncertainty in the completion of the remaining works.

The achievement of the handover milestone is contingent upon:

  1. completion of trackwork
  2. successful completion of signal testing
  3. successful completion of system-wide commissioning including stations
  4. regulatory approvals by Transport Canada
  5. training completion
Design

Staff worked with TransitNEXT in Q1 2023 to continue resolving open comments for stations, guideways, and maintenance facilities. Staff reviewed issues for construction drawings for the Hunt Club Rail Bridge and the final design submissions for the communication systems.

Final signage and wayfinding shop drawings for the stations and Walkley Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) have also been submitted by TransitNEXT for a final accuracy review by Transit Services.

Construction – Highlights

During Q1 2023, the construction of all 13 Trillium Line stations continued, including elevator installation, platform work, utilities work, aluminium composite panels (ACM) and shelter installation, painting, glazing installation, communications cable pulling, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. The main breaker at Corso Italia, Carleton, Greenboro and Airport stations were energized during this period.

Work progressed in the Dow’s Lake Tunnel and pump house with cable pulling and termination of jet fan electrical connections.

Works progressed at the new Walkley Yard Facility (MSF), including epoxy flooring installation, commissioning of the HVAC system and various equipment that will be used on the trains. Work progressed in the train wash building with the installation of the energy recovery unit, floor grating and overhead doors. The train wash building was energized on permanent power during Q1 2023. Electrical, mechanical and HVAC rough-in scope also progressed at the inspection building.

Trackwork progressed along the entire alignment including track welding, destressing, and surfacing. Special trackwork installation continued at the Bayview and Limebank cross-over, and turnouts were also installed at various sections of the alignment. Direct fixation (DF) track installation started during Q1 2023 at Ellwood and Airport elevated guideways.

Hunt Club bridge works continued in Q1 2023 with the barrier walls between the rail and pathway completed, median barrier wall started, and remaining bridge approach work progressed during Q1 2023. Bridge works on the elevated guideway at Ellwood and the airport are nearing completion.

Handover

Following the completion of construction and then testing and commissioning program, TransitNEXT will begin a three-week trial running period to validate that all aspects of the system and maintenance activities perform as expected.

Following the successful completion of Trial Running as well as completion of all PA requirements, Substantial Completion will be achieved.

The system will then be available for OC Transpo to complete any remaining operational readiness activities before determining a final opening date to the public. The duration of this final process for validation of system readiness is still to be determined.

Stage 2 Confederation Line Project
Schedule

The East extension is currently forecasting a completion date of January 16, 2025, which is an approximate 7-week delay from the Project Agreement (PA) completion date of November 26, 2024 – this is a slight reduction from previous reports.

On the West extension, from Tunney’s Pasture Station to Moodie and Algonquin stations, the City is expecting a delay of up to 17 months against the contractual completion date of May 25, 2025. Specific elements such as the light maintenance and storage facility (LMSF) and Lincoln Fields Station are progressing well. Production rates and accumulated delays on the Cut and Cover Tunnel along the Kichi Zibi Mikan and Byron Linear Park are pushing the overall project completion date to late 2026.

Note that the project has two independent opening dates, with the eastern extension segment, from Blair Station to Trim Station, planned to open first.

Design

In Q1 2023, City staff continued their review of EWC’s designs of specific Confederation Line extension elements, including stations. The focus is now on closing open comments on design packages. In Q1 2023, staff continued the review of design documents for stations and remaining roads packages.

The review of other works that will be completed following Substantial Completion, including the Richmond Road Complete Streets and the decommissioning of portions of the Transitway, will continue in Q2 2023.

There is now a focus on review of testing and commissioning plans and documents that are now being provided by EWC.

Construction – Highlights
  • In Q1 2023, work continued at stations and the LMSF throughout the west extension, including:
  • Escalator installations and architectural finishing (acoustic panels and ceiling) at Algonquin Station
  • Interior finishes, Traction Power Substation (TPSS) installation, and excavation at Lincoln Field Station
  • Station works at Queensview Station
  • Steel erection, plumbing and building envelope at Pinecrest Station
  • Demolition, foundation, and platform level concrete work at Bayshore Station
  • Rail and equipment installation at the LMSF
  • Window and plumbing work at Iris Station
  • Concrete and structural steel works at Moodie Station

Bulk excavation in the existing transitway trench between Kìchì Sìbì and Tunney’s Pasture stations progressed in Q1 2023 and is now complete for this area. Drainage work and rehabilitation of the trench walls including scaling and installation of anchors, shotcrete, and drapery continues in the trench.

Rail and rail tie delivery to the LMSF started in Q4 2022, and rail welding and installation began in Q1 2023. Energization of the TPSS building at the LSMF is complete. Catenary poles and catenary work are expected following installation of rail this spring.

In the east, the majority of the 23-kilometre guideway barrier wall between the rail guideway and the highway has been completed.

Overhead Catenary System (OCS) pole and cable trough installation continued, and the majority has been completed from Blair to Jeanne d’Arc stations. The Majority of OCS poles’ cantilever arms have been installed between the Blair flyover and Jeanne d’Arc Station as well.

Track installation between Blair and Jeanne d’Arc stations is complete. Track installation between Trim and Place d’Orléans stations continues and is progressing well. Trackwork between Jeanne d’Arc and Place d’Orléans stations is expected to begin in Q2 2023.

The TPSS units for Montréal and Place d’Orléans stations have been delivered and installed. The remaining three TPSS units in the East will be delivered in Q2 2023. Racks and cabinet installation as well as cable pulling started in the Train Signal equipment rooms in the East stations and will continue in Q2 2023.

Finishing works at Montréal and Jeanne d’Arc stations continues. Footings and foundation walls work at Convent Glen Station were completed in Q1 2023, underground mechanical and electrical, slab-on-grade and steel erection work will continue in Q2 2023. Framing and sheet rock work continued at Place d’Orléans Station. The concourse level pour has been completed at Trim Station. Escalators were delivered and installed at Place d’Orléans and Trim stations.

Handover

The handover sequence for the Stage 2 Confederation Line is different than in Stage 1. Following completion of the infrastructure and system commissioning by EWC, a three-week trial running period involving City operations, Rideau Transit Group and Rideau Transit Maintenance and EWC will be completed to verify operation and maintenance of the completed system. Following this work, additional time may be used for trial operations prior to opening for passenger service.

Stage 2 Project Vehicles

RTG is providing 38 additional Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles to ensure that the expanded Stage 2 Confederation Line operates as a single, uniform service. To date, 10 Stage 2 vehicles have been accepted and are in use as part of the operating fleet.

Configuration updates, software change, reliability and performance modifications that have been identified through Line 1 service since 2019, are being applied to the Stage 1 vehicles and to the Stage 2 vehicles in order to create a homogeneous fleet. Additional vehicles are undergoing final commissioning now and the fleet size is expected to be sufficient for the east extension by the end of this year. The remaining fleet order is expected to arrive well ahead of the west extension timelines.

TransitNEXT will supply seven Stadler FLIRT vehicles for the expanded Trillium Line, which have already been delivered to Ottawa. The existing Alstom LINT fleet have undergone a retrofit program and are now ready for system-wide testing and commissioning.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Contingency Funds

The Stage 1 Confederation Line contingency fund is $115 million. To date, $100.03 million from the total fund has been spent. Remaining funds are primarily related to property requirements and remaining commercial matters.

The original Stage 2 contingency fund of approximately $152 million was increased by $25 million due to unforeseen costs and improvements to the project, as approved by Council on July 6, 2022. Approximately $166 million of the Stage 2 contingency fund has been committed to date. Additional pressures remain on the contingency due to project delays increasing the cost for City oversight, existing and emerging variations for system improvements, residual project risks over the remainder of the project life, and open commercial issues.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Capital Budgets

In keeping with Council’s approved 2017 Stage 2 Report (ACS2017- TSD-OTP-0001) and 2019 Stage 2 Report (ACS2019-TSD-OTP-0001), approximately $3.019 billion has been spent as of March 31, 2023 and relates to the RTG MOU for Belfast Yard and vehicle assembly mobilization ($424M), Confederation Line extension mobilization and construction period payments ($1.537B), Trillium Line extension construction period payments and financial close for the Revenue Vehicle Supply Contract ($602M), and contingency ($61M). The remaining $395M was spent for planning, procurement, project delivery and City retained scope.

Notably, the City received the final $60M payment from the MTO for Stage 1 on March 15, 2023 and received the final $60M payment from Transport Canada for Stage 1 in two installments, $5.8M on April 12, 2023 and $54.2M on April 18, 2023. No funds are outstanding and the funding agreements for Stage 1 of the Confederation Line are now closed. The City will continue to report on critical reliability issues on the Confederation Line to the funding partners as part of the Stage 2 funding agreement.

March 31, 2023

Project Description

Authority

Actual Expenditures

Funds Reserved/Committed

Unspent/Uncommitted

Stage 1

Confederation Line Program

2,130,000,000

2,130,000,000

-

-

Contingency

15,000,000

100,026,391

14,973,609

-

Total Stage 1

2,245,000,000

2,230,026,391

14,973,609

-

Stage 2

Confederation Line Extensions DBF Contract

2,680,832,113

1,536,991,384

 1,143,840,728

-

Trillium Line Extension DBFM Contract

810,159,585

601,609,174

70,028,421

-

Deferred Equity (Maintenance Term)

-

-

138,521,990

-

RTG Stage 2 MOU (includes 38 Alstom vehicles)

516,184,423

        424,310,870

91,795,352

78,201

City Costs (includes planning, procurement, property acquisitions, City retained scope, and delivery oversight)

532,629,108

394,337,767

40,778,625

97,512,715

Contingency

177,640,000

61,307,396

105,008,910

11,323,694

Total Stage 2

4,717,445,229

3,018,556,592

1,589,974,026

108,914,610

Communications and Stakeholder Relations

In Q1 2023, the Stage 2 LRT communications highlights include:

  • Five videos with over 6,000 views combined 
  • 79 newsletters to 7,396 subscribers 
  • 59,000 unique visitors on Ottawa.ca/Stage2 
  • 36 weekly construction activity lookaheads 

On March 29, the LRT Sub-Committee received an update on the Stage 2 project. There is significant progress being made in the East, West and South that residents can see in this video and read about in this blog story.  

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the Stage 2 LRT newsletter and follow Stage 2 on Instagram @Stage2Etape2 to receive progress updates, construction photos and videos and area specific notifications regarding upcoming works. Residents can also subscribe to the electronic newsletters

Should you have any questions about the information provided in this memo, please do not hesitate to contact me at extension 52718.

Original signed by
Michael Morgan

c.c. Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

May 1, 2023

Supporting OC Transpo customers on Twitter

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with information on changes to OC Transpo’s Twitter accounts that are designed to support customers.

OC Transpo began using Twitter in 2010; it has since gained close to 82,000 followers and shared almost 400,000 updates across three accounts. In that time, social media has significantly evolved, as have customer expectations.

As part of OC Transpo’s commitment to implementing industry best practices, increasing responsiveness to customer inquiries, improving overall communications, and building public trust, OC Transpo is relaunching its Twitter accounts.

Starting today, “OC_TranspoHelps” and “OC_TranspoAide” are replacing the “OCTranspoLive” and “OCTranspoDirect” accounts. These new customer service-focused Twitter accounts are managed by customer service representatives who are empowered to quickly respond to customer inquiries and provide support.

Detours, major disruptions, and other important service alerts will continue to be shared on these accounts. This complements OC Transpo’s organizational account, “OC_Transpo”, which provides system-wide updates and general information for customers, such as links to the Next Stop Blog posts.

While some customers may have used the previous Twitter accounts to find changes to their specific bus trips, this is no longer possible. Twitter has introduced new pricing to access certain features of their platform, which would add a cost of approximately $675,600 per year to continue to post specific trip information.

This update to OC Transpo’s Twitter presence is also a component of a plan to improve communications with customers; further enhancements can be expected. These improvements will complement ongoing work to upgrade real-time data information for customers. Additional information on the real-time data project will be provided at the May 11 Transit Commission meeting.

Customers can continue to find specific bus trip information, like bus departure times, by:

OC Transpo will be communicating with customers on our channels to inform them of this change.

We would be grateful for your assistance in communicating this change to residents. Attached are some sample social media posts to assist in sharing this information.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact, Lisa Bishop-Spencer, Director Transit Strategic Communications and External Relations, at extension 51266, or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

April 2023

Apr 25, 2023

Temporary scaffolding removal at Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide Members of Council and the Transit Commission with an update regarding the temporary scaffolding located at Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations. This scaffolding was installed in late 2019 to provide additional weather protection for customers along some sections of the bus platforms.

As directed by City Council at its meeting of March 1, 2023, the temporary scaffolding will be removed in May. At Tunney’s Pasture Station, the work will start as early as May 1, and is expected to take up to 14 days. At Hurdman Station, the work will start as early as May 11, and will last up to 10 days. The work will take place overnight, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. and will not result in impacts for customers at the stations.

As directed by Council, staff are preparing a proposal, including a cost breakdown, of potential permanent solutions for both Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations. Staff are examining the feasibility and cost of installing permanent improved weather protection for Hurdman Station and the south-side bus platforms at Tunney’s Pasture Station, which will remain in use after the opening of the Stage 2 extensions. In addition, staff are also examining interim improved weather protection for the north-side bus platforms at Tunney’s Pasture Station, which are to be removed from service following the Stage 2 west extension.

Staff will assess what work is feasible within the current capital authority and what work would require additional funding authority for consideration through the future capital budget process. The proposal will be presented to the Transit Commission once it is complete, and in advance of the 2024 budget discussions.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Scott Laberge, Associate Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning at ext. 14120, or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by
Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Apr 21, 2023

New ways to pay on Para Transpo

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that new convenient ways for customers to pay their fares on Para Transpo are now available. As mentioned at the Transit Commission meeting on April 13, all Para Transpo minibuses and taxis now have smartcard readers installed, providing customers with more options to pay for their fare, including a Presto card, a credit card, or a credit card in a mobile wallet on a smartphone.

Adding smartcard readers to Para Transpo vehicles simplifies the customer experience, as customers no longer need to provide a receipt as proof of payment. Customers can simply buy a Presto card, register it at prestocard.ca, add their monthly pass or load funds to their e-Purse, and use the card to pay for their fare when they board.

Payment by credit card will always charge a full Adult fare. The option to pay with a debit card will also be introduced soon, and customers continue to have the option to pay for their trips with cash or their ParaPay account.

Customers with existing discounts on their ParaPay accounts can call 613-560-5000 to have their discount transferred to a Presto card. Age-based discounts including Senior discounts can be added to a card in person at participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations or at the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre.

Information will be communicated to customers through OC Transpo’s information channels, including a public service announcement, printed material, social media updates, and octranspo.com.
Should you have any questions or comments about any of the points in this memo, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by
Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Apr 18, 2023

Stage 2 Confederation Line Project - Support Oversight Appointments

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Director, Rail Construction Program

The following memorandum provides Mayor and Council with information regarding appointments to the Stage 2 Confederation Line Project extensions in the east and west of the city to support the delivery and startup of the project, and provides additional information in advance of the technical briefing scheduled for April 19, 2023 at 2 p.m. A previous iteration of this memorandum (also attached for reference) provided details on the oversight appointments on the Stage 2 Trillium Line extension.

As a starting point, it is worth noting that there are significant differences between the startup of a new rail line, such as in Stage 1 of the Confederation Line, and the work to extend an operational railway as with the Stage 2 project. For a new startup, testing activities are completed in a closed environment and the work is generally isolated from end users. For an extension project, the work can be completed in a closed environment to begin with but, eventually, requires integration and testing of the interfaces between the new sections and the existing section. The availability of existing infrastructure and vehicles helps to simplify testing of some elements of an extension project but also creates additional complexities at the boundary between the new infrastructure and the existing infrastructure. The various oversight roles described below have been organized to match the complexity of the Stage 2 program.

These appointments address Recommendation #28 from the Ottawa Light Rail Public Inquiry related to oversight, systems integration, and independent certification of the new rail lines.

Stage 2 Systems Integration

As noted in previous updates to Council, the Stage 2 Confederation Line Project Agreement (PA) adopts lessons learned from Stage 1 and uses a different strategy for dealing with systems integration and verification of project requirements.

The Confederation Line PA requires that East West Connectors (EWC) undertake a robust approach to systems engineering and integration activities based on a systems engineering approach defined by European Standards EN 50126 and ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015 standards.

These standards establish a defined framework for the implementation of systems engineering and integration activities within project life cycle stages. Simply put, the framework defines what systems engineering and integration activities need to take place during each project phase using a regimented engineering management approach. This process ensures that the necessary interfaces and interactions between the different project components, including infrastructure, facilities, subsystems, software, operations, and maintenance, have been identified and engineered to function together as a holistic system. The application of these standards will support these interdependent systems coming together to form a safe and reliable transit service.

To assist with these activities, the City and EWC have jointly engaged a System Integration Verifier (SIV) who will assist the parties in confirming the system integration requirements as between the City’s work on the Transit Operations Control Centre and the connections to field equipment provided by EWC. The SIV is a third-party independent function that provides verification services to both the City and EWC as part of the Stage 2 systems integration works. The role of the SIV is to monitor critical system implementation and integration milestones and certify that the testing has validated their successful implementation.

The Stage 2 SIV contract has been awarded to Ingerop, an international French multi-disciplinary engineering firm, with over 2,300 employees and 50 branches worldwide. Areas of specialization cover transport systems integration, signaling and CBTC, catenary and other railway systems. Ingerop has been involved with LRT and Metro projects worldwide, including Line 15-SouthGrand Paris (France) Metro, Line 18 GrandParis Metro, T9 Paris tramway, Line 1and 3 Lima Metro (Perú), L3 Seville Metro (Spain), Granada LRT (Spain), Málaga Metro (Spain), Zaragoza LRT (Spain), Madrid ML1, ML2 and ML3LRT projects (Spain), Medellín tramway (Colombia) and Line 1 Mexico DB (Mexico).

The Stage 2 Confederation Line Project Agreement also requires that KEV (Kiewit, Eurovia, and Vinci) undertake a vigorous system safety assurance process to certify that all elements of the new expanded system are safe prior to the start of revenue operations. KEV’s system safety and assurance process is guided by European Standards EN 50126 which defines Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS) activities during each project phase. This iterative approach to system safety and assurance – leading to a Safety Case compliant with the European Standard EN 50129 - ensures that KEV is regularly reviewing, defining, and improving upon its safety tasks during each project phase. These standards establish a defined framework for the implementation of systems integration activities within project life cycle stages. Simply put, the framework defines what systems integration activities need to take place during each project phase using a regimented project management approach. As part of the Project Agreement, KEV is required to provide a Systems Integration Manager with at least 15 years’ experience in this area to manage this scope.

Stage 2 Independent Oversight

The City is overseeing all aspects of the safety certification process through a joint team of City staff, external specialist consultants, and an independent safety auditor. The auditor will confirm that KEV’s approach to system safety and assurance is sound, and that it has fulfilled compliance with all safety requirements throughout each project phase. The City has engaged SENER Inc. as the safety auditor, an international engineering and technology firm with wide experience in safety auditing and acceptance services. SENER is a certified Railway Independent Safety Auditor (ISA) that has provided ISA services throughout the world, including metro line 9 to the Barcelona International Airport (Spain), the Zapopan to Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque LRT system (Mexico), and the Lusail LRT Tramway (Qatar).

As is the standard model for this type of project, an Independent Certifier (IC) has been engaged to actively review the progress of works on site and authorize payments for works completed. The IC assigned to the Stage 2 Confederation Line Project, AW Hooker, is actively reviewing project progress and certifying payments as part of their services to the Project. The IC’s role is bound by the Project Agreement and the City can rely on their services for completion of the contractual requirements.

In addition to the Project Agreement requirements outlined above, a variety of independent regulatory bodies, including the City’s Building Code Services, the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), and Ottawa Fire Services play an important role in ensuring that station and systems elements meet pertinent code requirements.

Overall Stage 1 – Stage 2 Extension Integration

The works and oversight described are in relation to the infrastructure being delivered by EWC only. In order to provide a complete view of the expanded Confederation Line, it is important to outline the various inputs that are required for vehicles, systems, infrastructure, operations and maintenance and how they are verified and validated as a complete unit.

  • RTG provided an expansion to the Stage 1 Belfast Yard for additional storage and additional maintenance capability and RTG is providing an additional 38 Alstom Citadis vehicles as part of the Stage 2 Fleet Expansion including the safety certification for the individual vehicles;
  • EWC is designing and constructing the expanded Confederation Line, and will safety certify the delivery of their works which includes the Thales safety case for the integrated Stage 1 and Stage 2 train control system;
  • The City’s Rail Construction Program team is providing an expansion and upgrade of key communication systems (SCADA, CCTV, PIS/PA, etc.) at the Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC) to be able to support the expanded systems;
  • RTG through their subcontractor RTM will be mobilizing and preparing to provide expanded maintenance services; and,
  • The City’s Transit Services team will be mobilizing and preparing to provide expanded operational services.

SENER, as Independent Safety Auditor, will provide a safety audit of the complete, expanded system on behalf of the City to ensure that the integrated solution meets the safety requirements.

Moreover, the coordination and integration of various scopes of work will be demonstrated as an integrated system through the Trial Running period. The Trial Running period, in the context of a system extension, is an EWC contractual requirement to test and exercise the respective System Infrastructure, including all subsystems, that comprise the relevant works, operating personnel and operating procedures to demonstrate the East Works and West Works can reliably implement passenger service without interruptions. Further details on the Trial Running process for the Confederation Line will be provided in 2024 and the full definition of Trial Running is provided in Schedule 14 listed on the City of Ottawa’s Routine Disclosure webpage.

Should you have any questions about the information provided in this memo, please do not hesitate to contact me at extension 52718.

Original signed by
Michael Morgan

Cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transportation Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Apr 14, 2023

Bus Route Review Public Consultations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that, as part of OC Transpo’s Bus Route Review discussed at Transit Commission, consultations with Council and the public process will begin shortly.

With changes to ridership since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the upcoming opening of the Stage 2 O-Train extensions, there is a need to optimize our existing transit system.

This review aligns with the ongoing City service reviews being coordinated by the Service Review Working Group. Upon the conclusion of this process, OC Transpo will be able to optimize routes to support residents’ changing transit needs, while also responding to new realities, such as hybrid work, and to make policy recommendations to Council, if required.

As part of the review, transit customers, Councillors, customer advocacy groups, major employers, OC Transpo employees and other stakeholders will be engaged in a variety of different consultations:

  • Briefings with Councillors on the review will be scheduled soon.
  • At the end of April, a dedicated webpage and survey will be launched on OCTranspo.com. The webpage will provide additional information about the route review and the survey will be the first opportunity for customers to provide input on how they use the Ottawa’s transit system, and what they want the future of transit in Ottawa to look like.
  • In the coming months, there will also be public consultations held in various locations across the city to allow for further public input.

Transit Services will be providing Councillors with information packages to facilitate outreach in their wards.

To support the work required to complete this review, the core project team has engaged Dillon Consulting. Dillon was prequalified for this type of work through the City’s standing offer list. They will be working closely with our subject matter experts and bring expertise in planning, engineering, environmental science, and management.

If you have any questions or comments, contact Scott Laberge, Associate Director Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 14120.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Apr 12, 2023

O-Train Line 1 Partial Closure & Service Adjustments – April 29-30 and May 6-7

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that O-Train Line 1 service will be adjusted on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30, and on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 for the partial closure of the downtown tunnel, due to a necessary maintenance assessment.

  • Line 1 will continue to run between Tunney's Pasture and Parliament stations in the west, and between Hurdman and Blair stations in the east during this time.
  • R1 bus replacement service will run frequently between Hurdman and Lyon stations to meet ridership requirements.  
  • Regular train service will resume at 5:00 am on both Monday, May 1 and Monday, May 8.

This work must occur for Rideau Transit Group (RTG) to assess the scope of required repairs to prevent water infiltration in sections of the tunnel. This type of regular maintenance is common for underground tunnels, and there are no safety concerns.

This RTG assessment is necessary and will provide the basis for the development of a workplan for scheduled tunnel maintenance work in June. Information about this June maintenance work will be communicated to Council in advance.

Information and reminders will be communicated to customers in advance of the April and May planned maintenance through various channels, including a Public Service Announcement, customer alerts, social media updates, signage at Line 1 stations, and on octranspo.com.

Customers can visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000. OC Transpo Red Vest staff will be present across the system and stationed at key areas to assist customers throughout the duration of the temporary service adjustments.

Staff will be pleased to answer questions about the upcoming temporary closures in April and May at tomorrow’s Transit Commission meeting and can answer media questions during the media availability immediately following.

If you have any questions, please contact Troy Charter, Director, Transit Service Delivery and Rail Operations, at ext. 52160 or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by
Renée Amilcar

cc:       Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

March 2023

Mar 30, 2023

Spring 2023 Transit Service Changes

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s spring service changes, effective Sunday, April 23, 2023. Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

The spring service change includes several types of changes:

  • Service adjustments
  • Service adjustments for construction
  • Seasonal service changes

Service Adjustments

  • The weekday trip on Route 75 that starts at Tunney’s Pasture Station at 16:07 will be extended to end at the Minto Recreation Centre instead of Barrhaven Centre.
  • Service on Route 97 to and from the Ottawa International Airport will be increased from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes through most of the service day, seven days a week. This will restore the frequency of service to the airport to what it was before changes were implemented in Summer 2021 as result of low ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Route 228 will be adjusted to serve Chapel Hill Station.
  • Route 231 will be extended in the morning to start on Innes Road, west of Frank Bender Street, to address idling concerns from nearby residents.
  • As part of the regular review of schedules to improve reliability and service for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to the following routes:
    • On weekdays, O-Train Line 2 replacement bus service and routes 40, 57, 88, 168, 170, 171, 231, 261, and 263.
    • On weekends, routes 61, 62, 63, and 88.
  • School service will be adjusted to better meet students’ travel needs.
    • A.Y. Jackson Secondary School: Select school trips on Route 161 will be adjusted to travel on Stonehaven Drive and Grassy Plains Drive, reducing the walking distance for students in the Stonehaven Drive / Old Richmond Road area.
    • Earl of March Secondary School: The afternoon school trip on Route 62 will be extended to start at Teron Station.

Service Adjustments for Construction

  • With the completion of the Montréal Road Revitalization Project last fall, routes 12 and 15 will revert to their pre-construction routing and hours of service, with Route 12 operating from Blair Station to Parliament Station seven days per week (no longer serving St-Laurent Station), and Route 15 operating during weekday peak periods only, between Blair Station and Gatineau (no longer operating in the midday or evening, nor on weekends, nor via Blair Road). Downtown, Route 12 will operate via Elgin Street and Queen Street instead of Wellington Street.

Seasonal Service Changes

  • Frequency on O-Train Line 2 replacement bus and on Route 25 will be reduced in certain time periods on weekdays, to reflect reduced seasonal ridership levels at Carleton University and La Cité.
  • Frequency on routes 56 and 57 will be reduced in certain time periods on weekdays, to reflect seasonal changes in ridership.

Holidays

Day Date Bus Service Level O-Train Line 1 Service Level Line 2 Bus Service Level
Victoria Day Monday, May 22 Sunday schedule Sunday schedule
Hours: 8 am - 11 pm
Sunday schedule
Hours: 7:15 am – 11 pm
Canada Day Saturday, July 1 Special Canada Day schedule Special Canada Day schedule
Hours: 6 am - 2 am
Special Canada Day schedule
Hours: 7:15 am – 1 am

Customer information

Full details of these service changes will be communicated to customers throughout April. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading an independent app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, as well as visiting octranspo.com from a smartphone. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

Once the spring service changes begin on April 23, customers can find up-to-date schedules and real-time information by using these applications and tools. Please direct customers to octranspo.com or to the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (613-560-5000) for more information.

These spring service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership and operational data measurements. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service for customers as their travel needs change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Scott Laberge, Associate Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 14120.

Original signed by
Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

February 2023

Feb 23, 2023

Supplementary information: Transit Services Department Budget 2023

Following the discussions on the 2023 draft budget at Transit Commission on February 9, some Members of Council have asked for more clarity regarding the draft budget and what it means for OC Transpo’s customers. The purpose of this memo is to provide Members of Council with further information regarding OC Transpo’s proposed 2023 budget.

OC Transpo is committed to delivering the best possible service for our customers and in this draft budget we are not proposing any overall service cuts. The budget process provides an opportunity to recalibrate our investments in our transit system and ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers. In the draft budget, OC Transpo is making needed investments to meet the new post-pandemic travel needs of our customers.

OC Transpo has both operating and capital budgets.

The proposed operating budget for will be $17 million higher and includes significant service increases that will have a positive impact for customers. Operating budgets fund ongoing expenses such as staff salaries and diesel fuel costs

The proposed capital budget for OC Transpo calls for new investments of $122 million, to add to the continued delivery of $782 million in previously approved capital projects. Capital budgets are used to make long-term investments in infrastructure and other assets.

For customers, this means that they will continue to see improvements across the transit system due to investments within both the capital and operating budgets. At a high level this includes:

Enhancements

Investment

System Improvements

Opening the expanded O-Train Line 2 (Bayview to Riverside South) and the new O-Train Line 4 to the airport

$16 million

12-minute service, seven days a week, between 13 stations (8 new), using 13 trains (7 new), over the north-south corridor.

Electrification of bus fleet

$335 million in City funding, combined with $639 million in federal loans and grants

All new OC Transpo conventional buses will be powered by electricity, resulting in reduced emissions and a quieter, smoother ride.

New operators

Hiring 360 rail and bus operators in 2023

Many newly hired operators will replace others who are retiring. Others will support the opening of the two new O-Train lines, and others will increase the workforce to improve the reliability of all parts of the transit system.

Fare freeze

$5 million

Council is investing $5 million in keeping fares unchanged from 2022, to make it easier for everyone to choose transit for their travel

Renewal of city assets

$97 million

This includes things like bus replacement Para Transpo minibuses, infrastructure rehabilitation, and work to be ready for the opening of the Stage 2 O-Train extensions.

Technology and accessibility

$25 million

Technology investments will improve information for customers and will sustain a reliable transit service. Accessibility investments will remove barriers to travel for people with disabilities.

While making these investments in our service, the draft budget also takes a prudent approach to managing taxpayers’ money. For example, The City enters into hedging contracts for diesel fuel to provide greater budget certainty and guard against potential price fluctuations. The city fixes prices for 75% of the expected volume over the next eight months and hedges to lesser amounts further out on a rolling basis. Additionally, like many other transit agencies around the world, we are seeing increases in costs in many areas due to inflation. For items like fuel, wages and contracts the cost of inflation is about $28.1 million. Wages and contracts are increasing at the same pace as previous years, but the price of fuel is estimated to increase by 37% over 2022 budgeted prices. The construction price index has increased to 6.3%, resulting in $6.2 million in added costs that must be accommodated in the capital budget.

While there have been good increases in ridership in recent months, there are still about 30% of customers who are not expected to return in 2023, compared to 2019 levels, largely because many office workers are continuing to work full-time or part-time from home. This amounts to approximately a $53 million fare revenue shortfall. In January 2023, ridership was 62% compared to 2019 levels, which is aligned with staff projections. This increase is based on the start of the gradual return to on-site work by employees of the federal government, the largest employer in Ottawa.

To respond to the new and increasing costs and the fact that ridership and fare revenue remain below pre-pandemic levels, OC Transpo is proposing a number of savings for 2023 that better align our costs with service levels that follow the needs of our customers. For example, prior to the pandemic OC Transpo required 851 conventional buses to deliver service. When ridership levels fell due to the pandemic, these buses were retained in the fleet because it was unknown how quickly the City economy and transit ridership levels would recover. Now that ridership patterns are more stable, this budget is proposing a realignment of OC Transpo’s bus fleet size to 738 to match actual service needs. For OC Transpo this means avoiding $4.4 million in maintenance costs and $3.7 million in capital costs in 2023 by retiring older vehicles. For customers this means the same number of buses on the road and the same schedules they are familiar with. No changes to service will be made because of this fleet realignment, and we will continue to have enough buses to meet the demands of our growing city for this year and next.  

This and other prudent savings proposed in the draft budget allow us to provide a more reliable service and to continue to invest in customer improvements.

In addition, due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, we have notified the province of needing $53 million under the Safe Restart Agreement program to cover the shortfall in fare revenue. The City will need to receive at least $39 million to balance the budget. This request is lower than previous years as we continue to lower our dependency on senior levels of government, while considering service delivery needs and financial risks. Should the Provincial contributions fall below the minimum requirements, we have alternative options ready, including drawing from reserves to make up the shortfall or bringing options for further cost savings to the Transit Commission for consideration.

Following the adoption of the 2023 budget, OC Transpo will also be undertaking a review of all bus routes. As ridership patterns have changed due to the pandemic, we must adapt the system to this new reality to continue to deliver the best possible service to our customers. This will involve evaluating potential future networks and identifying potential changes to service policy. Throughout this process consultations with customers and stakeholders will occur. Recommendations will be brought to Transit Commission later this year.

As described above, OC Transpo continues to make investments to improve the customer experience and improve the service we deliver to them. 

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Feb 15, 2023

Transportation Safety Board of Canada Rail Safety Advisory letter

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to inform Members of Council that the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) issued a Rail Safety Advisory (RSA) letter (link is external and opens in a new tab or window) on February 3, 2023, regarding O-Train Line 1 vehicle axle bearing assemblies. This work is the result of its investigation that commenced after the August 2021 derailment and the July 2022 wheel axle hub event. OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) have reviewed the letter, met with TSB, and staff are now in a position to provide this letter to Council.

The City of Ottawa has an agreement with TSB, setting out the process for both parties to conduct their own investigations on O-Train Line 1. The City benefits from having TSB as external investigators for accidents and events, as it is an expert in post-incident investigations. TSB input has significantly contributed to enhancing the robust safety measures of our light rail system. Staff thank TSB for its timely investigations and communications, and City staff have fully cooperated with its work.

After reviewing the letter, OC Transpo and RTG can confirm that all enhanced system safety measures in place align with TSB suggestions. RTG has provided the City with written confirmation that the O-Train Line 1 system is safe. Staff are currently reviewing TSB’s findings in detail; this information will assist RTG in completing the final root cause analysis into the wheel axle hub assembly issue. 

The safety of Transit customers is paramount. As discussed at Council in July 2022, out of an abundance of caution, while the root cause investigation of the axle bearing assembly is underway, enhanced mitigation measures are in place to ensure that the trains and system are safe: 

In accordance with standard operating procedures, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) inspects all light rail vehicles daily, prior to every launch 

All leading and trailing bogie axles are replaced when they reach 175,000 km of service and are inspected for bearing assembly free play every 7,500 km

The remaining axles are inspected at every 3,750 km when they exceed 175,000 km

Temporary Speed Restrictions are in place at several locations along the alignment

OC Transpo hosts weekly status meetings on the root cause analysis with RTG, RTM, OLRT-C and its subcontractors

RTG has installed vibration monitoring equipment on some trains and plans to expand the installation on additional vehicles in the coming months.

The final root cause analysis is ongoing, and the recent settlement agreement with RTG implements a solid plan that actions the TSB recommendations to resolve these issues. Staff will present the findings and recommendations to Council for consideration once this is complete. The City continues to work collaboratively with RTG and is actively monitoring its work and progress. Our shared goal is to determine the final root cause of this issue and implement a solution that makes O-Train Line 1 operations sustainable and reliable.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

January 2023

Jan 18, 2023

Zero-Emission Bus report coming to Council

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Cyril Rogers, Acting Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer and Troy Charter, Acting General Manager of Transit Services

The purpose of this memo is to advise Mayor and Members of Council that a report providing a financial update on the Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Program will be part of the Council agenda posted on ottawa.ca on Friday, January 20, for Council consideration at its meeting on Wednesday, January 25.

The report provides an update on Canada Infrastructure Bank and Infrastructure Canada funding for the ZEB program. We are pleased to advise that we have successfully concluded funding from both agencies and are seeking approval of budget authority for the program to begin the procurement of OC Transpo zero-emission buses and related charging infrastructure.

You are invited to attend an announcement by the Government of Canada on Thursday, January 19 at 9 am at OC Transpo, 1500 St. Laurent Boulevard. Please RSVP by emailing Kavita.Gaur@ottawa.ca.

The Zero-Emissions Buses for OC Transpo report was approved by Council on June 23, 2021. Pending funding availability, the program could allow OC Transpo to achieve a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2036.

Converting OC Transpo’s bus fleet from diesel-powered vehicles to electric is a key component of the City of Ottawa’s Climate Change Master Plan, the City’s overarching framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and respond to the current and future effects of climate change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Isabelle Jasmin, Deputy City Treasurer, Corporate Finance, at extension 21312.

Original signed by

Cyril Rogers & Troy Charter

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Legislative agenda

Overview

OC Transpo reports to the Transit Commission monthly and the Light Rail Sub-Committee when meetings are called. Links to each meeting’s agenda and live-captured video are available.

Ottawa LRT Public Inquiry Action Plan

Overview

The City of Ottawa presented its action plan in response to the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Public the Light Rail Sub-Committee on April 28, 2023. The final report from the inquiry, which was published in December 2022, includes 103 recommendations.

  • As of February, 2024, 89 of the 103 recommendations are considered complete or have been incorporated into ongoing City policies for implementation in future projects.
  • The City is responsible for 95 of the recommendations as eight of them lie within the jurisdiction of the provincial and federal governments and cannot be implemented through this action plan.

The action plan will be updated regularly on this page to allow the public to stay up to date on the City’s progress.

Dashboard

Ottawa LRT Public Inquiry Action Plan
Theme Number of items that are complete Number of items that are in progress Number of items that are for the Provincial Government’s consideration
Planning Complex Infrastructure 
6
1
Preparing Projects Estimates and Budgets  
2
3
Selecting a Project Delivery Model 
4
Risk Reduction during Procurement 
2
2
Creating an Effective Contract Scheme 
23
1
Fostering Successful Working Relationships 
3
Transparency and Effective Planning and Oversight during Construction  
12
Accuracy, Transparency, and Public Entity Decision-Making 
4
0
Safety Requirements 
3
Preparing for and Achieving a Successful Handover & Start to Public Service 
8
1
Public Service 
9
2
1
Recommendations for the OLRT1 
13
3
Totals 
89
6
8

Action plan items

1-7: Planning Complex Infrastructure

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

1

Public entities, and their representatives, should take care to ensure that the priorities they set for complex infrastructure projects are appropriately applied throughout the planning and implementation stages of the project.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution. This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff. 

The P3 model is not commonly used by the City of Ottawa for complex infrastructure projects. However, Supply Services will update the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures to highlight the need for Departments to ensure priorities are appropriately aligned throughout the planning and implementation phases of a project.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

Supply Services has completed this update as part of the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

2

Public entities should consider ways they can identify and address the root causes of cognitive biases. Optimism bias in project planning, for example, leads people to underestimate project costs and risks. Public entities should consider using established approaches such as reference class forecasting, which uses data about prior projects and their outcomes to account for unconscious biases and unanticipated risks.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution. This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

3

Public entities should also strive to avoid “uniqueness bias” – the belief that the project being planned is unique and not comparable to others. Instead, public entities should identify similarities to established projects and learn from the outcomes of those projects.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution. This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.  

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

4

Public entities should avoid, wherever possible, introducing complexity into the major components of the project. For example, if there are to be several stations on a rail line or similar project, keep the differences between the stations to a minimum.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution. This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff. 

Supply Services will update the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures to highlight the need for Departments ensure complexity is avoided whenever possible.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

5

Public entities should ensure, from the project outset, that they have access to the expertise that will be required throughout the project, in order to effectively engage in and oversee the project’s development from planning through to public launch.

Finance and Corporate Services

The City’s P3 Policy currently addresses this requirement.

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution. This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

6

A detailed Concept of Operations should be prepared before the preliminary design of the project, and where the operation of the system is not being contracted out, ideally before the project agreement is finalized.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution. This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff. 

The concept was introduced partway through Stage 1, and the work is included in the Stage 2 and Stage 3 programs.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

Transit Services has incorporated a Concept of Operations into the Stage 2 and Stage 3 programs.

7

The Province of Ontario should investigate how to develop the skills and capabilities at the municipal level required to lead large infrastructure projects. For example, the province may wish to consider:

a. Creating a training program like the Major Projects Leadership Academy at Oxford University in England, to instill and improve the project management skills required for complex infrastructure projects at the municipal level;

b. Creating career paths within government to encourage civil servants to develop and use the project management skills and experience they gained through training or on previous complex infrastructure projects; and

c. Ensuring that municipalities undertaking complex infrastructure projects have ongoing access to expert advice and guidance throughout the project, from procurement through to construction and operations, particularly with respect to managing the relationship with the private-sector partner.

Government of Ontario

N/A

For the Provincial Government’s consideration (Q2 2023)

8-12: Preparing Projects Estimates and Budgets

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

8

Public entities should clearly communicate (to elected officials, the public, and other stakeholders, as appropriate) any restrictions, caveats, or limitations applicable to cost estimates developed during the planning of complex infrastructure projects. They should also clearly communicate that such estimates are subject to change as the project planning progresses. Particularly when communicating with the public, public entity representatives should not commit to an estimate as if it were a set budget for a project. The public should be accurately informed about the status of the estimate and, where the estimate is subject to change, that fact should be clearly communicated.

Office of the City Clerk

Transit Services

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution. This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.

The Project Delivery Review and Cost Estimating report (ACS2013-PAI-INF-0012) was approved by Council in 2013. This report provides a cost estimate classification system and a reporting mechanism to Council where cost estimates for capital projects are provided and future capital budget documents to ensure consistent methods of estimating to total project costs.

Legal Services is undertaking a review of the Employee Code of Conduct, with updates anticipated for Q1 of 2024. The revised Code will reinforce staff’s obligations with respect to transparency and accountability.

Supply Services will update the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures to highlight the need for Departments to effectively communicate any restrictions, caveats, or limitations applicable to cost estimates when seeking Council authorization.

Transit Services management will work with other levels of government to assess funding agreements for increased flexibility with funding levels as project needs evolve, increased flexibility of eligibility criteria for costs, increased flexibility in timing for determination of final contribution amounts, and more generally, increased flexibility in administration of transfer payment agreements.

The Project Delivery Review and Cost Estimating report (ACS2013-PAI-INF-0012) was approved by Council in 2013.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

Updates to the Employee Code of Conduct are anticipated for Q1 of 2024 and release scheduled for Q2 2024.

9

Public entities should avoid setting budgets too early, and remain flexible as project cost estimates evolve during the planning for such projects.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution. This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.

The Project Delivery Review and Cost Estimating report (ACS2013-PAI-INF-0012) was approved by Council in 2013. This report provides a cost estimate classification system and a reporting mechanism to Council where cost estimates for capital projects are provided and future capital budget documents to ensure consistent methods of estimating to total project costs.

Transit Services management will work with other levels of government to assess funding agreements for increased flexibility with funding levels as project needs evolve, increased flexibility of eligibility criteria for costs, increased flexibility in timing for determination of final contribution amounts, and more generally, increased flexibility in administration of transfer payment agreements.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

10

The Province of Ontario and the federal government should review the process for determining the size of funding contributions to municipal infrastructure projects and, where required, make changes to that process to ensure that such funding contributions are not based on preliminary estimates that do not end up accurately reflecting the true costs of the project.

Government of Ontario

Government of Canada

N/A

For the Provincial and Federal government’s consideration (Q2 2023)

11

Where the Province of Ontario and/or the federal government are contributing to the funding of a project, they should incorporate some flexibility to respond to the evolving project needs.

Government of Ontario

Government of Canada

N/A

For the Provincial and Federal government’s consideration (Q2 2023)

12

Where a senior level of government requires that a particular project delivery model, such as a public-private partnership (P3), be used by a municipality as a condition of senior government funding, that government should ensure that the costs associated with that model are eligible for coverage by the senior government funding. For example, where a P3 model is to be used, the financing costs of the P3 should qualify as eligible expenses.

Government of Ontario

Government of Canada

N/A

For the Provincial and Federal government’s consideration (Q2 2023)

13-16: Selecting a Project Delivery Model

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

13

When selecting a delivery model for a complex infrastructure project, the public entity should use objective criteria appropriate to the project’s circumstances to evaluate the available delivery models, including:

a. The model’s comparative value from the perspective of quality, cost, and schedule as compared with other approaches;

b. Whether the model properly aligns the interests of the parties involved, and whether the project risks will be managed by the parties best positioned to handle them. Consideration should be given to whether the transfer of specific risks, in whole or in part, is likely to encourage or undermine collaborative behaviour between the parties working on the project;

c. The incentives and tools that each model offers to enforce contractual obligations;

d. The measures each model has in place to ensure public transparency, accountability, and oversight of major infrastructure projects;

e. The degree of control the government authority should retain, given the project’s circumstances and the public authority’s experience;

f. The degree of flexibility each model offers to the public entity to alter the infrastructure over the project’s life without facing major contract change fees; and

g. The manner and extent to which each model prioritizes the public interest.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution.  This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff. 

Supply Services will update the strategic assessment criteria outlined in the P3 Procedures and Administrative Procedures used by Departments to assess project delivery models.

Transit Services management acknowledge and agree with this recommendation related to the delivery model of a complex infrastructure project. The recommendations that have comparative value, level of project controls, evaluation criteria, and the benefits and drawbacks should be clearly articulated as part of selecting a delivery model.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

14

The public entity should ensure that the evaluation criteria used accurately reflect all the priorities set for the project.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution.   This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

15

The public entity should ensure that the potential benefits and drawbacks associated with each delivery model are identified and considered.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution.  This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.  

Transit Services management acknowledge and agree with this recommendation related to the delivery model of a complex infrastructure project. The recommendations that have comparative value, level of project controls, evaluation criteria, and the benefits and drawbacks should be clearly articulated as part of selecting a delivery model.

The City’s P3 Policy and Procedures currently requires that a strategic assessment of the benefits and risks of delivery models be identified and considered. Supply Services will update the P3 Policy to highlight the need for Departments to effectively communicate the benefits and drawbacks of various delivery models when seeking Council authorization of the recommended approach.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

16

In considering a delivery model that requires the private sector to provide project financing, care must be taken to ensure that the rights accorded to private creditors do not create additional risks for the project. For example, where changes to the project require creditor consent, limits should be placed on the additional equity they can demand as a condition to their consent.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution.  This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4, 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.  

Transit Services management acknowledge and agree with this recommendation related to the delivery model. The recommendations that have comparative value, level of project controls, evaluation criteria, and the benefits and drawbacks should be clearly articulated as part of selecting a delivery model.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

17-20: Risk Reduction during Procurement

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

17

Introducing new or untested project elements (including technology and workforce) increases project risk. Where possible, public entities should give preference to using service-proven designs, components, labour markets, and supply chains. This is particularly so for key project components, components that present the most inherent risk, and components that cannot be quickly and cost-efficiently replaced in the event of a problem. For example, LRVs should be built in dedicated manufacturing facilities, and ideally in a pre-existing LRV production facility.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution.  This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

18

Regarding the Province of Ontario’s Canadian Content for Transit Vehicle Procurement Policy established in 2008, the province should study how to strike the right balance for the policy, so the goals of industrial and skills development can be addressed without requiring a single project to take on the costs and risks of creating new skilled manufacturing jobs. For instance, a price preference could be applied, or another advantage given, depending on the Canadian content a bidder includes in its bid. Any waivers or accommodations should be broad enough to account for the current limitations of the Canadian market and ensure transit operators are able to obtain a quality product produced by a qualified workforce and for the public interests.

Government of Ontario

Transit Services will consult with the Province of Ontario regarding this requirement for future procurements of transit vehicles.

For the Provincial Government’s consideration (Q2 2023)

19

The Province of Ontario should consider requiring that key project components be service proven. If this requirement is implemented, any applicable local content requirements should include waivers, exemptions, or other means to allow for such service-proven components to be used.

Government of Ontario

City management acknowledges this recommendation and will consult with the Province of Ontario regarding this requirement for future procurements.

For the Provincial Government’s consideration (Q2 2023)

20

A public entity may include elements in its procurement process that could result in the introduction of new components to respondents’ bids during the in-market period. For example, if the public entity includes a pre-qualification process for suppliers during the in-market period, a bidder whose proposed supplier is disqualified during that process must source and incorporate a different supplier into its bid. When the procurement process includes steps that may result in the introduction of new components to respondents’ bids during the in-market period, the public entity should ensure that respondents are given adequate time to incorporate those new components into their bids. This should be accounted for in the procurement plans.

Supply Services

Supply will update the Procurement Manual to add clarity around timelines for amendments during the in-market period.

City management acknowledge and agree with this recommendation. Recent procurements for Stage 2 and the Confederation Line project included pre-qualifying suppliers as part of its process to allow for bidders to meet with qualified suppliers prior to their bid submission.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services completed the update to the Procurement Manual.

21-44: Creating an Effective Contract Scheme

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

21

The public-sector entity should consider retaining (or empowering) an independent advisor with expertise in the type of project to be constructed to ensure that any draft project agreement used as a starting point for negotiations reflects best practices and does not include scope gaps.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution.  This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

22

The project agreement should address responsibility for public communications to ensure timely and accurate information is provided during the life of the project.

Supply Services

Transit Services

Supply Services will update the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures to specifically identify responsibility and requirements for project communications as an element to be included in the Project Agreement.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

Transit Services agrees with the recommendation and are currently communicating in a timely manner to Council and customers. Transit Services will also implement this recommendation into future project agreements.

23

The project agreement should provide for meaningful involvement from the public-sector and private-sector parties in all public communications about the project.

Supply Services

Transit Services

Supply Services will update the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures to specifically identify responsibility and requirements for project communications as an element to be included in the Project Agreement.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

Transit Services agrees with the recommendation and will incorporate into future project agreements.

24

The project agreement should require that communications to the public be accurate and well founded. Uncertainty should be acknowledged.

Supply Services

Transit Services

Supply Services will update the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures to specifically identify responsibility and requirements for project communications as an element to be included in the Project Agreement.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

Transit Services agrees with the recommendation and will incorporate into future project agreements.

25

The project agreement should require that communications to the public be focused at all times on furthering the public interest.

Supply Services

Transit Services

Supply Services will update the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures to specifically identify responsibility and requirements for project communications as an element to be included in the Project Agreement.

The Stage 2 Project Agreement includes a robust communications strategy designed to ensure transparency with Council, public, media and stakeholders. Transparency on the project schedule, including any issues or delays, is key to retaining the public’s trust. 

Transit Services will continue with ongoing Stage 2 community and stakeholder outreach. Staff will continue to provide communication to Council through bi-weekly construction updates, quarterly construction memos and presentations to the Light Rail Sub-Committee.

Building upon the work already in progress, Transit Services is creating an information campaign to educate and build excitement for the O-Train expansion. This includes web, social, events, and outreach, which will be incorporated into a larger strategy to improve customer communications and build public trust.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

Transit Services agrees with the recommendation and are currently communicating in a manner to restore public trust and further interest. Transit Services will also incorporate this recommendation into future project agreements.

26

Within a given model, the early resolution of disputes should be incentivized in the project agreement, particularly where those disputes will affect the work going forward. Resolving operational problems and providing reliable public service must take precedence over all other priorities, including contract enforcement. The resources necessary to address a problem should be mobilized ahead of contractual interpretation and dispute resolution. This could all be done without prejudice to the parties’ claims against one another.

Supply Services

While this is currently a requirement of the Contract Administration Policy, Supply Services will update the Policy to clarify that the overarching objective of timely dispute resolution is to ensure the continuation of reliable public service.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has updated the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

27

The provincial government should investigate how to better incentivize in P3 contracts the timely solution of infrastructure problems to avoid delay due to disputes between the parties. Positive and negative incentives should be considered. For example, positive incentives might include a break in payment mechanism deductions if significant problems are resolved before a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) deadline in the contract.

Government of Ontario

N/A

For the Provincial Government’s consideration (Q2 2023)

28

Project partners must clearly define the roles of the safety auditor and the Independent Certifier, and agree upon the nature and degree of assurance each can provide.

Transit Services

Transit Services agrees with the recommendation and considers it complete. As noted in memos sent to Council in August 2022 and April 2023, an independent System Integration Verifier and Independent Certifier have been identified and contracted to oversee the Stage 2 project extensions.

Complete (Q2 2023)

29

Where amendments to contracts are being considered, relevant and affected parties should be involved in those discussions, including relevant subcontractors.

Transit Services

Transit Services agrees with the approach and it is standard practice to ensure that affected parties are included in the development and agreement to contracts. The current practice with contract variations is to ensure that both the constructor and the maintainer provide input to the contract changes.

For the Confederation Line extension project, a formalized process for the maintainer to identify “divergences” or cost impacts has been established to ensure that there is a process for dealing with changes that will affect their work.

Complete (Q2 2023)

30

Construction contracts should include mechanisms for calculating extensions of time and adjusting schedules if obstacles arise and delays are encountered.

Transit Services

Project Agreements include standard provisions for dealing with different types of time extensions and for handling impacts if there are obstacles that are encountered.

Complete (Q2 2023)

31

Specific testing and commissioning requirements should be clearly defined in the project agreement. In the case of large or complex LRT projects, these should account for a sufficient period of integration testing. In the case of an LRT system, the train manufacturer should also be involved.

Transit Services

The approach to integration testing has changed in Stage 2 to require the application of European (EN) standards, amongst others, to ensure that a rigorous process is in place to deal with systems integration and integration testing more broadly.

Furthermore, a new Systems Integration Verifier role has been added to Stage 2 that will work to ensure the integration of the head-end equipment at the Transit Operations Control Centre and the field equipment is properly completed. This role is intended to review integration issues between the City’s delivery scope in the control centre and Project Co’s delivery scope in the field; the role does not consider other integration that is otherwise covered by the project delivery teams. In instances where the integration work is fully within Project Co’s remit, systems integration will be led by the Project Co’s Systems Integration Manager. Finally, the vehicle manufacturer is included in the overall test programme for their elements of the work.

Complete (Q2 2023)

32

In locations with unusual climatic conditions, or climates that vary dramatically, a provision should be made for climate-specific testing of the full system, including dynamic testing. For instance, there should be specific requirements for dynamic winter testing – not merely testing during the winter – in locations like Ottawa that have a severe winter climate.

Transit Services

For the Trillium Line, the existing Alstom LINT vehicles have been tested in service during multiple Ottawa winters. The new Stadler FLIRT vehicles have been tested in winter periods and will be used for the first time in passenger service during the 2023-2024 winter period. Backup bus service will remain in place throughout the first winter of service.

For the Confederation Line, multiple changes have been made to the vehicles and infrastructure to improve winter performance. In the run-up to service on the east, the infrastructure and vehicle will be tested over the 2024-2025 winter period.

Complete for Stage 1 (Q3 2023)

In Progress for Stage 2

33

Trial running standards should be set out in detail in the relevant contracts. Minimum standards should be set at the outset of the project for both duration and scoring. The scoring should be based on the same performance specifications that the parties have agreed to apply to the system in operation.

Transit Services

The City has added specific criteria into the Stage 2 agreements in order to address this gap. The additional criteria for Trial Running have been included in the contract and are based on the performance specifications that the parties have agreed to apply to the system in operation.

Complete (Q2 2023)

34

As with testing, the circumstances imposed during the trial running period must mirror as closely as possible the actual public operation of the service. For example, the trial running for transit must mirror intended ridership, climatic conditions, and realistic rider use (e.g., holding, blocking, and pushing the doors). The trial running criteria must be established with a view to having the system consistently demonstrate that it can achieve those criteria based on anticipated ridership and service conditions.

Transit Services

The City has added specific criteria into the Stage 2 agreements in order to address this gap. The additional criteria for Trial Running have been included in the contract and are based on the performance specifications that the parties have agreed to apply to the system in operation. Additionally, the requirements and criteria need to be achieved over a longer period to demonstrate consistency.

Complete (Q2 2023)

35

An independent expert should be appointed, either individually or as part of a panel with representatives from key stakeholder groups, who must (i) assess trial running criteria and performance, and (ii) approve any material change to the trial running criteria or process.

Transit Services

An independent third-party is in the process of being appointed to take on this function and will be in place to provide oversight for Trial Running.

Complete (Q3 2023)

The Systems Integration Verifier has been assigned this task for Trial Running on the Trillium Line.

36

There must be proper documentation of any material changes to the trial running criteria with an explanation, analysis, and approval of such changes to be clearly recorded in writing.

Transit Services

An independent third-party is in the process of being appointed to take on this function and will be in place to provide oversight for Trial Running. Material changes are unlikely but if required, would be documented by the City and presented to Council in order to provide full transparency and documentation of the change.

Complete (Q3 2023)

The Systems Integration Verifier has been assigned this task for Trial Running on the Trillium Line.

37

Maintenance work and systems should be meaningfully and objectively evaluated during trial running, and any failures that would impair public use of the asset if they occurred during public operation should be treated seriously in the evaluation process.

Transit Services

Evaluation of maintenance practices will be evaluated during Trial Running process and will be reported out as part of final demonstration that the system is ready for service.

Complete (Q2 2023)

38

The relevant project contracts should account for a bedding-in period prior to public service (revenue service) – a period of extensive running of the fully integrated system in real operating conditions prior to public launch. Such a bedding-in period gives operations and maintenance staff real-time experience of the system before the public is asked to rely on it. The length of the bedding-in period should:

a. Be appropriate to the project (including its technical complexity and inherent risk profile);

b. Account for any aspects of the project that increase the risk of hidden issues arising; and

c. Include a series of predetermined troubleshooting scenarios that mimic the kinds of incidents that could arise during public service. This will allow all involved in the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure to learn and foster a collaborative relationship between those who will be directly involved once the asset begins serving the public.

Transit Services

Supply Services

Transit Services will assess the opportunity for a period of extensive running of the fully integrated system prior to launch. The running of the complete system and the application of a longer Trial Running period will be used to develop the level of proficiency of the operations teams and the maintenance teams prior to service. Equally, the Trial Running period will include a series of troubleshooting exercises to ensure that the teams are properly trained to deal with issues that arise in service.

Supply Services will update the P3 Procedures to include a bedding-in period as a consideration.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

For current contracts where this concept has not been included, staff will ensure that an appropriate period of running time is included after handover, and prior to passenger service. Notably, a series of troubleshooting scenarios, a full-scale emergency exercise, and a full scale “Dress Rehearsal” are planned for the Trillium Line prior to passenger service.

39

Greater consideration should be given to a gradual or soft start to public service (revenue service), particularly when all systems and infrastructure on a project are new. This should be accounted for in the relevant project contracts.

Transit Services

Supply Services

Transit Services will assess the opportunity for a period of extensive running of the fully integrated system prior to launch. For Stage 2 of the Trillium Line, the decision has been taken to retain the replacement buses in service over the first winter period in order to help reduce the pressure on the new service and to ensure that alternative service is readily available if there is an issue with rail service.

Supply Services will update the P3 Procedures to include a soft-start to public service as a consideration.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

For current contracts where this concept has not been included, staff will ensure that an appropriate period of running time is included after handover, and prior to passenger service. Notably, a series of troubleshooting scenarios, a full-scale emergency exercise, and a full-scale “Dress Rehearsal” are planned for the Trillium Line prior to passenger service.

40

On a new system or where the private sector is providing services after completion of construction, such as maintenance or operations, the relevant project contracts should provide for a bedding-in period in the payment mechanism following the start of revenue service – that is, a period of time following revenue service where deductions are not applied in full.

Transit Services

Supply Services

Transit Services will assess the opportunity for a period of extensive running of the fully integrated system prior to launch. This recommendation has been included in the contract for the Stage 2 Trillium Line extension.

Supply Services will update the P3 Procedures to include a bedding-in period as a consideration.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

The Trillium Line contract (Schedule 19) includes a bedding period in the payment mechanism. The “Bedding-In Period” is defined as the first four Contract Months of the Maintenance Period and if applicable, the first four Contract Months following completion of Remaining Works. In respect of New Revenue Vehicles, the Bedding-In Period shall be the first six Contract Months following introduction of such New Revenue Vehicles into Revenue Service. During the Bedding-In Period, the amount of any Deductions in respect of Availability Failures occurring shall be reduced by 50 per cent.

41

The relevant project contracts should provide for the early involvement of anyone engaged in public service (revenue service), prior to handover, to ensure that they are fully informed about the infrastructure and its maintenance needs, and fully trained to perform their respective roles. This early involvement should include, where possible, shadowing workers during construction and manufacturing.

Transit Services

Transit Services will ensure that early engagement of operations and maintenance are prioritized for Stage 2. A number of contract mechanisms are in place to deal with the handovers; however, early access for the maintainer and a clear handover process will be critical at this juncture.

For the Stage 2 Trillium Line, a number of project staff who are experienced with the design and construction will transition to the maintenance team. Additionally, the maintainer has been able to recruit a number of key technicians from the original Trillium Line service to provide vehicle maintenance services.

For the Stage 2 Confederation Line, the existing maintainer will grow their team over the coming years to accommodate the growth in maintenance obligations. Steps are being taken now to plan for this early familiarization and training. Early opportunities for handover of facilities will also enable the operators and maintainers to be fully informed about the infrastructure.

Complete (Q2 2023)

42

The handover process between entities responsible for the construction stage of the project and those responsible for the operations and maintenance stage needs to be organized and clearly and formally defined. Careful attention should be given to the transfer of responsibilities and information from the constructor to the maintainer, and the various criteria for handover should be explicitly set out, and cover both maintenance manuals and historical maintenance documentation.

Transit Services

Transit Services will ensure that early engagement of operations and maintenance are prioritized for Stage 2.

For the Trillium Line extension, TNEXT is solely responsible for maintenance services and has begun the process for handover from its construction team.

For the Confederation Line extension, agreements are in place between the design-build team and the maintainer to ensure that transfer of responsibilities is clear.

Complete (Q3 2023)

43

Project agreements should provide for different performance requirements for differing weather conditions. An LRT system cannot be expected to perform in the same way in any and all weather conditions.

Transit Services

Design changes applied to Stage 1 have been incorporated into Stage 2. Currently, Transit Services does make operational adjustments due to weather conditions.

Complete (Q3 2023)

This general principle will be incorporated into future procurement with Stage 3.

44

Project agreements should be structured to account for potential expansions or additions to the project, and provide a reasonable and realistic process to make sure the expansion does not undermine the balance of power between the parties already involved in the contract. This may include provisions that set the lenders’ consent to eventual system extensions.

Supply Services

Supply Services will update the P3 Policy to note that in drafting Project Agreements, consideration should be given to whether the project may expand at some point in the future, and how that would be accommodated. A similar update would likely need to be made the Project Management Policy to account for non-P3 projects.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Supply Services has completed this update to the P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures.

45-47: Fostering Successful Working Relationships

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

45

Regardless of the project delivery model chosen, collaboration should be at the heart of the relationship between the public entity and private-sector partner(s).

Transit Services

The January 2023 Global Settlement between the City of Ottawa and RTG addressed, as a key priority, the relationship and collaboration between the two parties to improve service.

Complete (Q2 2023)

46

All private-sector stakeholders should be required to acknowledge that they are working in the public interest. The public interest should be a core organizational principle that informs all steps taken on a project.

Transit Services

The January 2023 Global Settlement between the City of Ottawa and RTG addressed, as a key priority, the relationship and collaboration between the two parties to improve service.

Complete (Q2 2023)

47

All stakeholders, including suppliers, operators, and maintainers, should be involved as early as is practicable in the project (including, where possible, procurement) with a view to aligning the parties’ incentives to collaborate and to avoid conflicts in stakeholder objectives.

Finance and Corporate Services

The Finance and Corporate Services Department is reviewing the impact of this recommendation on the Business Case and Project Management Policy and the Enterprise Risk Management Policy. Where changes are required, staff will update the language of these policies and link to department-specific procedures for project execution.  This review is part of a review of the Business Case and Project Management Policy that is already underway, which is expected to be concluded by Q4 2023. Any policy or procedure changes will be communicated to City staff.

COMPLETE (Q1 2024)

Finance and Corporate Services Department updated the Corporate Business Case and Project

Management Policy and Framework (ACS2023-CMR-OCM-0009), which was approved by Council on November 22, 2023.

48-59: Transparency and Effective Planning and Oversight during Construction

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

48

The entity charged with overseeing a project must ensure that its various subcontracts align and are consistent with each other, and that no gaps in project obligations or deliverables are left unaddressed.

Transit Services

Supply Services

Transit Services will ensure that agreements are fully aligned. During the inquiry there was information raised which suggested a misalignment between subcontracts at the design-build level, and the City will assess.

Complete (Q2 2023)

49

The contractor should involve or consult with the necessary experts to ensure that the plans, including timelines and scope of responsibilities for the subcontracted work, are logical and realistic.

Transit Services

Supply Services

Transit Services will ensure that agreements are fully aligned. During the inquiry there was information raised which suggested a misalignment between subcontracts at the design-build level, and the City will assess.

Complete (Q2 2023)

50

The contractor needs to pay early attention to systems integration. A qualified systems integrator should be involved in the project from the design phase through to construction and manufacturing. In particular, a systems integrator should be a required member of the bid team and be involved in key contractual negotiations.

Transit Services

The approach to integration has been changed in Stage 2 where staff rely on European standards, amongst others, to ensure that a rigorous process is in place to deal with systems integration and integration testing more broadly.

As noted previously, a new Systems Integration Verifier role has been added to Stage 2 that will work to ensure the integration of the head-end equipment at the TOCC and the field equipment is properly completed. This role is intended to review integration issues between the City’s delivery scope in the control centre and Project Co’s delivery scope in the field; the role does not consider other integration that is otherwise covered by the project delivery teams.

In instances where the integration work is fully within Project Co’s remit, systems integration will be led by the Project Co’s Systems Integration Manager.

Complete (Q2 2023)

51

Systems integration should be overseen by a single entity, and not split between different subcontractors or entities. Responsibility for this work should be clearly defined.

Transit Services

The approach to integration has been changed in Stage 2 where staff rely on European standards, amongst others, to ensure that a rigorous process is in place to deal with systems integration and integration testing more broadly.

As noted previously, a new Systems Integration Verifier role has been added to Stage 2 that will work to ensure the integration of the head-end equipment at the TOCC and the field equipment is properly completed. This role is intended to review integration issues between the City’s delivery scope in the control centre and Project Co’s delivery scope in the field; the role does not consider other integration that is otherwise covered by the project delivery teams.

In instances where the integration work is fully within Project Co’s remit, systems integration will be led by the Project Co’s Systems Integration Manager.

Complete (Q2 2023)

52

For major infrastructure projects with complex components like LRVs, steps should be taken to ensure that prototypes and component designs are finalized early enough in the project to allow for best practices in confirming the prototype (for example, validation testing) before starting serial manufacturing.

Transit Services

The approach to integration testing has changed in Stage 2 to require the application of European standards, amongst others, to ensure that a rigorous process is in place to deal with systems integration and integration testing more broadly.

Complete (Q2 2023)

53

The contractor should maintain a consolidated program schedule incorporating all project activities. These scheduled activities need to align. All stakeholders should have access to this consolidated program schedule.

Transit Services

The Project Agreements set out clear requirements for schedule reporting and provision of an accurate consolidated schedule.

Complete (Q2 2023)

54

The consolidated program schedule incorporating everyone’s activities should be updated to reflect changes to the schedule as the work progresses. The consolidated schedule should remain logical, realistic, and reasonable.

Transit Services

The Project Agreements set out clear requirements for schedule reporting and provision of an accurate consolidated schedule.

Complete (Q2 2023)

55

Material changes in the construction or manufacturing plans should be communicated to those stakeholders who may be impacted by the change. Ideally, these partners will be consulted in advance of a material change being made to the project.

Transit Services

Improvements to the monitoring of contingency fund spending were brought forward for Stage 2 Light Rail in response to the findings of the Auditor General in the Audit of Stage 2 LRT Contingency Funding. This is an ongoing process where material changes to the design are brought forward for review.

Complete (Q2 2023)

56

The contractor must keep its public-sector client apprised of realistic timelines for the completion of the project.

Transit Services

The Project Agreements set out clear requirements for schedule reporting and provision of an accurate consolidated schedule.

Complete (Q2 2023)

57

The public-sector client must show leadership and approach the project with a view to delivering a quality end product. It must act co-operatively and flexibly in a manner consistent with the public interest. The client must also be reasonable and respond fairly if challenges arise that may result in project delays. This includes enabling the ability to pause and slowly replan the work as necessary. The public-sector client must also be realistic and not require the submission of schedule updates indicating on-time completion, unless on-time completion is realistic in all the circumstances.

Transit Services

Transit Services has taken a collaborative approach to management of the project schedules during Stage 2. We have openly and transparently reported on project schedules with the public and have worked closely with the contractors to address and deal with delays. We are working closely with the contract teams in a collaborative and open manner while still preserving our contractual rights.

Complete (Q2 2023)

58

Public entities and private-sector service providers working on complex infrastructure projects should continually foster a culture of early reporting of issues, challenges, and mistakes.

Transit Services

Transit Services has worked diligently to foster a culture of continuous improvement and early reporting of challenges.

The January 2023 Global Settlement between the City of Ottawa and RTG addressed, as a key priority, the relationship and collaboration between the two parties.

Complete (Q2 2023)

59

There must be an appropriate process to honestly identify and communicate reliability and safety issues, not only within the project stakeholder group, but also within the public entity and to the public.

Transit Services

Transit Services has publicly committed to providing daily updates during the Trial Running period in order to openly and directly communicate any reliability issues and safety issues to the public.

Complete (Q2 2023)

60-63: Accuracy, Transparency, and Public Entity Decision-Making

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

60

The decision-making and information sharing by city staff about project implementation must always accord with the terms of any delegation of authority and other governing Council resolutions.

Office of the City Clerk

Legal Services

Subsection 270(1)(6) of the Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act) provides that a municipality shall adopt and maintain policies with respect to the “delegation of its powers and duties.” The Council-approved Delegation of Powers Policy fulfills the requirements of the Act and provides that, “Every delegation of a power or duty of Council shall be accompanied by a corresponding accountability and transparency mechanism.” The policy further requires that enhanced accountability and transparency mechanisms, including consultation and reporting over and above what may be required under the Delegation of Authority By-law, are “formally considered and assessed in potentially high-profile or sensitive matters.”

The accountability and transparency mechanism generally includes a “reporting out” requirement that may specify the frequency and means by which Council is provided with information about the exercise of delegated authority. The reporting out requirement may be set out in items such as the Delegation of Authority By-law, a staff report recommendation, or a Council resolution.

As part of the 2022-2026 Council Governance Review report, the Office of the City Clerk recommended that the Council and Committee report template be amended to include a new “Delegation of Authority Implications” section. The Implications section summarizes the delegated authority being requested, or where existing authority is being exercised. In addition, staff are required to specify how the exercise of delegated authority will be reported out, in accordance with the Delegation of Powers Policy.

Legal Services is undertaking a review of the Employee Code of Conduct, with updates anticipated for Q1 of 2024. The revised Code will reinforce staff’s obligations with respect to transparency and accountability. Related guidance documents will refer to the requirement for staff to adhere to applicable policies and by-laws, including the Delegation of Powers Policy and the Delegation of Authority By-law.

Complete (Q2 2023)

Updates are anticipated for Q1 2024 and released by Q2 2024.

61

The participation of any elected officials in project decision-making must be done transparently, and in accordance with the governance mechanisms established by Council, including any delegation of authority.

Office of the City Clerk

Section 5 of the Municipal Act, 2001 (the Act) provides that, “The powers of the municipality shall be exercised by its Council,” and that a municipal power “… shall be exercised by by-law unless the municipality is specifically authorized to do otherwise.” In accordance with the statute, Council as a whole approves decisions and resolutions on all matters, including project decision-making, during public meetings held pursuant to the Act. Council’s decisions and resolutions are encompassed in the Confirmation By-law which, enacted at the end of every Council meeting, provides that every Council decision is made by by-law.

Existing governance mechanisms such as the Council-approved  Accountability and Transparency Policy may apply to the participation of Members in project decision-making. At its public meetings, Council may also establish project-specific governance mechanisms that provide for specific delegations of authority, along with related accountability and transparency mechanisms such as “reporting out” requirements. The conduct of Members who participate in decision-making must adhere to any requirements set out in the Code of Conduct for Members of Council, including obligations with respect to transparency.

While the role of Council as a whole is outlined above, it should be noted the Mayor has authority to “exercise the powers of the municipality to direct municipal employees” regarding certain matters under Bill 3, the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, and its related Regulations, which came into force on November 23, 2022. That said, any such direction issued by the Mayor is subject to statutory requirements with respect to transparency, including the requirement that the direction be issued in writing and made available to Council and the public.

Regular reviews of Council’s governance mechanisms are conducted twice per term of Council, and include matters relating to delegation of authority, transparency and accountability. Members of Council will continue to receive orientation and training from the Office of the City Clerk regarding the role of Council and delegated authority in project decision-making. The Integrity Commissioner will continue to provide Members with information regarding their obligations under the Code of Conduct for Members of Council.

Complete (Q2 2023)

62

Council and any other person or entity (such as the City of Ottawa’s Transit Commission) charged with project oversight must be able to exercise meaningful oversight of critical decisions made by city staff. This includes by receiving timely updates from staff relating to system performance, testing, and modifications to safety and reliability criteria. Where projects encounter serious difficulty and decisions must be made that will have a significant impact on the public interest, Council must be kept fully informed so that it has the opportunity to act.

City Manager’s Office

City Council recently approved resolutions and issued a direction relating to project oversight and delegated authority for Stage 1 and Stage 2 Light Rail Transit (LRT), and delegated authority more broadly, as follows:

·     On February 22, 2023, Council considered the matter of, “Motion – City Manager Delegated Authority on Amendments to the Stage 1 Light Rail Transit Project Agreement.” Council approved recommendations from the Light Rail Sub-Committee and directed the Interim City Manager “to bring forward to Council a report on the Delegated Authority which has been delegated to the Interim City Manager with respect to the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Project Agreements that would permit Council to receive a briefing on the current use and application of delegation of authority on Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the LRT.”

 

Council further approved that the Light Rail Sub-Committee receive regular updates on the use of the delegated authority from the Interim City Manager with respect to Stage 1 and Stage 2 LRT Project Agreement amendments, and directed the Interim City Manager to bring forward to Council for approval any material amendments related to the Stage 1 and Stage 2 LRT Project Agreements.

On December 7, 2022, Council issued a direction to the Interim City Manager “to bring forward a report summarizing the purpose and scope of all existing and requested Delegated Authority set out under each Schedule of the Delegation of Authority By-law to the Finance and Economic Development Committee [Finance and Corporate Services Committee] and City Council for consideration.”

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

The Light Rail Sub-Committee and Council received the report on the City Manager’s Delegated Authority with Respect to Stage 1 and Stage 2 Light Rail (ACS2023-TSD-TS-0001) on March 29 and April 12, 2023 respectively.

Transit Services will continue to provide timely updates to keep Transit Commission and Light Rail Sub-Committee fully informed of project status so that Council has the opportunity to act, when required.

63

All relevant project agreements and subcontracts, as well as any modifications made to them, should be available for review by city Council, unless there is a compelling reason that it should not be made available. The burden of establishing a “compelling reason” should be placed upon the party asserting that the contract should not be available.

Office of the City Clerk

Transit Services

The City must adhere to statutory provisions that may apply to the disclosure of certain types of information under legislation such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). Furthermore, as disclosing certain contractual provisions might prejudice the City’s legal and other interests, the City may need to place limits on the internal use and external disclosure of information. Such limits may include ensuring that the information is only used for certain purposes and is safeguarded in a secure place at all times.

That said, in the absence of a compelling statutory reason that the information should not be made available, the following approaches may be considered to provide Members with access to contract documentation that would not otherwise be made public:

 

·     Council may elect to establish, by way of resolution, a formal process for accessing the information.

·     Council and/or a Standing Committee/Commission may elect to receive certain information in camera, in keeping with Subsection 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001.

·     Upon request from a Member, the relevant General Manager may provide an opportunity for the Member to review the documentation at a particular location by appointment, further to a review of the information sought and any applicable statutory and/or contractual provisions to ensure that the Member’s viewing complies with any legislative or contractual requirements. Such an opportunity to review the documentation would be provided to all Members if one request is granted.

The City may also publicly disclose certain contracts and related information, subject to redactions to address the statutory and contractual requirements described above. As set out in the Accountability and Transparency Policy, the City proactively discloses executed contracts with a value of $100,000 or more that were not a result of public procurement, as well as contracts resulting from a public procurement exercise that are of significant public interest (such as the Confederation Line project). In addition, documentation may be routinely released by City departments under the Routine Disclosure and Active Dissemination Policy.

Complete (Q2 2023)

64-66: Safety Requirements

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

64

The system’s safety requirements should be identified and detailed during the design phase of the project and referred to as the project evolves during construction. The contractor should design and build for safety from the outset to avoid a retroactive review of hazards and safety. It should aim to reduce the operational restrictions required to account for safety gaps upon completion of the project, to reduce risks of human error.

Transit Services

Stage 2 contractors have been following EN50126 and incorporating safety requirements into their design, construction and testing and commissioning verification and validation processes.

Additionally, an Independent Safety Auditor role exists in Stage 2 and was engaged early in the design process to ensure that the contractors follow the complete program. The City has been deliberately more prescriptive in terms of the specific standards and approaches that are being used by the delivery teams in order to meet safety certification requirements and the subsequent review that is taken by the safety auditor on behalf of the project.

Complete (Q2 2023)

65

The safety management systems for those involved in various aspects of public service must be developed in collaboration with each other and must be aligned. This alignment should be confirmed prior to the start of public service. The safety management systems should also be updated as appropriate.

Transit Services

Stage 2 will undergo a review of all administrative documentation. This review of the safety management system (SMS) has been added to the Regulatory Compliance project within the Rail Operational Readiness program.

The SMS for TNEXT for the Trillium Line will be reviewed and confirmed to be in alignment with OC Transpo’s SMS for the Trillium Line.

The SMS from RTM will be reviewed and confirmed to be in alignment with OC Transpo’s prior to the launch of the Confederation Line extensions.

OC Transpo has two SMS documents due to the differences in the regulatory regimes and requirements between Trillium and Confederation lines. The SMS documents are reviewed and updated annually.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

A third-party review of the SMS will be completed prior to Line 2 and 4 revenue service.

66

An independent safety auditor should be engaged early on in the construction of complex infrastructure projects.

Transit Services

As noted in memos sent to Council in August 2022 and April 2023, SENER has been engaged as the Safety Auditor for all three Stage 2 extensions since Q3 of 2020.

Complete (Q2 2023)

67-75: Preparing for and Achieving a Successful Handover & Start to Public Service

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

67

Maintenance needs to be performed by a permanent, skilled, and local workforce. Where this workforce does not exist, extensive training is required. This training should take place prior to the handover of the infrastructure. Experienced workers should be brought in for an extended period before the start of public service to assist with training, to provide work-shadow opportunities for inexperienced staff members, and to assist with the effective maintenance of the system until the permanent staff can maintain the infrastructure on their own. This assistance should continue as required after the start of public service.

Transit Services

TNEXT has retained experienced mechanics to support the Trillium Line, and TNEXT and RTM will provide documentation to the City for Stage 2 to satisfy these requirements:

·    A maintenance safety case which will include, among other things, organization, positions, numbers of staff

·    Will need to demonstrate maintainability and sustainability of the system

·    These will be reviewed by the City as well as the Safety Certification Team

·    The City’s oversight plans will provide continual oversight on TNEXT and RTM’s performance

Transit Services acknowledges that as governments invest in infrastructure like light rail, local industries and expertise are encouraged to grow.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

Integrated into future Stage 2 and 3 LRT extensions.

68

Operations needs to be performed by a permanent, skilled, and local workforce. Where this workforce does not exist, extensive training is required to prepare the new operators to handle public service. This training should take place prior to the handover of the infrastructure. Experienced operators should be brought in for an extended period of time before the start of public service to assist with training, to provide work-shadow opportunities for inexperienced staff members, and to assist with the effective operations of the system until the permanent staff can operate the system on their own. This assistance should continue as required after the start of public service. A new operator and maintainer must be provided with coordinated opportunities to work and train together on the full system during the pre-launch bedding-in period.

Transit Services

Stage 2 will have opportunities for shadowing and integration with experienced staff.

During training of City Diesel Rail Controllers, TNEXT will provide oversight for all on the job training by experienced rail controller personnel. The City is reviewing the opportunity to retain these personnel to provide additional support during the initial period of passenger service.

In addition, Transit Services has experienced train operators and supervisors who will be supporting Trillium Line operations. Further, the Confederation Line is an extension of an existing operation and is therefore supported by staff with multiple years of experience.

In Progress

69

Train operators should be trained on situational awareness. With trains that are automatically controlled, the operator should be trained to have greater awareness of the various surroundings around the train. The training should also address the need to observe and report any issues that arise during their operation of the train.

Transit Services

As part of the ongoing enhancements to the rail curriculum, changes are routinely made to ensure that staff are operating as safely as possible. The main curriculum for Line 1 includes training that speaks to and tests situational awareness throughout the course. All front-line rail staff were required to complete a full day refresher training on situational awareness in 2022. 

In addition to initial training, Transit Services performs drills and exercises throughout the year, and conducts exercises and compliance tests based on a number of situations that not only assess employees’ compliance with existing operating procedures, but also serve to assist in the identification of gaps and areas for improvement.

Complete (Q2 2023)

70

Upon the system entering public service, the maintenance contractor must have adequate resources to meet the actual needs of the system, including accommodating any outstanding retrofit work.

Transit Services

Transit Services has been working with TNEXT to identify the level of resources to meet the needs of the Trillium Line Service and to minimize the volume of retrofits that could be required during service.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

City staff meet with TNEXT on a bi-weekly basis to confirm required staffing levels and review the status of hiring. TNEXT is partnered with two European firms who have experience maintaining Stadler fleets. TNEXT has also retained maintenance personnel who have experience maintaining Stadler fleets.

71

On a new system or where the maintainers are new to the system, the public entity must allow for a learning curve and avoid putting undue pressure on the maintainers by, for example, generating unnecessary or overly voluminous work orders for the purpose of “testing” the system.

Transit Services

Transit Services will work with RTG and TNEXT as substantial completion approaches on the three Stage 2 extensions to ensure there is a clear understanding between all parties as to which items will be managed under the Minor Deficiencies List and which will be managed as work orders following Substantial Completion.

In Progress (Q1 2024)

72

The public entity should consider putting maintenance and operations under the same “umbrella” – that is, have them be carried out by the same stakeholder – as this may allow for better coordination of the two functions and better co-operation between all parties. If maintenance and operations are delivered by two separate entities, they must devise processes that help ensure co-operation and coordination, as these are key to reliable service. These processes should be revisited and adjusted whenever necessary to respond to the realities of operating and maintaining the infrastructure.

Transit Services

Transit Services will review the protocols in place to ensure alignment with the recommendation to ensure better cooperation with RTM and for Stage 2 for Line 1 and TNext for Line 2, in particular, governance documentation to help set the parameters around the relationship between the operator and maintainer.

City staff conduct daily and monthly maintenance and engineering meetings with RTM to ensure cooperation and coordination as well as operational debriefs and joint coordination around severe weather events.  These processes will also be implemented with TNext for Line 2.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

Reference documents outlining maintenance and oversight responsibilities for the various OC Transpo branches and the corresponding RTG and TNext counterparts have been developed. It reflects OC Transpo’s understanding of maintenance responsibilities and has been provided to both TNext and RTG, who have not commented.

73

Maintenance and operating procedures and protocols must clearly set out the scope of work and responsibilities for the maintainers and operators, and how their activities are to be coordinated. These procedures and protocols must be prepared in advance of system handover to allow adequate time for training the maintainers and operators on them, and must enable direct communication between the operators and the maintainers of the system.

Transit Services

Transit Services will ensure that lessons learned from the launch of Stage 1 will be incorporated to clarify procedures and protocols for Stage 2.

As part of the launch of Line 2, troubleshooting and interpretation guides will be prepared in advance with the involvement of all parties. Validation of the procedures and protocols in place occurs with the acceptance of the Maintenance Safety Case and the Operators’ Safety Case, which will occur in advance of the system handover.  These protocols, procedures and operational guides will be incorporated into the training plans for operational staff and jointly developed and updated in partnership with RTM and TNext.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

74

There must be transparency between operators and maintainers regarding the state of the system, the work to be done, how that work will be approached, and what work has been completed. It is also imperative that there be transparency between the operator and maintainer when it comes to incidents on the system or infrastructure. For instance, the maintainer should be able to access operator records to investigate incidents on the line or to improve its processes and procedures.

Transit Services

Transit Services management agree and will seek cooperation from RTG in the accurate and timely reporting of issues affecting the reliability of the system, for instance, the Failure Reporting and Corrective Action (FRACA) system.

Transit Services will work with RTG to establish a charter of shared commitments, based on these recommendations, to increase good will and transparency between the parties.

RTG currently maintains good tracking systems for light rail vehicles. Transit Services will work with RTG and its subcontractors to encourage the expansion of this level of monitoring and transparency across the whole of the system.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

The charter of shared commitments has been drafted and shared with RTG and TNext respectively.

All parties participate in a number of meetings to share information in a transparent and open manner, including during daily service review meetings and bi-weekly action items meetings. Additional contractual meetings take place, such as work order reviews, as outlined in the Project Agreement.

75

Transit operations and maintenance plans require regular reviews / ongoing monitoring and forecasting of human resource needs, to ensure that requisite resources are available as needed.

Transit Services

Transit Services will request plans and documentation so as to exercise appropriate oversight over RTM/Alstom staffing projections. Staff have opportunities to discuss staffing and other resource needs as part of the regular meetings with the maintainer.

OC Transpo is carefully reviewing its own staffing projections to ensure that staff are properly onboarded and trained to support the handover of Stage 2. TNEXT and RTM will provide documentation to the City for Stage 2 to satisfy these requirements:

·    A maintenance safety case which will include, among other things, organization, positions, numbers of staff

·    Will need to demonstrate maintainability and sustainability of the system

·    These will be reviewed by the City as well as the Safety Certification Team

·    The City’s oversight plans will provide continual oversight on TNEXT and RTM’s performance

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

76-87: Public Service

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

76

Staff of the public entity and the private-sector service providers must ensure that Council (or such persons or entity responsible for project oversight) is provided with timely, complete, and accurate information about the infrastructure to allow for effective and transparent oversight. In providing this information, stakeholders must be mindful that they are serving the public and strive to maintain and bolster the public’s trust.

Transit Services

City Council has created a new Light Rail Sub-Committee specifically to provide oversight and receive regular reports regarding non-operational light rail issues.

Transit Services staff will continue to provide regular, transparent reports to the Light Rail Sub-Committee and the Transit Commission

Transit Services will seek assurances from RTM that they will provide timely and accurate information for the purposes of informing Council.

Complete (Q1 2024)

Processes are now in place to report to Council on testing, commissioning and trial running of the Stage 2 LRT.

The Light Rail Sub-Committee (LRSC) is in place.

Representatives from RTG, RTM, and Alstom attended the October 12, 2023 Transit Commission to update Transit Commission on their work to improve O-Train reliability.

77

Maintenance work orders should be fairly and appropriately classified to avoid disputes and ensure efficient operation of the system. Work order systems should clearly define different categories of work to avoid unnecessary disputes and overreach.

Transit Services

Negotiations with RTG are underway to enable the incorporation of lessons learned from Stage 1 into an interpretation guide to clarify procedures and protocols for Stage 2, that will be reviewed and updated regularly.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

A key performance measures (KPM) interpretation guide and temporary repair process is in place.

Further improvements, including an alarm management process and RTG help desk procedures for classifying work orders is in process.

78

The public entity should not overload the maintainer with work orders and should avoid entering batch orders where response times need to be met, in particular at inconvenient hours of the day, where avoidable.

Transit Services

Work is underway to improve the process and options have been explored for entering and tracking work orders to ensure proper pacing of work orders. Improvements have been made to reduce incidents of batch orders, for example offering RTG representatives the opportunity to join City staff on inspections.

Complete (Q1 2024)

Transit Services no longer batches work orders together. Regular audits, joint station walkthroughs, and monthly station visits take place.

79

Deductions for poor maintenance performance must be fair and not overly punitive, and they must be applied fairly, reasonably, and with a view to the public interest in the long-term success of the project.

Transit Services

The Council-approved January 2023 Global Settlement between the City of Ottawa and RTG addressed this recommendation.

Complete (Q2 2023)

80

There should be timely and proper responses to problems related to maintenance and operations by all parties once they arise. The safety and needs of the public should be prioritized.

Transit Services

Transit Services has strong plans and protocols protecting the safety of the public, such as suspension of service and the implementation of R1 service to meet the needs of transit customers.

RTG comment: User and system safety is paramount and the priority factor driving all operational decisions. RTG, through its subcontractor RTM, maintains an operational center at 805 Belfast which provides 24/7 coverage for the full system and yard operations. All problems are reported to the operational centre which ensures the required response is properly planned, taking into account service requirements and other priorities.

Complete (Q2 2023)

81

To minimize disputes and delays in resolving issues, it is important to clearly define the distinction between issues relating to maintenance and those that may be covered by the warranty of the constructor, as well as who bears responsibility for each.

Transit Services

Transit Services will work with RTG and TNEXT as substantial completion approaches on the three Stage 2 extensions to ensure there is a clear understanding between all parties as to which items will be managed under the Minor Deficiencies List and which will be managed as work orders following Substantial Completion.

RTG comment: Maintenance is undertaken in accordance with preventative maintenance programs, and, where appropriate or where required, corrective maintenance is undertaken. This ensures that all issues are addressed as required regardless of whether covered by a warranty. This applies equally to both infrastructure, where the initial two-year infrastructure warranty period has lapsed, and to vehicles. To ensure that disputes and delays are minimized with the addition of stage 2, robust warranty protocols are being discussed and will be implemented.

In Progress (Q1 2024)

This action is being tracked as Line 2 approaches Substantial Completion.

82

The constructor should be required to make an objective assessment of the anticipated retrofit work and scale the resources that it will make available post-handover to match that assessment.

Transit Services

Transit Services will seek assurances, work collaboratively, and exercise appropriate oversight to ensure this assessment takes place.

RTG comment: The actual requirements for retrofit works to the vehicle is well-documented and informed from the lessons learned over the past 3.5 years of service. Recent improvements to vehicle reliability, the commissioning of additional stage 2 vehicles and increased staffing will expedite the implementation of the vehicle retrofit plan with minimal impact on day-to-day operations.

In Progress (Q1 2024)

This action is being tracked as Line 2 approaches Substantial Completion.

83

It is critical that the timely and proper completion of maintenance activities be prioritized, including proactive and preventive maintenance.

Transit Services

Transit Services will work with RTM to ensure that they are prioritizing and reporting back effectively and transparently.

RTG comment: Maintenance is undertaken in accordance with a preventative maintenance program. Timely completion of maintenance activities is monitored and audited on an ongoing basis both internally and externally. The Maintenance Contractor as well as the Maintenance Subcontractor are revising the current concession management process to ensure that any maintenance schedule changes are justified.  Maintenance and warranty tasks have been and will continue to be completed by separate teams to ensure that both are correctly and timeously addressed.

Complete (Q3 2023)

Transit Engineering Services provides oversight to ensure RTM adherence to their preventative maintenance program.

84

The party or parties involved in providing maintenance must have effective and robust quality control measures in place, including ensuring that work is performed in an orderly way, consistently documenting the completed steps, and having proper checklists and record keeping for the assembly and repair of safety-critical parts.

Transit Services

 Following the August 2021 derailment, RTM undertook a substantial change in their quality control processes. This is part of the work that was completed to allow the safe return to service. TRA was engaged to provide independent and detailed oversight over this process.

The continued exercise of oversight over RTM’s operations to ensure ongoing compliance will be incorporated into the Annual Line 1 Oversight Plan developed by Transit Engineering Services and Safety, Regulatory, Training & Development.

RTG comment: The Maintenance Contractor conducts regular monthly audits on the Maintenance Subcontractor, these include audits of its (i) maintenance and rehabilitation scope, (ii) health, safety and environment, (iii) support processes and operations as well as (iv) its quality management system. Findings from these audits are used to continuously improve processes, specifically the Safety Management System which is enhanced on an ongoing basis.

Complete (Q2 2023)

85

Where avoidable, safety-critical maintenance should not be performed over two different shifts. It should also require a supervisory or quality control sign-off to ensure that work has been completed to the proper standard.

Transit Services

Transit Services will continue to exercise oversight over RTG’s quality assurance and quality control processes to ensure the implementation of this recommendation.

RTG comment: Agreed, the performance of safety critical maintenance is generally not performed over two shifts. If, however, this cannot be avoided, the work is halted at an appropriate point in the activity and proper handover is conducted between the two shifts. These handover processes have been strengthened and handover oversight is provided by the quality control function.

Complete (Q1 2024)

86

There should be a process that enables individual maintainers and operators to raise issues they observe on the system that require improvement or fixes, to help identify issues early on and ensure the system is as good as it can be.

Transit Services

Transit Services conducts daily and weekly meetings with the maintainers and is in regular contact and open to suggestions. There are processes through the SMS and the Confederation Line Safety Committee with the City and its maintainer to raise safety concerns and/or issues.

OC Transpo staff working on the line and in the TOCC are trained and expected to report any unusual or abnormal activity / behavior to RTM whether it be vehicle, station and infrastructure or system related. OC Transpo tracks all information provided to the maintainer for tracking, trending and for follow-up where required, including tracking of corrective actions.

RTG comment: The Maintainer's Asset Management System, IMIRS, has this functionality; it allows maintainers and operators to raise issues observed on the system through the opening of a work order. The respective work order, depending on its severity, is prioritized to ensure timely response and rectification, failing which, financial penalties are imposed on the Maintenance Contractor.

Complete (Q2 2023)

87

The province should implement a system for major infrastructure projects that gives legal protection to whistleblowers who bring forward concerns. Consideration should be given to extending legislation for whistleblower programs to municipalities more broadly.

Government of Ontario

N/A

For the Provincial Government’s consideration (Q2 2023)

88-103: Recommendations for the OLRT1

# Recommendation Lead Department(s) Actions to address the recommendation Status and timelines for completion

88

Work undertaken to strengthen the City’s oversight framework should continue, including assessing OC Transpo’s oversight and monitoring programs and making any improvements identified to ensure safety and reliability of the system.

Transit Services

Transit Services’ work is underway and ongoing with input from TRA. There is an annual review of the OC Transpo’s Line 1 Oversight Plan and associated activities (Engineering & Safety, Regulatory, Training & Development), in addition to ongoing monitoring and oversight conducted by the RMCO.

TRA’s review of the oversight plan is part of our commitment to continuous improvement and applies an additional safety lens. Other experts, such as STV, have been providing oversight.

Complete (Q3 2023)

A new Transit Engineering Services area has been created to provide technical oversight to Lines 1 and 2. New positions include Director, Manager of Vehicle and Rail Systems and program manager of infrastructure.

89

Following incidents on the system, OLRT1 parties should continue to hold debrief meetings with all stakeholders present, in order to identify lessons learned and make improvements going forward.

Transit Services

Transit Services’ SMS and standard operating procedures include a requirement to conduct debrief meetings with stakeholders after incidents on the system. Staff will continue to hold debrief meetings with stakeholders.

RTG comment: Several meetings are held with City representatives on an ongoing basis – these include: daily meetings, a bi-weekly meeting, weekly meetings and a monthly meeting. These meetings are in addition to any ad-hoc meetings requested by any of the project stakeholders to make ongoing improvements.

Complete (Q2 2023)

90

A partnership approach should be adopted during the operations and maintenance phase and to address issues that arise on the system.

Transit Services

Partnership was the main theme RTG emphasized to the Commissioner as one of the prevalent lessons learned from recent years. The City and RTG acknowledge the evolution of the parties’ approach to the partnership, leading to the recent resolution of several issues. Partnership requires ongoing dialogue and common objectives. While the parties’ relationship continues to evolve, both sides recognize that the sustainability of Ottawa’s rail system will depend on a day-to-day commitment to transparency, respect and fairness.

Transit Services and RTG have undertaken a partnership exercise and established a charter of shared values to guide discussions throughout the future of the maintenance period.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

The charter of shared commitments has been drafted and shared with RTG and TNext respectively.

All parties participate in a number of meetings to share information in a transparent and open manner, including during daily service review meetings and bi-weekly action items meetings. Additional contractual meetings take place, such as work order reviews, as outlined in the Project Agreement.

The maintainer also conducts their own audits and participates in City audits.

91

Outstanding payment disputes between the City and RTG should be resolved at the earliest opportunity, in particular related to the City’s approach to issuing and classifying work orders, and the City’s administration of the payment mechanism (the City’s carrying forward of deductions incurred in a previous month to the next payment period, and the City’s interpretation of the impact of the delayed Revenue Service Availability date on the maintenance payment schedule).

Transit Services

The Council-approved January 2023 Global Settlement between the City of Ottawa and RTG addressed this recommendation.

Complete (Q2 2023)

92

If RTG continues to be responsible for maintenance during the remainder of the maintenance term, RTG and the City, as well as RTM and Alstom Maintenance, should make efforts to repair their relationships and work together better for the greater good of the OLRT1 project.

Transit Services

The City, RTG and its subcontractors are committed to the success of the OLRT project and are committed to working collaboratively together for the remainder of the Maintenance Term. All parties have been making significant headway towards working collaboratively at resolving issues. Over this period, RTG and its subcontractors have been transparent on all ongoing issues allowing City staff real-time access to information. The parties are committed to working to find an appropriate balance between monitoring and RTG’s ability to efficiently carry out day-to-day activities.

RTG and the City share the same objectives and expect the partnership to continue to evolve, with the goal of shifting from ongoing monitoring to collaborative oversight.

Complete (Q2 2023)

93

If not yet complete, an engineering assessment of the appropriate rail neutral temperature for the OLRT1 should be completed, and the rail neutral temperature adjusted accordingly, so that the track buckling issues can be mitigated for the long term.

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Transit Services

Transit Services acknowledges that the maintainer has been actively undertaking various works on the system (cutting/welding, ballast work, lateral anchors, and temperature testing) to improve the performance of the track in order to mitigate buckling issues. A Rail Neutral Temperature Report will be updated in summer 2023 based on additional measurements.

RTG comment: This engineering assessment is ongoing and should be completed in the coming months. Additional testing has been scheduled to take place in May 2023, weather permitting.

Complete (Q3 2023)

An assessment of the appropriate rail neutral temperature for the OLRT1 has been completed and the rail neutral temperature meets requirements.

94

Alstom should continue its preventive maintenance of the line inductors, including checking them before and after every winter for any buildup of contaminants, and cleaning them as required.

Transit Services

Transit Services staff will continue to work with Alstom to ensure that this preventative maintenance takes place.

RTG comment: The line inductors have undergone a modification program to restrict the ingress of water, salt, and debris into the enclosure. Critically, a batch problem with the inductors has been corrected the units have now been successfully used over multiple winters. RTG is also ensuring that the units are maintained in accordance with the preventative maintenance program.

Complete (Q2 2023)

95

Alstom should continue its regular inspections of the overhead catenary system to clean the parafils as required, or repair/replace them as necessary.

Transit Services

Transit Services staff will continue to work with Alstom to ensure that this preventative maintenance takes place.  Locations with repeated failures will be reviewed and enhancements implemented as necessary to improve system reliability.

RTG comment: The parafils are subject to regular inspection; this includes the six-month inspection, which is a detailed review of the major components of the OCS, including the parafils. The root cause of recent incidents affecting the parafils are being analyzed to assess whether the longevity of these assets can be enhanced.

Complete (Q3 2023)

RTM has a program of regular inspections and maintenance. The City provides oversight utilizing inspections and audits.

96

The City, RTG and its subcontractors, and Alstom must follow through on the outstanding investigations regarding the root cause of the August 8, 2021 derailment, act on the findings, and ensure that any root cause of this derailment is addressed.

Transit Services

Transit Services staff will work with RTG and its subcontractors on any requirements arising from the final root cause report.

RTG comment: Alstom and RTG have appointed independent third parties to conduct thorough investigations regarding the root cause of the August 2021 derailment, these investigations are ongoing. Once complete, a consolidated report will be prepared detailing the conclusions reached and the proposed way forward. In the interim, various mitigation strategies have been put in place to ensure the safety and reliability of the system, in addition, the effectiveness of vibration monitoring is being investigated as a possible early detection mechanism.

In Progress (Q1 2024)

RTG has committed to provide a consolidated report and will be attending Transit Commission in March 2024 to provide an update on technical progress. Further updates will be brought to Transit Commission as part of operational updates.

RTG and Alstom attended Transit Commission in Q4 2023 as part of an update on the root cause analysis.

97

A permanent solution to the wheel/rail interface issues needs to be identified and implemented in a timely manner. This solution may involve using a different type of wheel, replacing the track or part of the track, additional track reprofiling, enhancing the axle design to withstand the forces coming from the track, or even modifying the track alignment to address the issue of sharp curves. A wheel/rail interaction study should be undertaken to determine the appropriate solution(s). All parties should work co-operatively to implement the solution(s).

Transit Services

Transit Services, RTG and its subcontractors conduct regular Wheel/Rail Working group meetings as part of the resolution of this recommendation.

RTG comment: A permanent solution to the wheel/rail interface issues is being investigated. As part of the investigation, the National Research Council Canada (NRC) prepared a preliminary report examining the initial wheel/rail interaction and identifying detrimental characteristics (such as wear and rolling contact fatigue) in December 2021. A further report was prepared in March 2022 which went beyond the preliminary report, looking at the wear and surface damage trends of the wheels and rails. It also evaluated the current friction management practices to establish the cause for the most prevalent Confederation Line issues such as corrugation and wheel squealing. An optimized wheel/rail profile was also prepared by the NRC which remains part of the ongoing investigation in identifying a permanent solution.

In Progress (Q1 2024)

RTG has committed to provide a consolidated report and will be attending Transit Commission in March 2024 to provide an update on technical progress. Further updates will be brought to Transit Commission as part of operational updates.

RTG and Alstom attended Transit Commission in Q4 2023 as part of an update on the root cause analysis.

98

Transportation Resource Associates or another independent third-party expert should continue to monitor safety issues and remedial actions undertaken by the parties to ensure the continued safe operation of the OLRT1 system, pending a final resolution of the issues relating to the wheel/rail interface and the first derailment. This independent safety expert should report directly to Council or to the Transit Commission.

Transit Services

Transit Services will continue to utilize independent third-party expertise, as well as the additional oversight exercised through OC Transpo’s new centralized Transit Engineering Services service area. TRA continues to be engaged to monitor safety issues pending a final resolution of the wheel/rail interface.

As mentioned in response to recommendation 88, there is an annual review of OC Transpo’s Line 1 Oversight Plan and associated activities, in addition to ongoing monitoring and oversight conducted by the RMCO.

City Council has also created additional oversight through the creation of the new LRT sub-committee of Council.

Complete (Q3 2023)

99

Pending the implementation of a permanent solution to the wheel/rail interface, and any other issue that may later be found to have contributed to the August 8, 2021 derailment, the City and RTG should continue implementing the current remedial measures intended to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system, including any new measures that are deemed advisable as more becomes known about the root cause of the derailment and the wheel/rail interface more generally. These should include:

a. Reducing rail corrugation through maintenance;

b. Increasing track lubrication (greasing);

c. Adjusting the speed profile (to lower the speed in some places, particularly along curves); and

d. Modifying the wheel profile to better sustain the transversal forces coming from the track.

Transit Services

Transit Services is conducting weekly meetings with RTG and Alstom to track progress on this work. Additional oversight through TRA is integrated into this process.

RTG comment: Corrugation is addressed through an annual grinding campaign, which was last conducted in August 2022 during the major maintenance shut down period. There are two types of lubrication (i) gauge face/flange lubrication and (ii) top of rail that are being assessed for effectiveness.  Temporary Speed Restrictions are currently in place throughout the system. As discussed in recommendation 97, an optimized wheel to rail profile has been developed and is being investigated.

In Progress

A rail grinding program was undertaken in the summer of 2023 to address rail corrugations.

The implementation of a top-of-rail lubrication system is expected in Q4 2023.

100

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

Substantially completed and now part of operations:

a. A rail grinding program was undertaken in the summer of 2023 to address rail corrugations.

b. The implementation of a top-of-rail lubrication system is expected in Q1 2024.

c. Temporary speed restrictions are in place. They will be reviewed based on the successful implementation of TOR lubrication and nut-pinning.

d. RTG and Alstom continue to assess as part of the broader consolidated report

Transit Services

Transit Services will work collaboratively with RTG to support the implementation of this recommendation.

RTG comment: Optimization of the wheel to rail profile is being investigated, please refer to recommendation 99 in this regard. In addition, several focus areas have been explored; these include ultrasonic and visual inspections as well as corrugation measurement conducted by Advanced Rail Management, and the ongoing testing of the effectiveness of wayside rail lubrication. Others, to the extent applicable, continue to be investigated.   

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

Substantially completed and now part of operations.

The Working group members continue to meet and review the current wheel and rail profiles specifically against the NRC report with a plan due in Q1 2024.

a. In progress

b. In progress

c. In progress

d. Modifications to the wheel flange lubrication on the vehicle are currently being tested.

e. Grinding of full track alignment in the summer of 2023. Planning for 2024 grinding in progress.

f. In progress

g. In progress

Implementation of a top-of-rail lubrication system is expected in Q1 2024. Restraining Rail gaps have been adjusted as per the Atkins report.

101

The operating profile should be adjusted as necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the OLRT1 system by reducing stress on the vehicle components and avoiding excessive wear. Consideration should be given to reducing vehicle speeds, particularly along curves and to account for different climatic conditions. The parties should work collaboratively over the long term to agree on changes in the best interests of the transit riders and taxpayers.

Transit Services

Instrumented bogie testing will help to support the implementation of this recommendation.

Based on the Instrumented Bogie testing of November 2022, RTM has recommended existing temporary speed reductions should remain. A comprehensive report that considers a number of factors that impact safety and reliability of the O-Train system is anticipated in Q2 2023. City staff will review the results of that report.

RTG comment: As discussed at recommendation 99 above, Temporary Speed Restrictions have been implemented. In addition, Type 1 and 2 braking has been proactively implemented to account for changing climatic conditions.

Ongoing investigations are underway in collaboration with all stakeholders to find long-term sustainable solutions to enhance vehicle safety and reliability.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

Temporary speed restrictions continue to be applied to meet technical and safety requirements from RTM.

102

Alstom should follow through with its plans to replace the spline axles on the LRVs following the problems with excessive wear to the splines that were identified in its presentation dated June 30, 2021.

Transit Services

Transit Services will support Alstom in completing this recommendation. A proactive axel replacement program is in place, based on measured wear and kilometres travelled.

 

RTG comment: Alstom, in conjunction with other project stakeholders, is actively involved developing recommendations for a sustainable solution for the Ottawa LRT, a recommendation which is currently being explored is the possible redesign of the spline.

In Progress (Q1 2024)

Implementation of the spline axle retrofit program is under discussion and is being considered with the broader sustainable solution for the axle hub failures.

This change is now only being considered for newly Stage 2 manufactured vehicles starting at LRV59 and onwards up to LRV72.

103

The parties should consider the use of a detection system as a potential remedial option for overheated roller bearings.

Transit Services

Transit Services is supporting Alstom’s pilot project that started in Q4 2022 to assess the effectiveness of utilising vibration monitoring “Smart Bugs.” Currently 40 axles over 4 LRVs are fitted with “Smart Bugs” and Alstom is monitoring vibrations from vehicles in service to detect a “signature” that would indicate a bearing condition below serviceability limits. Discussions are also underway with the National Research Council to determine the feasibility of undertaking a bench test to establish the “signature.”

RTG comment: Vibration monitoring devices have been installed on pilot vehicles to assess whether vibration monitoring would be an effective early detection mechanism. In addition to this pilot project, Alstom, in conjunction with other project stakeholders, is actively involved developing further recommendations for a sustainable solution for the Ottawa LRT.

Accepted and Implemented (Q1 2024)

NRC design of a new testing rig is complete, and fabrication is underway. Bench testing expected in late January 2024 to identify a vibration “signature.”

Other ways we stay accountable

Free Parking

Transportation Safety Board reportable occurrences

As part of our standard practice, we notify the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) of any unforeseen occurrences on our transit system.

More info about Service Types
Performance measures

Performance measures

OC Transpo’s business decisions are – and will continue to be – based on data. We manage and improve service for our customers by analyzing data that fall into four categories:

  • Safety
  • Ridership
  • Customer service
  • Service reliability.
More info about Service Types
The Next Stop Blog

The Next Stop Blog

Here you’ll get behind the scenes looks at our operations that you normally don’t read or hear about. Catch up on OC Transpo’s latest stories and explainers

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Transit Advisory Working Group

The Transit Advisory Working Group (TAWG) was established as per Council approval of the Advisory Body Review in July 2023, and in consultation with Transit Services and the City Clerk. The Advisory Body Review report (ACS2023-OCC-GEN-0008) stipulated the mandate, membership and other details of the Transit Working Group.

As a result, Transit Services launched an open process in December 2023 to select the members for a new Transit Advisory Working Group (TAWG). The TAWG provides an ongoing public perspective and technical advice on transit operations. Selected members are all avid transit users and include a diversity of perspectives including, Para Transpo users, students, public servants, members of equity seeking groups, and technical experts. The seven members of the inaugural TAWG are:

  • Ami Gagné
  • Caroline Lu
  • Connie Shingoose
  • Jordan Papazoglou
  • Nathan-Cyril Manlangit
  • Elaine Taylor
  • Syafiqah Rudeen

The work of the TAWG will compliment Transit Services’ ongoing discussions with community stakeholders, the Accessibility Advisory Committee and OC Transpo’s Para Transpo Working Group. Staff look forward to working with this group. They are confident that the TAWG’s technical advice, feedback, and overall guidance will benefit our customers.