The Next Stop Blog

Project Spotlight: Expanding free Wi-Fi across Line 1 stations

If you’ve ever checked your e-mail or browsed the web while waiting at one of our stations, you probably already know how useful our free TELUS Wi-Fi network can be.

Currently installed in seven stations and counting, our free Wi-Fi network allows customers to save their data while waiting for their next bus or train.

Have you ever thought about what it takes to install a Wi-Fi network in an active train station? We try to make it look easy, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Find out how we’re expanding free Wi-Fi to all stations on O-Train Line 1.

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May 26 – LRT Sub-Committee

On May 26, the Light Rail Sub-Committee   received an update on the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension project and received a detailed report on the preparations for the public opening of the system.

You can watch our update  here .

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Rail Installation on the O-Train South Extension

Spring is in the air and construction is moving ahead full speed on all three Stage 2 O-Train Extensions.

The O-Train South extension is getting closer to completion each day. We recently celebrated the Stadler FLIRT’s first journey to Riverside South in late April. As trackwork continues to progress, we’re excited to see the FLIRT travel further north.

Before this can happen, let’s check in on how rail installation is progressing on the O-Train South Extension.

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A Day In The Life - Electric Rail Controller

What happens when there is a medical emergency on a train?

Why are trains sometimes temporarily held?

How do trains know when they have to switch tracks?

Every train movement on O-Train Line 1 is carefully automated; however, sometimes there are incidents or emergencies that need troubleshooting.

Electric Rail Controllers (ERC) play an important role in helping you safely arrive at your destination.

ERCs are constantly monitoring the rail service and are ready to respond if something happens to help minimize impacts to your commute.

Let’s get to know OC Transpo’s ERCs.

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OC Transpo celebrates International Women’s Day

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #EmbraceEquity.

At OC Transpo, we recognize that each person brings different experiences to the table. The more we can do as an organization and as individuals to break down barriers, the more inclusive, welcoming and healthy our workplaces will be.

Let’s get to know some of the women on the front lines and behind the scenes of Ottawa’s transit system!

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March 3 Transit Commission Update

Transit Commission heard that O-Train Line 1 and conventional bus ridership is at 62% of pre-pandemic levels and Para Transpo ridership is at 76% of pre-pandemic levels. This is a steady rise from last year and is on-par with ridership forecasts for 2023.

We are continuing to bring Wi-Fi connectivity to more O-Train Line 1 stations. In January, Pimisi Station became our fourth station to have Wi-Fi.

This spring, we’ll be continuing to educate customers about how to use the transit system and plan their commutes.  

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Blast from the pass

Is it embarrassing to get excited about a transit pass?  

No, we didn’t think so either.  

A customer recently turned in a very special transit pass from the year 2000.  

Not only was it from the first month of the year, but it was the very first pass issued of the millennium!   

That’s right – transit pass 0001. 

Our jaws dropped when seeing the excellent condition of this historic pass. We immediately added it to our archives.  

This made us wonder, what other vintage transit passes do we have kicking around? 

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Have you met our newest train?

There’s a new train in town.  

Have you met the FLIRT? 

Also known as the Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train, the FLIRT is our newest train that is currently undergoing testing on the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension. In the near future, customers will be able to ride our newest trains between Bayview Station and Limebank Station in Riverside South on the future expanded Line 2

Let’s get to know our new train a little better. 

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