How your trip will change

Highlights

8 things to know about your future trips

• Bus service changes: There’ll only initially be minor changes to the bus network when we launch O‑Train Lines 2 and 4. Bus service, including Line 2 buses between Bayview and South Keys, will continue to operate normally. Select routes will be adjusted to connect with Line 2 in the south, allowing the option to take the train.
• Seamless connections: Easily switch between O‑Train lines. Transfers between O‑Train lines and buses are free. This makes it easy to explore the city at no extra charge.
• Bike and pedestrian-friendly: New pathways, bridges and bike amenities on the expanded network improve access for cyclists and pedestrians.
• New destinations: Discover vibrant neighbourhoods, foodie hotspots, and outdoor havens, thanks to new O‑Train stations across the city.
• Campus connections: New stops at Carleton University and Algonquin College simplify student commutes.
• New trains: Modern and spacious Stadler FLIRT trains will serve Line 2 and Alstom Lint trains will run on Lines 2 and 4. We’re also extending service on Lines 1 and 3 with additional Alstom Citadis Spirits.
• Integrated mobility: Your future trips will now seamlessly connect with other transportation modes, including VIA Rail trains, the Ottawa Airport, and intercity buses.
• Park & Ride: New Park & Ride locations make it easier to connect to transit.

New trains

The Stadler FLIRT trains will nearly double the capacity of Line 2, which runs from Bayview Station to Limebank Station. This train model is used in 21 countries, from the Arctic Circle to Africa. Seven trains in total will serve the line, with six running daily and one backup. The trains are 81.1 m long and can carry 420 passengers.

The trains were built in Stadler's Swiss factory and shipped to Ottawa for final checks. We’ve been testing trains along Line 2 since 2022.

The acronym FLIRT stands for Fast Light Innovative Regional Train. The FLIRT will run approximately every 12 minutes on Line 2. Each train can carry 420 passengers. This modern train service will connect South Ottawa with the rest of the city.

Fast, light, and modern

Quick facts:

• Accessible
• Fast
• Built for winter: Find these trains in Belarus, Czechia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, and Poland
• Heated and air conditioned

• Lightweight aluminium construction
• Maintenance-friendly build with proven components
• Low energy consumption by storing excess power
• Diesel-powered train model
• Each trainset includes:
  • Two cab cars
  • Two coaches (passenger cars)
  • One diesel power pack car
• Capable of reaching 120 km/h
• Meets all regulations for reduced NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions

Onboard experience

Get ready for a smooth ride! Here’s what you can expect onboard:

• Seats for nearly 200 passengers
• Up to 420 passengers at full capacity
• Foldable armrests on most seats
• Full LED lighting
• Passenger information screens for upcoming stops
• 16 doors (8 on each side) for quick level boarding
• Space for mobility devices, bikes, and strollers

The trains feature low-level floors for easy access from station platforms. There are eight cooperative seating areas per train. Each section can comfortably accommodate two people using mobility devices.

• Spacious interior for easy circulation
• Wide doors and low-level floors for ease of access from the station platforms
• Larger accessibility seating areas (both ends of train)
• Synchronized audio and visual passenger announcements
• Bright yellow and easy-to-reach handholds and grab bars throughout

Designed with your safety in mind

Like the Alstom Citadis Spirit trains running on Line 1, the new Stadler FLIRT trains will have many safety features including:

• CCTVs (security cameras) covering all passenger areas
• Emergency braking system
• Direct emergency intercom to the operator
• New signal and train control system to manage trains along the line

The Stadler FLIRTs feature the red-and-white exterior design seen on the Alstom Citadis Spirit trains. The FLIRT trainset is made up of four cars and a central "Power Pack" unit. Train cars are semi-permanently attached for optimal performance.

Two new maintenance and storage facilities were built for the new O‑Train network:

• Albion Yard (for O‑Train Lines 2 and 4)
• Corkstown Yard (for O‑Train Lines 1 and 3).

At these yards, technicians will maintain the trains, infrastructure and operating systems of the extended service.

Transfers

Easily switch between lines

The expanded O-Train network makes transferring easier with:

• Stations designed to facilitate transferring
• Short wait times
• Easy-to-follow signage and digital information screens
• Up-to-the-minute audio and visual announcements

Destinations

Explore Ottawa's vibrant neighbourhoods with the expanded O‑Train network! New stops will bring rail service to top destinations. Food lovers will have convenient access to culinary hotspots, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate new connections to the city's beautiful parks, outdoor spaces, and pathways.

And for students, stations at Carleton University and Algonquin College will make campus life more accessible.

O‑Train South launch transition

The transition to a new transit service can be difficult. When O‑Train Lines 2 and 4 launch, there will be no major changes to bus service. Bus service will continue to run as it does today, in parallel, but a few routes will extend to connect to Limebank Station. This means that you can continue to use the bus or try the new train service.

This approach will give you time to familiarize yourself with the new O‑Train system at your own pace. We want to make sure that you feel comfortable and confident when making the transition to the expanded network.

You will be informed well in advance of any changes to parallel bus service.

What to expect

No major changes will be made to bus service when O-Train Lines 2 and 4 open. Here’s an overview of Ottawa South bus service:

• Line 2 bus service will continue to run between Bayview and South Keys
• Three bus routes will make new connections at Limebank Station when O‑Train Line 2 opens:
  • Route 74 (extended from Riverview Station)
  • Route 198
  • Route 299
• Routes 93 and 299 will continue to serve Leitrim Station
• Route 97 will continue to serve Ottawa Airport