The O-Line
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February 28, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
This morning, service ran with 9 trains on the line. There were no delays or incidents affecting rail service during the morning peak. Trains, along with the augmented S1/R1 bus service, were able to accommodate customer volumes as Friday volumes are lower than other weekdays.
Friday
Service is currently running with 9 trains, arriving approximately every 6 minutes.
S1 supplemental bus service will continue to run directly to downtown from Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations until noon. At noon, S1 service will switch to run from Albert Street downtown to Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.
We will also continue to run a number of buses to augment, not replace, rail service from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Station, serving all stations. Although trains will be serving all stations along Line 1, these buses will provide some additional capacity along the line
Both the S1 and R1 supplementary bus services will run from 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., to match the hours of service on Line 1.
This weekend
This weekend we anticipate that RTG will provide 9 trains for service. That will mean that trains will be arriving approximately every 7 minutes, as opposed to the regular weekend schedule of every 5 minutes.
This number of trains will be sufficient to carry the normal volume of weekend customers. As a result, the supplementary R1/S1 service that is running today will not be required over the weekend. We will respond as necessary to deploy R1 service if there is a service interruption on the line.
Monday
We continue to press RTG to restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible. At this point, we are anticipating that Monday’s commute will run with a reduced number of trains. The R1 and S1 supplementary bus services will be in place for the Monday morning commute.
We are monitoring the situation very closely, including the weather, available numbers of buses, trains and operators and RTM’s progress to restore vehicles to service. We will continue to assess the need for the augmented bus service and will respond as required to provide the best possible service to our customers. On Monday, I will provide you with an update on the situation and on our service plans going forward.
Customers can visit our home page for more information and updates on service.
February 27, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
Repairs to the overhead catenary system were completed by 12:30 am this morning. At approximately 2 am, we experienced power outages in the maintenance yard. Power was restored within 30 minutes and did not delay the launch of service. RTG was able to provide 9 trains for service launch this morning. Between 6 am and 8 am, we experienced two immobilized trains at Rideau and at Tremblay Station, reducing the number in service to 7. Both trains were stopped due to vehicle power issues. The train at Rideau Station stopped just east of the platform, and passengers were escorted back to the station. Technicians were dispatched and both trains have been removed from the line. Service was restored by 8 am.
We are currently providing service approximately every 8 minutes to all stations on the line with 7 trains. RTG is anticipating that we will have 8 trains available for afternoon peak service. Given the weather and the issues we have been experiencing, and to ensure continuity of service for our customers, we are introducing two additional measures today:
Extended S1 Service
Today, we will be running our S1 supplemental bus service throughout the day and evening matching the rail service hours. To date, S1 supplemental service has only run during peak periods. S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations until noon. At noon, S1 service will switch to run from downtown to Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.
Proactive R1 Service
In addition to the S1 supplemental service, we will be running a number of buses to augment, not replace, rail service from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Station, serving all stations. We are implementing R1 service proactively, to provide additional capacity along the line throughout the day and evening again matching rail service hours.
With the lower number of people travelling today, it appears that the reduced capacity of the train service plus the augmented bus services will be enough to carry everyone home this afternoon. If there are short delays there may be cases where some customers will have to wait for the next train or bus. We continue to work with RTG to restore full levels of service. We are planning to continue to provide the extended S1 service and proactive R1 service to support service on Friday.
Customers can visit our home page for more information and updates on service.
February 26, 2020
Preparation for significant snow event
In preparation for the winter storm forecasted by Environment Canada, OC Transpo has initiated our Severe Weather Plan which includes:
- Activation of our Service Command Centre;
- Enhanced communications to customers;
- Increased staffing levels;
- Implementing various mitigation measures on Line 1 such as brake rate adjustments, which results in more gradual braking and acceleration when entering or leaving stations;
- Should it be required to operate trains overnight, RTM will do so in conjunction with their snow clearing operations. If warranted, we have staff available to run trains overnight; and,
- Bringing in third party resources to supplement City equipment or operations as required.
RTM and their contractors will be clearing snow throughout the weather event. They have provided us with a detailed plan outlining their preparations to ensure the winter readiness of the train fleet, snow clearing and salting in stations and along the line and maintenance of all rail infrastructure. That plan includes:
- Specialized snow clearing equipment will be deployed throughout Line 1;
- Proactive clearing and testing of track switches;
- Specialized technical staff who will be deployed throughout to monitor stations, vehicles and rail infrastructure; and,
- Dedicated snow clearing staff at all above-ground stations and additional staff to maintain stairs in the underground stations. Service is being actively monitored, and adjustments will be made, when and if required.
S1 bus service will continue to operate from downtown to Hurdman, Blair and Tunney’s Pasture stations as planned this afternoon. In the event that we need to implement R1 service, for example, due to a stopped train on the line, S1 service would be cancelled and those buses would be redeployed to provide R1 service.
In the event of service delays due to uncontrollable factors, we will communicate the impacts to our customers as they happen through subscription-based alert notifications (SMS) and on transit screens at stations.
As with any significant storm event, we anticipate longer travel times for road users throughout the entire transportation network. We thank our customers for their patience and encourage all Ottawa residents to plan ahead and give themselves extra time to get to their destinations tomorrow.
February 25, 2020
O-Train Public Art – St. Laurent Station
All 13 stations along the Confederation Line feature original pieces of public art designed to enhance and comment upon the station and its surroundings. St. Laurent Station features an untitled piece by artist Andrew Morrow.
Three large, immersive murals painted by the artist depict re-imagined Canadian histories. Two of the murals are located on the westbound platform, while the third is a corner-split mural on the eastbound platform.
Andrew Morrow is a contemporary Canadian painter whose work is characterized by a restless desire to both inhabit and extend historical, narrative painting. Working from personal, actual, and invented histories, Morrow’s paintings engage broad historical themes such as war, eroticism, beauty, the apocalypse, and death, complicating these through a resistance to narrative closure and spatial coherence.
In his murals for the St-Laurent Station, Morrow combines large-scale digital printing technology with physical painting to produce three site-specific and archival murals. Drawing on formal conventions from Western history painting and early Canadian photographic and narrative history, the murals reflect an uncertain, fragmented negotiation of both Canadian history and history painting itself. Populated by figures at work and at rest, these dreamlike paintings present a complex and shifting Canadian landscape, where the gravity of addressing a painted National history is balanced by individual moments of beauty and connection.
For more information about this piece and a full biography of the artist, Andrew Morrow, please visit the St. Laurent Station section of the City of Ottawa website.
February 23, 2020
OC Transpo Busking Program Applications Now Open
Are you a musician who would like to perform at O-Train Line 1 stations? If that sounds like music to your ears, OC Transpo is inviting YOU to apply for its new busking program.
The OC Transpo busking program will bring local musical entertainment, vibrancy and a sense of community to O-Train Line 1 stations. Learn more about the program and complete the application form online at Ottawa.ca.
This new initiative is an extension of the City of Ottawa’s popular #ottmusic program, which has re-launched this year as three core programs: OC Transpo Busking, City Sounds and Music on Hold. All three programs create platforms for local musicians to introduce and share their music with a wider audience. All area performers are encouraged to participate and show off Ottawa’s musical muscle!
The application process will run from February 24 to March 27, 2020. The OC Transpo busking program itself is anticipated to launch in Spring 2020.
February 21, 2020
Help test the Para Transpo Trip Reservation and Cancellation Web Forms
Starting on Friday, February 21, OC Transpo invites all Para Transpo customers to test the new reservation and cancellation web forms by booking or cancelling their trips online. This is a temporary way to book and cancel Para Transpo trips online until the full suite of online services is made available later this year.
The web forms are accessible, mobile-friendly and will allow Para Transpo customers to reserve a next-day or statutory holiday trip, or to cancel a trip online.
We encourage all Para Transpo customers to test the new web forms, but we recognize that some customers will continue to use the phone lines based on their personal needs or preferences. To ensure access to trips remains equitable for all customers, all requests made on the phone and using the web form will be prioritized and actioned based on the time received.
Staff will continue to work with its software supplier and the Councillor steering committee and customer working group to develop the full suite of online services for Para Transpo customers, which will be rolled out at the end of 2020.
February 20, 2020
Let OC Transpo Know!
Any incident is one too many, and we continue to encourage our passengers to report any suspicious or criminal behaviour on OC Transpo buses, trains, or anywhere on the transit system to OC Transpo or Ottawa Police Service through the online reporting system or any available channel.
February 19, 2020
The Transit Commission today received an update on O-Train Line 1 and Para Transpo service.
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) provided updates on key technical issues affecting Line 1 service reliability:
- Vehicle on-board Controller (VOBC);
- Train Control Monitoring System (TCMS);
- Door Operations;
- Rail Switches;
- Emergency braking and wheel flats; and,
- Power systems and Inductors.
An update was also provided on work to improve the accuracy of Passenger Information Display Systems in stations and the work to manage odours in Rideau and Parliament Stations.
Para Transpo Online Services Update
Staff announced the launch of an interim web form booking system for Para Transpo users. As of Friday, February 21, Para Transpo customers can test the interim booking system and provide feedback to help refine the service. This accessible and mobile-friendly booking system responds to feedback from our customers asking for more flexible booking options for Para Transpo services. A full suite of online services for Para Transpo customers will be implemented by the end of 2020.
February 18, 2020
O-Train Public Art - Cyrville Station
All 13 stations along the Confederation Line feature original pieces of public art designed to enhance and comment upon the station and its surroundings. Cyrville Station features the piece, Stand of Birch by artist Don Maynard.
Thirteen slender stainless steel birch trees, measuring 7.3 metres tall, are located on the north end of the Cyrville Station platform surrounded by prairie grasses.
“For thousands of years, Indigenous Peoples have used the bark from birch trees to build their canoes. They travelled on the Gatineau, Rideau and Ottawa rivers to trade, hunt and meet with family and friends. Things have not changed much.
Stand of Birch is a grouping of 13 slender birch trees at the end of a long winding river of grasses; in the canopy, branches intertwine and connect. Stand of Birch references the coming-together of the people of Ottawa as they travel across the city – linked together by its 13 Light Rail Transit stations.”
-Don Maynard
For more information about Stand of Birch and a full biography of the artist, Don Maynard, please visit the Cyrville Station section of the City of Ottawa website.
February 14, 2020
Accessing public transit on Family Day
Monday February 17 is Family Day. OC Transpo bus service will run with minor weekday service reductions. O-Train Line 1 and 2 will run on a regular weekday schedule.
S1 supplementary bus service will be running on Family Day during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods. In the morning, S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. For the afternoon peak, special bus service will run from downtown to Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.
Don’t fight for parking! The whole family can ride all day on a single DayPass ($10.75).
Get real-time bus departures by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560 plus your 4-digit bus stop number or the first three letters of the station name.
You can find the full list of Family Day schedule changes on the Family Day section of the City of Ottawa website.
February 13, 2020
If something’s not right, we want to know!
Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right in a station, on a bus or on a train, we want to know. In stations, speak to any OC Transpo employee for assistance. On a bus or train, inform the operator. All O-Train Line 1 trains are equipped with on-board emergency passenger intercoms.
For more information on Confederation Line safety features visit the Built for Safety section of our website.
February 12, 2020
Update on Strap Hangers
Strap hangers, which help provide stability for customers standing on trains, have now been installed on all O-Train Line 1 vehicles. The work was completed yesterday evening.
February 10, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
Twelve (12) vehicles are currently in service.
O-Train Public Art Program - Blair Station
All 13 stations along the Confederation Line feature original pieces of public art designed to enhance and comment upon the station and its surroundings. Blair Station features the piece, Lightscape by artists cj fleury and Catherine Widgery.
Lightscape consists of thirty suspended screens; airy, binary code-like pieces that use thousands of small dichroic glass “flags” to announce the stairwells and tracks and move in response to the air currents of the trains as they come and go.
Inspired by the sunrise, a metaphor for awakening imagination, Lightscape is informed by the proximity to Ottawa’s national centres for research, science, security and observation. For more information about Lightscape and full biographies of the two artists, cj fleury and Catherine Widgery, please visit the Blair Station section of the City of Ottawa website.
February 7, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
This morning we experienced a few issues that caused some minor delays. Following that incident, we had a disturbed switch east of Tremblay Station. Delays were minor.
Outside of peak period, disturbed switches occurred to the east of Tremblay Station and to the west of Blair Station, which have been restored to service. As well, trains were stopped at Hurdman and Rideau stations due to tripped circuit breakers. Both trains have been removed from the line and full service has been restored.
During this period, service was provided using a mix of train and R1 replacement buses.
We are currently running full service with 13 trains.
These incidents will all be reviewed by JBA and RTM as part of their ongoing work.
February 6, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
RTG has confirmed that they will be providing 13 trains for rail service this afternoon.
S1 service will be provided from downtown to Tunney’s Pasture, Blair and Hurdman Stations. We continue to monitor and assess the need for S1 supplemental bus service.
Customers can visit our home page for more information and updates on service.
Air Quality in Rideau Station
Further to the update provided to Council and Commission yesterday, RTG has completed tests of the air quality in Rideau Station. There is no risk to our customers or staff.
Results have been shared with Ottawa Public Health and they have expressed no concerns about these preliminary results.
RTG will provide updates at the February 19th Transit Commission meeting.
February 5, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
This morning, 13 trains were launched for the morning peak commute.
For updates on service and S1 supplemental bus service customers can check the Alerts.
Night Stop Decals at Tunney’s Pasture Station
Staff have installed new decals at Tunney’s Pasture Station to more clearly identify the night stop. After 9 pm, all routes at transitway stations including Tunney’s Pasture station serve one stop - the night stop. Similar decals will be installed soon at Blair and Hurdman Stations.
For the full list of night stop locations, please visit the Riding at Night page of our website.
February 4, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
RTG has confirmed that they will be providing 13 trains for this afternoon’s commute.
S1 Supplemental Bus Service
We have been providing S1 supplemental bus service due to a shortage of trains delivered by RTG last week for service on O-Train Line 1. The S1 bus service is provided by two groups of buses:
- The 20 buses dedicated to R1 service; and
- Additional buses pulled from regular, high frequency routes.
Now that RTG is delivering enough trains to accommodate customer volumes, we are able to return the additional buses to their regular routes. This will increase the reliability of the bus transit network throughout the city.
Starting on Wednesday morning, S1 service will be provided from Tunney’s Pasture, Blair and Hurdman Stations to downtown, using the 20 R1 dedicated buses.
As rail service continues to stabilize, we will monitor and assess the need for S1 supplemental bus service. We will provide customers with updates of any further changes to S1 service.
Customers can visit our home page for more information and updates on service.
February 3, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
12 trains were launched for this morning’s rush hour.
OC Transpo implement S1 bus service on Monday morning, as we did last week. S1 supplemental bus service ran directly to downtown from Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. For the afternoon peak, special bus service will run from downtown to Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.
We will continue to assess the need for S1 supplemental bus service throughout the week and will monitor and adjust our response on a day-by-day basis as rail service stabilizes.
Customers can visit our home page for more information and updates on service.
January 31, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
There are currently 11 vehicles on the line running at approximately 5 minute headways.
Looking ahead to this weekend, RTG has confirmed that they will have the 11 trains required to provide normal weekend service, with headways of approximately 5 minutes.
There is no requirement for S1 supplemental bus service over the weekend, but we will be implementing S1 for Monday morning’s peak and will assess the need for continued S1 service daily.
Customers can visit our home page for more information and updates on service.
January 30, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
We have received a number of requests regarding LRT service this morning and the number of vehicles operating during the morning commute. The number of trains in service at any moment is always fluid and changes based on vehicle availability, scheduling and customer volumes throughout the day. We know that what matters to our customers is when their next train is going to arrive. Answering this question will be a focus of our updates to you and our customers going forward.
We understand the confusion and frustration this has been causing for our customers and the public and are working with RTG to restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible.
Until rail services is stabilized, we will continue to provide the same supplemental bus services we have been providing this week. In the morning, S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. For the afternoon peak, special bus service will run from downtown to Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.
Yesterday - January 29, 2020
As you are aware, RTM had advised that we would have 10 trains for yesterday morning’s peak service. Service on the Confederation Line operated with 8 and 9 trains at different times during the peak period yesterday morning.
One train experienced an electrical issue in the yard prior to being launched and at approximately 5:45 am a second train was unable to continue in service at Tunney’s Pasture Station due to an electrical issue causing the circuit breakers on the train to trip.
Towards the end of the morning peak period, a 9th train was put into service and continued for the rest of the day.
S1 supplemental bus service continued to provide supplemental service from downtown to Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations during peak periods.
This morning – January 30, 2020
Planned service for this morning included 10 trains on Line 1, however service operated with 8 and 9 trains at different times during the morning peak period. One train was unable to be put into service due an issue with the wheels.
At approximately 8:15 am this morning, a second train was proactively removed from service at Blair Station due to a mechanical issue. Service continues on Line 1 with 8 trains.
The current number of vehicles in service means that trains are moving throughout Line 1 with approximately 7 minutes between trains.
S1 supplemental bus service continues to be implemented during peak commute times to assist in moving customers to and from key transfer points (Tunney’s Pasture, Blair and Hurdman stations) and the downtown core.
We are also aware of issues with inaccurate information appearing on the passenger information displays at platform level and are working with RTG to fix the problem and ensure that the displays are providing accurate information.
January 29, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
In response to overcrowding on westbound trains this week, we are adding more capacity for westbound commuters from the west side of downtown during afternoon peak. Special S1 bus service will pick up customers at the bus stop on Albert west of Kent for a non-stop trip directly to Tunney’s Pasture Station.
January 28, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
Beginning over the weekend of January 25, several trains experienced an electrical issue causing the circuit breakers on the trains to trip, stopping them so they were unable to continue in service. Details of this issue are provided below:
- The loss of power to the vehicle motors is due to electrical problems with the equipment on the roof of the vehicle.
- The vehicles appear to be more prone to these failures during wet or inclement weather.
- The trains have internal safety systems that monitor the flow of electricity and will automatically cut power using a rooftop high speed circuit breaker if required. When this happens, power to the vehicle is cut, and the train may come to a stop. This operates like a circuit breaker in your house.
- While the root cause of this issue is still under investigation by RTM, these incidents are the result of the train’s safety systems operating as designed. When loss of power to the motors occurs, power for systems such as lighting and other onboard systems are still available.
- Customers may hear a bang or see sparks where the train contacts the overhead power wires. This may be startling but does not pose a risk to the safety of passengers in the train or on the platform.
- When a power shutdown occurs, passengers are taken off the affected train and a technician is called to investigate and reset the system. In some cases, a secondary set of safety circuits on the train have been engaged, which requires a full train reset. As a cautionary measure, affected trains have been moved off the line for further inspection and investigation.
- The affected vehicles will undergo inspection and maintenance at the Belfast Maintenance Facility before returning to service. In some cases, the repair is minor; however, some vehicles require more time to repair which is why we are experiencing a shortage of vehicles this week.
- Further information on corrective maintenance and repairs is to be confirmed by RTM.
We recognise the impact this has had on our customers and are working with RTM to resolve this problem and restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible.
OC Transpo will continue to deploy supplemental bus service from Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman and Blair stations during peak periods to adjust for the reduction in train numbers.
OC Transpo staff, including the red-vested O-Train Ambassadors, will continue to be on-site to assist and direct customers. Customers should visit our home page for the latest updates.
January 27, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
This morning’s rush hour ran with 9 trains and while customers experienced slightly longer travel times and increased congestion on trains and at stations, most customers were accommodated on the first passing train.
A special bus service was implemented, due to the shortage of trains, to minimize the impact to our customers
Some Councillors have been asking for additional details regarding the bus trips that were cancelled today to provide resources for this special bus service. Cancellations were selected based on minimizing the impact to customers and keeping service as frequent as possible across all of the trips that are normally provided by each bus.
In addition, staff worked to ensure that critical trips, such as the last trip on a route, would not be cancelled. Staff also gave consideration to maintaining crosstown service, which can provide alternative travel options for some customers.
Service plans for Tuesday will be based on an updated forecast of train availability and on operational feedback and experience.
January 24, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
Rideau Transit Group has advised the City that they were able to launch 12 vehicles for Friday morning’s peak commute.
Supplemental bus service between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman Stations and the downtown core will continue during morning and afternoon peak commuting periods until Friday, January 31.
January 23, 2020
The Transit Commission today received an update on both O-Train Line 1 and bus service.
O-Train Line 1 & Bus Service Update*
* Accessible format PDFs are coming soon.
Review of Rail Service
- OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) provided updates on key technical issues affecting Line 1 service reliability:
- Vehicle on-board Controller (VOBC);
- Train Control Monitoring System (TCMS);
- Door Operations;
- Rail Switches;
- Updates on New Year’s Eve service; and,
- Updates on the recent issues with the Overhead Catenary System.
- RTG confirmed that they are hiring JBA Corporation, an external team of specialized experts, to perform an in-depth analysis of RTG’s processes and operations and make recommendations on changes to improve service deliverability.
- JBA Corporation are internationally recognized as experts in this field and have experience with all the systems, suppliers and components used in Ottawa’s system.
Bus Service
Unveiling of a new bus schedule:
- Supplemental bus service between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman Stations and the downtown core will continue during morning and afternoon peak commuting periods until Friday, January 31
- At that point, we will reassess, based on train availability and inform customers of any changes
- Starting next week, the supplemental buses will be labelled “S1” to help customers identify them
Communications
- We continue to use all available communications channels to keep our customers informed of changes to service
- We are continuing to deploy over 180 red-vested O-Train Ambassadors throughout the system to assist customers
- These staff are strategically deployed as necessary to support operational requirements
January 22, 2020
O-Train Line 1 Service Update
Rideau Transit Group provided 11 out of 13 trains for the Wednesday morning rush hour. Supplemental bus service will continue to be provided from Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman Stations to help move customers into the downtown core during the rush hour period.
January 21, 2020
O-Train Service Update
Rideau Transit Group (RTG) has advised the City that they will be providing 10 of 13 vehicles required for the afternoon rush hour. The use of buses to supplement rail service will proceed during today’s afternoon rush hour to assist our customers.
Information updates to customers will continue using all of OC Transpo’s information channels, including social media.
January 20, 2020
Update on O-Train Service
RTM has advised the City that they will be running service with 10 trains instead of the required 13 this for this afternoon’s rush hour. Trains will be operating approximately every 5 minutes. Customer should expect longer wait times than normal by approximately 1 minute and should expect approximately 20% more people than normal on platforms and on trains.
Customers will receive regular updates on service through all of OC Transpo’s information channels, including social media.
For tomorrow morning’s commute, OC Transpo is examining using the fleet of R1 standby buses to augment rail service. More information will be available as soon as plans are finalised. Visit octranspo.com for updates.
Be prepared for sudden stops in adverse weather
O-Train Line 1 station platforms are equipped with safety sensors to detect the presence of people or obstacles on the tracks. If the sensors detect an obstacle on the tracks, systems are activated to automatically stop trains coming into the station until the obstacle can be cleared. In addition to this system, Electric Rail Operators visually inspect the track ahead to ensure that the way is clear, and can slow or stop the train as necessary.
During certain weather conditions, such as blowing snow, the platform sensors can be triggered. When the sensor is triggered, the automatic emergency braking system is engaged.
Customers should always exercise caution and be prepared for a sudden stop whenever they ride the train, especially in adverse weather conditions.
January 17, 2020
Update on O-Train Service
Repairs to the power line system at St. Laurent were completed early this morning. Inspection and testing of the restored system were successful and OC Transpo is implementing full rail service as of 5 am this morning.
Customers are being informed through all of OC Transpo’s information channels, including social media.
January 16, 2020
Update on O-Train Service
This morning a train was stopped at St. Laurent Station due to an issue with the overhead power system. Crews are currently working to move the train, assess the damage and effect repairs. The scope and timelines for the repair work are still being determined.
All efforts are being made to complete repairs as quickly as possible so that service can be restored. While repair crews are working, trains are running between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman Stations. R1 replacement bus service has been implemented between Hurdman and Blair Stations.
Customers travelling to the east end should take a train to Hurdman Station and transfer to an R1 replacement bus.
OC Transpo staff, including the red-vested O-Train Ambassadors are on site to assist and direct customers.
In the event that the service disruption continues into Friday morning, customers should plan ahead and expect delays. It is important to note that Ottawa Public Health has issued a frostbite advisory, so customers are encouraged to prepare and dress accordingly. In the event that the service disruption continues into Friday morning, customers should plan ahead and expect delays. It is important to note that Ottawa Public Health has issued a frostbite advisory, so customers are encouraged to prepare and dress accordingly.
Customers should visit our home page for the latest updates on the evening’s service and the Friday morning commute.
January 15, 2020
New Nova Buses Added to the Fleet in 2020
The Winter Service Change that started on January 5, 2020 incorporated 19 new buses that were added to OC Transpo’s fleet. These additional Nova buses, like the one pictured below, were funded through investments approved as part of the 2020 Budget. Along with additional bus capacity, the Winter Service Change introduced a number of improvements based on customer feedback that are designed to:
- Better match service to ridership;
- Reduce platform crowding; and,
- Adjust trips to provide service when and where it is most needed.
January 14, 2020
Did you know, Rideau Station houses an art exhibition space called Corridor 45|75? This unique site brings 25 metres of art to your transit experience. One of three professional galleries managed by the City of Ottawa Public Art Program, Corridor 45|75 creates opportunities for the exploration of diverse ideas.
Starting this week, Corridor 45|75 features a new exhibit by Ottawa artist Andrew Wright, entitled APEX: Interloper. The exhibit features 11 panoramic photographs taken in Apex, Nunavut. Enjoy this exploration of landscapes at the top of the world from the comfort of an indoor, heated station!
January 13, 2020
Cooperative Seating
All O-Train Line 1 trains have clearly-labelled Cooperative Seating areas, located by the O-Train’s entrances. These seats are meant to make travel easier for customers who have a hard time standing in a moving vehicle or those who need to sit close to the entrance, including:
- Persons with disabilities
- Seniors
- Persons with assistive devices (wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes)
- Pregnant women
- Customers with small children or open strollers
If you are sitting in a Cooperative seat but don’t need to be, please offer your place to someone who needs it.
January 10, 2020
New Bus Operator Training
Here are some pictures of the latest group of New Bus Operator Trainees who will soon be serving Ottawa’s residents. All of OC Transpo’s new bus operator candidates must pass all stages of a rigorous 36-day program to operate OC Transpo’s buses. The training program is certified and regularly audited by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and includes both in class sessions and road training on all the types of buses in OC Transpo’s fleet. Increasing the number of available bus operators helps to make bus service more reliable for our customers.
January 9, 2020
There is never a safe time to step on the tracks – trespassing risks your safety and comes with a fine.
January 8, 2020
Test Trains
OC Transpo has begun testing the new Trains that will be brought into service as part of the Stage 2 Project. The trains will be tested on the Confederation line in the evenings and on weekends and will have no impact on normal operations. The test trains are clearly marked as Not in Service. These trains may stop at stations but will not pick up customers. You can find out more about Stage 2 by visiting the project website at Ottawa.ca/Stage2.
January 7, 2020
Hurdman Station Pedestrian Walkway
Work has been completed on the Pedestrian Walkway at Hurdman Station. The walkway extends the bus platform, reducing platform crowding and providing a sheltered path for customers to use when travelling to and from stops at the far end of the bus loop.
January 6, 2020
On December 23, 2019, staff installed decals on the yellow bollards on each station platform. The decals warn customers not to interfere with or lean against the bollards, which are flexible and not designed to hold weight.
The yellow bollards form part of the tactile wayfinding system and are meant to discourage anyone from stepping into the gap between train cars when the train is in the station.
