The O-Line
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December 20, 2019
O-Line updates will return in 2020!
The O-Line will be going on a brief hiatus starting December 23, 2019 and will return on Monday, January 6, 2020 with more updates and useful information about the O-Train and Ottawa’s Transit System.
Thank you to everyone who has visited the O-Line since October 18.
December 19, 2019
The Electric Rail Operators (or EROs) who operate the O-Train Line 1 light rail vehicles are all graduates of an intensive 6-week training program. But did you know that EROs are constantly updating their knowledge? OC Transpo staff regularly refresh and refine our protocols and processes in response to new information. These updates:
- Keep OC Transpo up to date with industry best practices;
- Incorporate upgrades to equipment and software; and,
- Improve operator response times to known issues. For example, Line 1 slowdowns due to door issues have been significantly reduced, in part, thanks to improved processes.
Updated processes and procedures are distributed to all EROs by Rail Supervisors, Superintendents or Rail Instructors.
Depending on the size and scope of the change, different methodologies are used to update EROs understanding and skills. This can range from a simple bulletin, distributed by email or hard copy for minor changes, to updated signage in vehicles and employee areas, to full updated training sessions for significant upgrades.
However they are distributed, these regular updates ensure that EROs always have the tools and knowledge they need to keep everyone moving.
December 18, 2019
O-Train Line 1 and Bus Service Update presentation
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.
Extracts from O-Train Line 1 and Bus Service update from the Dec 18, 2019 Transit Commission Meeting
Train
- Overall, OC Transpo has seen a positive downward trend in the issues that impact O-Train Line 1 service, including:
- track switches,
- the Train Control Monitoring System (TCMS);
- the Vehicle on Board Controller (VOBC); and,
- door operations.
- These operational issues have been the main contributors to customer impacts since Line 1 service launched on September 14.
- While improved response and rectification times to these issues are minimizing customer impacts, staff continue to work closely with stakeholders on determining the root causes and implementing solutions.
Buses
- The update on bus operations noted that out of approximately 8,600 scheduled trips every weekday, approximately 98.5 percent are being delivered. Although weekday service reliability has improved since the launch of Line 1, weekend service has not seen the same results. City staff are working diligently to minimize cancellations and mitigate customer impacts.
Ongoing improvements
- The Transportation Services Department continues to make improvements to stations and trains, including: installing straps in trains, completing the covered walkway at Hurdman Station and completing anti-slip coatings on stairs at Lyon, Parliament and Rideau stations.
Winter service
- OC Transpo winter service changes will take effect on January 5, with a few changes beginning earlier on December 22. This quarterly service change includes further service enhancements to improve reliability, increase capacity and reduce wait times. For more information on the winter service changes, visit the Service Changes page.
December 17, 2019
Save the hassle with an easy transfer.
When you get off the train and transfer to a bus at Tunney’s Pasture, Hurdman and Blair stations, you are already inside the fare-paid zone. That means you don’t have to tap or show your pass on the bus. Just walk onto the bus through any door – even the back doors on the short buses!
December 16, 2019
Tactile wayfinding systems in O-Train Line 1 stations
O-Train Line 1 stations and trains are built to be fully accessible. The design of O-Train stations incorporates a standardized wayfinding system that is intended to convey information to all customers, but particularly those who are blind and partially sighted.
Tactile walking surface indicators (TWSIs) have been installed in the floor at all Line 1 stations. They consist of patterns of elongated bars or of circular bumps on flooring, between 4 to 5 mm high. Both kinds of TWSI are coloured so as to be clearly visible and can be detected by a person underfoot or by using a white cane.
There are two types of TWSIs used in the stations:
Attention TWSIs, made up of raised circular bumps, are found in two very important areas – at the top of stairs and along the entire length of the train platform. The raised domes in the TWSIs are safety features that alert all customers to beware and mind the drop.
Guidance TWSIs, made up of elongated bars, have been installed to define an accessible path from the station entrance, through the accessible fare gate, to the elevators and, finally, to the platform. The pattern used is consistent at all stations; with the elongated bars aligned in the direction of travel, and changes in direction identified by attention TWSIs in a square pattern. These squares are also used to identify intersections with ticket machines, elevator controls and Transecure areas on the platform.
December 13, 2019
Winter maintenance
Have you ever thought about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps stations open and trains moving during significant snow events?
- Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) is responsible for ensuring the winter readiness of the train fleet, snow clearing and salting in stations and along the line and maintenance of all rail infrastructure
- OC Transpo is responsible for snow clearing of the bus loops, bus platforms, shelters and sidewalks in fare paid zones
Trains and rail infrastructure
- During winter weather events, trains may continue to run overnight to help prevent ice and snow accumulation
- RTM and their contractors have specialized winter equipment, including snow clearing equipment
- Track switches that allow trains to move between tracks each have heaters to prevent the build-up of snow and ice. The heaters have all had their seasonal maintenance completed and have been tested for the winter season. The switches themselves are manually inspected on a regular basis
- During peak periods, RTM has specialized staff assigned at key locations along Line 1 for a timely response during winter weather events
Stations
- Snow is cleared from concourses and platforms and along bus loops, salt and grit are applied to prevent slipping
- Heating elements are embedded in the floors of outdoor stations to help prevent snow accumulation
- For indoor stations, RTM’s staff will be deployed to clean excess water and slush from stairs and flooring
December 12, 2019
Remember! Don’t hold the doors.
Holding the doors open can cause delays and slow down service. If you’re worried about missing the train, there’s another one on the way within minutes.
December 11, 2019
Staff are installing decorative mesh banners along the rear of the pedestrian canopy at Tunney’s Pasture Station. This work is expected to be completed by December 20.
December 10, 2019
To improve pedestrian flows at the Blair Station bus platform, staff have removed the front glass and doors from the two shelters located on the east side of the platform closest to the pedestrian overpass (Stop D). Staff will continue to monitor the pedestrian flows at the Blair Station platform and are assessing whether additional measures are required.
December 9, 2019
Transit Information Panels
Backlit transit information panels are located throughout each O-Train Line 1 station, including at bus stops. Over 150 of these transit information panels are strategically placed across Line 1 to assist customers in navigating the transit network.
The panels provide a range of useful information including:
- Transit maps
- Station layout
- Bus/train boarding locations
- A map of the local neighbourhood
- Train travel-time maps
The panels were designed based on best practices and lessons learned from other cities, including London (UK), Toronto, Montréal and Boston. They are meant to complement other OC Transpo information sources such as signage, transit information screens, audio announcements and red-vested O-Train Ambassadors.
If you have suggestions for improvements or for information to include on our Transit information panels, please let us know using the customer feedback form.
December 6, 2019
We have made further progress on the pedestrian canopy at Tunney’s Pasture station, including the installation of weather proof roofing.
December 5, 2019
We have installed new signage in the VIA Rail Ottawa Train Station to help newly arrived passengers orient themselves towards the Tremblay O-Train Station.
December 4, 2019
Testing of Public Address system December 4
We will be performing some testing of the in-station public address system on Wednesday December 4 between 11 pm and 11:30 pm at some stations. Customers at these stations may hear some announcements repeated during the testing. Red-vested O-Train Ambassadors will be available at the stations and can confirm any information, if necessary.
December 3, 2019
Strap hanger update
Strap hangers, which help provide stability for customers standing on trains, are now installed on 9 trains in the fleet. The remaining strap hangers have been ordered and will be installed shortly after delivery. This work is expected to be complete by January 2020.
December 2, 2019
20 buses now dedicated for O-Train Line 1 replacement service
OC Transpo now has 20 buses dedicated to providing R1 replacement service when there are significant delays on O-Train Line 1.
To help you better understand why we have these buses, how to identify them, and where to catch them, we’ve put together a quick Q & A below.
Why is there a dedicated fleet of R1 buses?
By having this dedicated fleet, OC Transpo can implement R1 service more quickly and will no longer have to draw buses from regular routes to implement R1 service, making transit service more reliable overall.
How do I know which buses are for R1 replacement service?
The 20 dedicated R1 replacement service buses are clearly marked with yellow “O-Train Line 1 replacement service” signage across both sides, and the destination sign also read “R1.” In the event that additional buses are needed to supplement the 20 dedicated R1 buses, those vehicles will not have the yellow signage, but their destination signs will read “R1.”
Where can I catch an R1 bus?
R1 replacement service buses will run between O-Train Line 1 stations in parallel to Line 1. Depending which portions of the line are impacted, R1 service can be implemented over one or more portions (e.g. from Tunney’s to Rideau) or across the entire line. Bus stops are clearly marked with a “R1” yellow sign and can be found on the map below.
This is just one of the many ways OC Transpo continues to make improvements to service based on customer feedback.
For more information on R1 service, please click here.
November 29, 2019
Update on the dedicated bus R1 replacement fleet
I am writing to provide an update regarding the 20 dedicated buses for R1 replacement service. The buses will be in operation and staffed as of this coming Monday, December 2. The buses are being staged at the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Baseball Stadium.
As you will recall, the purpose of this dedicated fleet of buses is to allow OC Transpo to provide R1 replacement bus service to supplement the Confederation Line, should there be problems with the train service, without drawing from buses assigned to regular routes. This results in more rapid deployment of R1 service when needed and more reliable bus service overall. As you can see from the picture below, the buses are clearly marked as being part of the R1 bus replacement service, which will help customers to identify them when deployed.
This dedicated fleet is one of the many innovations and improvements OC Transpo is providing in stations and throughout the transit network to improve service to our customers and keep our city moving. We thank our customers, members of Council and the Transit Commission for their constructive feedback as we work through this period of transition towards a true multi-modal transportation system. We continue to post regular reports of the work being done to improve Confederation Line service here on the O-Line.
Thank you,
John Manconi
General Manager, Transportation Services
City of Ottawa
Pedestrian canopy updates
Tunney's Pasture Station
Work is continuing on the pedestrian canopy at Tunney’s Pasture station. While most sections of the canopy are open for customers to use, the waterproof roof will be installed as well as a wider section of scaffolding at the east end of the bus loop. This work is currently scheduled to be completed in early December.
There are also plans to install mesh as a windbreak along the rear wall of the canopy structure.
Hurdman Station
Paving and scaffolding installation for the covered pedestrian lane along the bus platform at Hurdman Station is now complete. The waterproof roof will be installed, which is currently scheduled to be completed in early December.
November 28, 2019
Accessibility in O-Train Stations
O-Train Line 1 stations have been designed to ensure full access for all customers. Station accessibility features include:
- Tactile wayfinding tiles embedded in the station floor that will trace the route through fare-gates, to elevators, to platforms, and to exits
- Transecure waiting areas on the train platform with accessible benches and tactile/Braille signs indicating the direction of service
- Dual elevators at all 13 stations and escalators at 9 will connect each train platform to the station entrance
- Tactile warning strips and inter-car barriers will keep everyone safely away from the platform edge
Learn more about the accessibility of O-Train Line 1 stations and trains on the Built for Accessibility page.
November 27, 2019
Have you noticed the yellow bollards (narrow flexible rods) mounted on station platforms? Their purpose is to discourage anyone from stepping into the gap between train cars when the train is in the station.
The yellow bollards are flexible so that customers can still exit from a train during an emergency if the doors are not aligned with the rail platform. Please do not touch or lean on the bollards, they are there for your safety!
November 26, 2019
Platform decals installed at Blair Station and starting at University of Ottawa Station
Platform decals have now been installed at Blair Station and installation work is in progress at University of Ottawa station, where 10 decals were installed last night. City staff will continue the installation at University of Ottawa this evening, weather permitting. For the decals to stick properly, the platform surface needs to be warm and dry.
These markings identify the train door locations, show waiting customers where to stand and remind them to let customers get off the train before trying to board.
November 25, 2019
New platform decals at Tunney’s Pasture Station to help with customer boarding
A total of 24 brand new floor decals, 12 per platform, have been installed at Tunney’s Pasture Station to help with customer flow while getting on and off trains. These markings identify the train door locations, show waiting customers where to stand and remind them to let customers get off the train before trying to board. This speeds up the boarding process and help customers get on their way faster.
OC Transpo staff are working hard to get platform decals installed at all O-Train Line 1 stations before the frigid winter weather sets in. For the decals to stick properly, the platform surface needs to be warm and dry.
This is just one of the many improvements OC Transpo has been implementing over the last number of weeks to improve customer service on Line 1.
November 22, 2019
Paving is currently underway near the bus platforms at Hurdman Station to extend the platform and create a covered pedestrian lane. Work is scheduled for completion by November 29.
November 21, 2019
Notice of planned blasting work near Lyon Station
OC Transpo customers please be advised: Claridge Homes will be doing planned blasting work close to Lyon Station as part of a construction project. This work is unrelated to O-Train Line 1, but customers in and around Lyon Station may hear loud noises and feel vibrations while work is underway.
The work will take place weekdays between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm. Blasting activities are planned to be complete by April 2020.
November 20, 2019
O-Train Confederation Line and Bus Service Update presentation
Please find the O-Train Confederation Line and Bus Service Update presentation from today’s Transit Commission meeting linked below.
O-Train Confederation Line & Bus Service Update (Nov. 20) *
* Accessible format PDFs are coming soon.
Extracts from Confederation Line and Bus Service update from the Nov 20, 2019 Transit Commission Meeting
Improving Bus Reliability
- As of November 4, 40 buses have been placed in service to increase bus reliability throughout the transit network
- In addition to those 40 buses, a dedicated 20 bus fleet for R1 bus replacement service is being deployed (discussed in greater detail later in the presentation)
- OC Transpo has created a dedicated fleet of 20 buses to support R1 bus replacement service during peak commutes
- By creating a dedicated fleet, R1 bus replacement operations can be implemented without impacting reliability across the transit network
- The 20 buses will be available as of the first week of December
- Operators are being assigned to these buses so as to not impact existing service
- Staff are working with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to use the Highway 417 bus lanes
- The 417/174 ramp and Lees Avenue ramp will not be closed
Ongoing Improvements
Trains
- Strap hangers – orders have been placed and 500 units are due shortly
- 500 units will enable almost half the fleet to be equipped
- The remaining strap hangers will start being installed upon receipt
- Dates are being finalized with RTG / RTM
Stations
- Tunney’s Pasture Canopy to be completed first week of December
- Sewer repair work adjacent to Parliament station is scheduled for completion by November 25 (potential cause of the odour at Parliament Station)
- O-Train Ambassadors (red vest) program will continue
- Mats installed at Lyon, Parliament and Rideau stations
- Cleaners on duty throughout the service period to clean stairs and flooring
- Anti-slip coating of stairs and flooring in these stations began on November 14 and is scheduled for completion by November 29
Platforms
- Hurdman Station Pedestrian Bypass Lane with coverage - Work scheduled between November 16 and 22 with scaffolding to be in place by November 29
- Platform markings are complete at 3 stations, full platform marking installation scheduled for completion by early December (weather permitting)
November 19, 2019
At the Transit Commission meeting of November 6, we undertook to provide a list of the assignments of the 40 additional buses that have been put into service, and the routes that they are supporting. You will find below the list of routes where this additional capacity has been deployed, benefitting transit customers in every ward.
All of the bus assignments are based on feedback from customers, both through Councillors’ offices and directly to OC Transpo, and on operational data and observations. Supervisory staff have been making adjustments to the assignments over the last two weeks to be sure that we are using them so as to provide the greatest benefit to customers.
We are assigning some buses to stand by at key locations, so that our supervisory staff are able to dispatch them to replace regularly-scheduled trips that are missing or late. We are assigning some buses to provide supplementary trips on routes that have had consistent reliability issues or that have had consistent reports or observations of crowding. In the afternoon peak period, we have also assigned some buses to provide extra trips from Tunney’s Pasture Station to the park and ride lots at Eagleson Station and Fallowfield Station.
We are continuing to monitor the use of these buses and their success in reducing waiting times and crowding. Further adjustments may be made to these assignments through the remainder of the year.
We are currently preparing new schedules for many routes for the January 2020 service change, also based on reports from customers and on operational data and observations. Some of the schedule changes will be to address on-time performance on routes that are currently experiencing reliability issues and some of the changes will be to increase capacity where required. We will share details of the January schedule changes when we have completed that work. We will also continue to work with Councillors on addressing certain specific issues that they have raised.
| Ward | Morning peak period | Afternoon peak period |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Routes 38 and 39 |
Routes 38 and 39 |
| 2 |
Routes 25, 30, and 228 |
Routes 25 and 30 |
| 3 |
Routes 75, 273, and 275 |
Route 273 |
| 4 |
Routes 62, 63, and 66 |
Routes 62, 63, 264, and 268 |
| 5 |
Route 262 |
- - - |
| 6, |
Routes 62, 261, 262, and 263 |
Route 261 |
| 7 |
Routes 55, 57, 62, 63, 66, 83, and 75 |
Routes 55, 57, 62, 63, 66, and 82 |
| 8 |
Routes 55, 57, 62, 63, 75, 80, 82, 83, 86, 88, 89, 111, and 257 |
Routes 55, 57, 62, 66, 80, 88, and 111 |
| 9 |
Routes 75, 80, 82, 83, 86, 88, 89, and 111 |
Routes 80, 82, 86, 88, 89, 111, and 273 |
| 10 |
Routes 90 and 98 |
Routes 6, 98, and 99 |
| 11 |
Routes 12, 15, 25, 38, 39, and 228 |
Route 25 |
| 12 |
Routes 12 and 15 |
Routes 6, 7, 9, 12, and 15 |
| 13 |
Routes 12, 15, and 25 |
Routes 6, 7, 9, 12, and 15 |
| 14 |
Routes 15 and 55 |
Routes 6, 7, 12, and 15 |
| 15 |
Routes 55, 57, 62, 63, 66, 80, 86, and 89 |
Routes 55, 57, 62, 63, 66, 80, 82, 86, and 89 |
| 16 |
Routes 55, 80, 86, 88, 89, 90, 98, and 111 |
Routes 55, 80, 86, 88, 89, 98, 99, and 111 |
| 17 |
Routes 55, 88, 90, 98, and 111 |
Routes 6, 7, 88, 98, 99, and 111 |
| 18 |
Routes 55, 88, 90, and 98 |
Routes 88, 98, and 99 |
| 19 |
Routes 25, 30, 39, and 228 |
Routes 25 and 30 |
| 21 |
Routes 75 and 275 |
- - - |
| 22 |
Routes 75 and 275 |
Route 99 |
| 23 |
Routes 62 and 257 |
Routes 62 and 257 |
John Manconi
General Manager, Transportation Services
City of Ottawa
November 15, 2019
New ‘No right turn’ sign helps with bus flow downtown
City staff in various departments are working closely to find and implement ways to improve bus service.
One change that will help improve downtown traffic flows is a newly introduced ‘No right turns from 7 am to 7 pm’ sign at the corner of Bank and Queen streets. During this time, cars travelling west on Queen Street will no longer be able to turn right onto Bank Street.
Why the change?
Staff have observed slowdowns at this busy intersection as right-turning vehicles on Queen Street wait for pedestrians and cyclists to clear the intersection before turning. This affects westbound buses trying to turn left onto Bank Street, slowing down service on these routes. Buses and bicycles will still be able to turn right onto Bank Street, although buses would only make right turns when detours are in effect.
As an added benefit, reducing traffic turning right improves safety for pedestrians and cyclists traveling through the intersection.
November 14, 2019
Station platform configurations
Ever wonder why some O-Train Line 1 stations have two train platforms, while others have only one? If so, it’s a good question!
The configuration of station platforms varies by station, and is based on many factors, including construction costs, space, and design challenges, among other things.
If you’ve travelled the line before, you may have noticed that Blair, Cyrville, and Pimisi stations each have a centre platform, while the other stations have two.
While centre platforms are more efficient for customers, they weren’t possible to build at many locations due to various design challenges. For example, it would have been preferable to have a centre platform at Tunney’s Pasture Station because it’s a high-volume station and at the end of Line 1. However, due to a culvert (i.e. structure) directly underneath the station, it wasn’t possible to install the necessary elevator and escalators with a centre platform design.
Visit our stations section for more information on Line 1 station designs.
November 13, 2019
Winter Biking
Does your winter commute include cycling? If so, we’ve got you covered! All O-Train Line 1 stations have bicycle parking, and bicycles are permitted in the first car of every train in the shared Cooperative Seating section. When boarding trains with your bicycle, wait near the green marked area on the platform, and then board through the first door at the front of the train.
November 12, 2019
Staff have tested all the heaters located in the Transecure areas of our O-Train stations. Look for the sign and the button like the one below to activate. The heaters are designed to turn off automatically and can only be activated in low temperatures.
November 8, 2019
Accessing public transit during Veteran's week
How can veterans access free transit during National Veteran's Week
During National Veterans’ Week, from Nov. 5 to 11, war veterans who wear their medals and/or uniforms can ride at no charge on buses, O-Train lines, Para Transpo, and STO services.
I am a veteran and require assistance when travelling. If someone accompanies me, will they need to pay a public transit fare?
No. Companions accompanying veterans during National Veterans’ Week also ride at no charge.
How will free transit for veterans be provided at LRT stations?
Veterans and their companions can contact red-vested staff to enter the fare gates at all LRT stations. If no red-vested staff is available, you can use the video-chat at ticket machines and the customer service representative will open the fare gate.
How will I access public transit on Monday, November 11?
On Monday, November 11, everyone can ride at no-charge on OC Transpo buses, O-Train Lines 1 and 2, and Para Transpo.
You do not need to tap or pay your fare when boarding the bus and all fare gates will be open.
OC Transpo and Para Transpo buses will pull to the side of the road at 11 am to observe two minutes of silence. The Last Post and Reveille will be played over the bus radios. A moment of silence will also be observed on O-Train Lines.
November 7, 2019
O-Train stations are built for safety and include features such as yellow emergency phones, camera monitoring systems and Transecure waiting areas on every platform. Inside the train, easy-to-reach grab bars, emergency intercoms, and video cameras help keep you safe and comfortable. Special Constables and other staff monitor and patrol the O-Train and are there to assist you.
Important safety tips:
- Never hold open the train doors—it’s unsafe and causes delays
- Never step on the tracks—even to get your phone back
- Be sure to stand back when the train is approaching—tactile warning strips are there to safely keep you away from the platform edge
November 6, 2019
Thank you for continued patience as we transition to a multimodal service, integrating bus and the O-Train into our daily trips. We acknowledge the many issues that have affected transit users since the much-anticipated launch of the O-Train Line 1.
This September the initial opening of LRT was an overwhelmingly positive experience.
Since October, new and modified bus services have meant significant changes to 100 bus routes where approximately 240,000 daily customer trips changed in some way. We know that with a change of this size and magnitude, there will need to be adjustments based on customer experiences.
During this transition, our system has not been operating with the level of consistency our customers expect and deserve. OC Transpo has a clear objective: to provide reliable and efficient public transportation.
To do this, we are implementing corrective measures, effective immediately. These improvements include:
- Freezing fares in 2020 for the EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass
- Additional staff to provide live information and customer support via social media
- Increased staff in customer service areas
- Adding 40 extra buses to daily service on routes with the greatest concerns expressed by customers
- Creation of direct non-stop trips from Tunney's Pasture to west and south end
- Adding 19 new buses to the fleet in 2020 to provide more reliable and expanded service
Our contract with Rideau Transit Group (RTG) means that they are responsible for the design, construction, integration, testing, commissioning, and 30-year maintenance of O-Train Line 1. The City will hold Rideau Transit Group accountable to fulfill their obligations under the contract.
With winter approaching, OC Transpo is inspecting heaters and defrosters and performing pro-active maintenance.
OC Transpo is dedicated and focused on ensuring customers are taken care of through every aspect of their journey. Our focus is on providing reliable transit service, holding Rideau Transit accountable to maintain the LRT system and improving communications with our customers.
O-Train Confederation Line & Bus Service Update (Nov. 6) *
* Accessible format PDFs are coming soon.
November 4, 2019
Coming soon! New strap hangers are on their way to help provide stability for customers standing on trains. More details to come.
November 1, 2019
Check out the new mat at Parliament Station!
In order to help prevent slipping during wet weather, we’ll be installing mats and other solutions at O-Train Line 1 station entrances next week.
