O-Train Line 1 expected to resume today

There's some good news out of OC Transpo this morning as they expect to have full O-Train Line 1 service restored "later today". I hope everyone has a much smoother commute tomorrow. Here's the memo we received from OC earlier this morning. I expect most of what residents will need to know will be covered by the media over the course of today, so this will likely be my last update. Have a great day, Kitchissippi.

Good morning Mayor and Members of Council, 

Our teams continue to work around the clock to restore full Line 1 service for our customers as soon as possible. Based on current progress, we anticipate full O-Train Line 1 service will resume later today.  

Progress of repairs and steps to reopen full Line 1 service:  

Yesterday, RTM focused on inspecting the Overhead Catenary System on Track 2 and completed the repairs overnight to the short section that was damaged. Final inspections and adjustments of Track 2 are underway. 

Recovery of the two remaining immobilized trains is scheduled to take place this afternoon. OC Transpo and our external experts are meeting with RTM today to receive a full update on the status of repairs and to review the plan to safely restore service. 

Once the work has been reviewed by staff and external experts, the system will be re-energized. We will then retrieve the two remaining trains currently stopped on Track 2. Once the track is cleared, we will run test trains to confirm the system is safe and reliable. After these tests are successful, we will reopen full Line 1 service. 

Tuesday morning service: 

O-Train Line 1 service started on schedule today, running about every five minutes between Blair and Tremblay stations in the east and between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations in the west. In the west, a train stopped briefly at Tunney’s Pasture to review a mechanical code which added a few minutes customer wait times between 7:30 and 8 am.  

OC Transpo staff have been closely monitoring R1 replacement bus service and adjusted the number of buses available to help reduce crowding on buses and at stations. This morning, we saw higher passenger volumes than Monday and some customers experienced delays and overcrowding, particularly at Hurdman Station. 

Wherever possible, extra R1 buses were sent to Hurdman to increase capacity. We recognize this is challenging for our customers and thank them for their continued patience and for planning ahead. R1 bus service ran throughout the morning at 5-to-15-minute intervals, depending on demand and traffic. 

Para Transpo service is running well today.  

OC Transpo staff are on-site at Line 1 stations to support customers during their commute. Regular updates are being shared through all our social media channels, direct text messaging and on our website. Customers can get information on their trips at octranspo.com, by following @OCtranspoLive or calling 613-560-5000.  

Media update: 

We will host a media availability later today to provide an update on the repair plans and safe service restoration. I will send an update to Council prior to the media availability. A YouTube link will be provided to Council prior to the news conference. Details will be sent once the timing is confirmed. 

I will continue to provide you with updates when they are available.