The following is correspondence received from OC Transpo General Manager Rick Leary on Wednesday, November 4, providing an update on the O-Train eastern extension between Blair and Trim stations.
Work continues toward the safe and reliable opening of the Line 1 East Extension, and we would like to share our staged approach for November with you.
Ongoing progress exercising the Stage 2 East Extension
As shared in the last update on October 2, the Pre-Trial Running readiness assessment identified three critical elements that needed to be addressed before proceeding to the next phase:
- Train Control Software updates: Hitachi, an East-West Connectors sub-contractor, has been working to complete reprogramming and is now ready to install the software updates, requiring the late opening of Line 1 on November 15.
- Train availability: Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) is regularly providing the required number of trains, and improvements have been made on yard operations, ensuring that trains are deployed on time.
- Traction power substation: There have been no recent issues with this equipment, and it is working as intended.
Following the installation of the Train Control Software on November 15, the updates will be tested and validated throughout the week to ensure they are working as intended.
On Sunday, November 22, OC Transpo expects to begin exercising the entire system by operating trains along the full line between Tunney’s Pasture and Trim stations. Customers will continue to disembark at Blair Station, and staff will be present to facilitate the transition. This will be the first time that Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) will launch 23 trains for service, running about every four and a half minutes. This allows us to test the vehicles, schedules, and staffing assignments, and is the next step in the preparation for Pre-Trial Running. This is a similar process that was followed in the successful launch of Lines 2 and 4.
All of this is part of the staged approach we are taking to exercise the East Extension to be prepared for Pre-Trial Running. This will validate the reliability of all systems and identify any necessary improvements that are required before moving to Pre-Trial Running. We will continue to keep you updated on progress as we advance through each stage.
Line 1 late opening for software updates
On Sunday, November 15, O-Train Line 1 service will be adjusted to start at noon. This adjustment is required to safely implement software updates for the East Extension.
For customers, this means that on November 15:
- R1 bus service will run between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations from 8 am until noon.
- Shuttle bus service will run between St-Laurent and Cyrville stations and between Lees Station and Mackenzie King Bridge.
- Line 1 service will start at noon.
OC Transpo staff will be at key stations to support customers during this planned closure.
Customers can use the Travel Planner or Transit app to plan their trips. Customers can also visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.
Information, reminders, and updates will be communicated through various channels, including public service announcements, customer alerts, social media updates and on octranspo.com.