O-Train East Extension Train Testing Begins

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with notification of an important milestone achieved on the Stage 2 O-Train East Extension.

The O-Train East Extension will extend OC Transpo's rail network east from Blair Station to Trim Road. It will add 12.5 kilometres of rail to Line 1 along with five new stations at Montreal Road, Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard, Convent Glen, Place d'Orléans and Trim Road.

Last night, after regular O-Train Line 1 service ended, an Alstom Citadis Spirit train was operated on the O-Train East Extension for the first time from Blair Station to Montréal Station. This milestone was achieved following testing activities including track commissioning, traction power substation testing, and overhead catenary system (OCS) testing. This series of tests culminated in the successful energization of the OCS from Blair Station to Montréal Station.

Travelling at walking speed, the train was escorted by staff on foot to verify the interface between the train's pantograph and the OCS while the train was in motion. Additional testing between Blair Station and Montréal Station is anticipated later this week as crews continue to test and validate the OCS system. Testing of the signal and train control system is expected to start this spring, after which residents will see regular, slow speed testing of trains on the line.

Further information regarding the O-Train East Extension project will be shared at the February 29 Light Rail Sub-Committee meeting. To stay informed of O-Train Extension progress, sign up for the project newsletter, follow OC Transpo on Instagram, or visit the project website. 

Source : OC Transpo

Photos : David Bellerive