Further to the General Manager's email on Wednesday, RTG has requested additional time to continue their track and infrastructure work. As a result, the following additional early closures of rail service on Line 1 will be implemented:

• Saturday July 11 – rail service will operate until approximately 10:00PM
• Sunday July 12 – rail service will operate until approximately 7:00PM
• Monday July 13 - rail service will operate until approximately 10:00PM

In each case, R1 replacement bus service will be available to accommodate all customers and staff will be at key locations to assist customers.

Updates will be provided if RTG requests additional time to conduct further work on the system.

Troy Charter, Director, Transit Operations

Source : City of Ottawa 

The City's Planning Committee today approved several high-rise buildings that promise new apartments within a short walk of LRT stations. The move would help the City meet targets within the Official Plan around intensification near the stations.

Just 400 metres from Cyrville Station, the Committee approved Official Plan and zoning amendments to increase the existing 20-storey maximum building height. The change would allow for three high-rises – at heights of 25, 27 and 36 storeys – that would house about 850 rental apartments at the corner of Ogilvie Road and Cummings Avenue. An eight-storey hotel is also planned for the site.

The neighbourhood near Carling Station is also set for more housing after the Committee approved a mixed-use development on the block bound by Preston, Aberdeen, Beech and Rochester streets. The site, which is primarily a surface parking lot, would be redeveloped with three-storey buildings facing Preston Street, increasing up to 26-storeys at Rochester Street. The upper floors would include about 550 units, with the first phase planned as rental apartments. The ground floor includes retail and restaurant space, including a much-needed grocery store.

Source : City of Ottawa 

Line 1 will be shutting down approximately 2 hrs earlier this evening and possibly additional evenings this week. RTG has asked for additional time during the evening maintenance shut down period over night to undertake track adjustments and repairs. Loads are very light at this time of night and will all be accommodated with bus service 

John Manconi, General Manager of Transportation Services

Source : City of Ottawa

Alstom RTG/RTM have completed the inspections on the entire fleet with the exception of three vehicles that are in maintenance for other maintenance - they will be completed as part of that work.

Three wheels have been found to have the defect affecting 3 single vehicles (1.5 Double car train) . These will be replaced by Alstom. The safety order that has been issued is that until root cause and fixes are implemented, all vehicles are to be inspected after each use. Therefore this new procedure needs to be introduced into the maintenance regime and careful planning was undertaken to determine the fleet availability while ensuring this inspection and all other maintenance routines are adhered to so that there is no slippage in maintenance.

To enable this, we are permitting RTG/RTM and Alstom to move to a daily fleet count of 7 Vehicles with a hot spare, which provides 8 min service. Their will be no ramp down ramp up for morning and afternoon peak and this will be the weekend service output also. This enables them to comply with this new requirement and ensure maintenance continues across the fleet. With reduced ridership this can be accommodated at this time. We will communicate this to our customers through all our channels. As for root cause this work is underway and the city has secured resources in this specialized field to review any findings, next steps etc.

John Manconi, General Manager, Transportation Services Department

Source : City of Ottawa 

This morning a reduced number of trains are in service on Line 1, the Confederation Line. While undertaking yesterday's maintenance program one train wheel set was found to have steel crack on a wheel. As a precaution and in accordance with safety operational procedures, a fleet-wide inspection began overnight and is currently underway. As more vehicles are inspected, they will be put into service. 

As a result, customers can anticipate train service to run every 10 minutes through the morning peak period. S1 supplemental bus service is also running to increase capacity during the morning peak. S1 buses are running from Blair, Hurdman and Tunney's Pasture directly to downtown. Staff will be present at Line 1 stations to help direct customers. 

Updates are being provided to customers through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates and octranspo.com.

Staff are working with Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to complete inspections and resume service.

John Manconi, General Manager, Transportation Services 

Source : City of Ottawa

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10:26am 

Six vehicles have been cleared and are in service. Loads are light. We are pulling back supplemental bus service as it is not warranted at this time.

Inspections continue on the fleet.

----

3:44pm

Alstom and RTG/RTM have confirmed that all inspections will be completed by 9 pm this evening. Currently we have 9 vehicles out in service. So far only two vehicles are affected. Inspections will continue on the fleet until root cause is determined and safety sign off are provided. All safety protocols remain in place . We expect that weekend service will not be impacted and if needed we will reduce the fleet count taking advantage of the low ridership to enable maximum time for inspection.

Rideau Transit Group (RTG) is pleased to announce today the appointment of Nicolas Truchon as CEO of RTG. Mr. Truchon assumes his new role on July 10, 2020 and comes to RTG with over 20 years of experience leading, developing, and operating landmark Public Private Partnerships (P3s) across Canada. Most recently, Mr. Truchon served as Chief Financial Officer for the new $4.2B Samuel-de-Champlain Bridge P3 project in Montreal where he managed financial and commercial aspects of the project throughout the construction phase and into operations. Mr. Truchon assumes the role from Peter Lauch, who will be stepping down July 10.

As CEO of RTG, Mr. Truchon will lead all commercial, financial and contractual matters, manage the interface with RTM, and ultimately be responsible for quality assurance and delivery of services under the Project Agreement with the City of Ottawa.

In conjunction with today's management announcement at RTG, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) has appointed Mario Guerra as its new CEO. Having been involved in the project since 2016, Mr. Guerra also brings 40 years of rail transit experience gained at the Toronto Transit Commission and New York City Transit. Mr. Guerra will be responsible for all operational, maintenance and performance related issues on the LRT project. Mr. Guerra will report to Mr. Truchon, and will continue to be supported by the existing team of rail experts at RTM as well as additional experts in infrastructure, rolling stock, operations and maintenance.

Source : Rideau Transit Group

OC Transpo has been advised by the Rideau Transit Group that the planned maintenance and repairs to improve system performance on O-Train Line 1 will be completed on Sunday, June 28. As a result, R1 bus service will end and trains will resume service at 5am on Monday, June 29.

As part of OC Transpo's recovery plan, Monday will also see a return to full summer weekday service for buses, and all routes will be running. Similar schedule changes will be made on Line 1, with frequencies increasing gradually over the week of June 29.

On Canada Day, transit is no-charge, and Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule to reflect the lower ridership as a result of many celebrations transitioning to a virtual format.

Full summer service on Line 1 will be restored on Thursday, July 2. The return to full summer service is a key part of OC Transpo's plan to keep everyone safer by providing more space on buses and trains as more customers begin using transit.

As the summer progresses, RTG may request additional closures to expedite other work activities. Should that occur, I will communicate with you.

As always, the focus remains on improving service reliability for our customers.

John Manconi - General Manager, Transportation Services Department

Source : City of Ottawa 

OC Transpo will resume full summer service starting Sunday, June 28, to give more travel options as more customers begin using transit once again. OC Transpo will reinstate all bus routes except for special school services, and return service frequencies to normal summer service levels. Ensuring more space for customers on buses and trains remains a key part of OC Transpo's recovery plan to keep everyone as safe as possible.

Service improvements, including new trips, schedule adjustments and bus stop changes at stations, will also be implemented on June 28.

Service improvements

• Route 55 will travel via Chapel Street and Mann Avenue to improve service for customers in Sandy Hill. Frequency will increase to every 15 minutes during early mornings and midday, as well as westbound during the afternoon peak period, to maintain improved service to hospitals.

• Route 98 frequency will increase northbound in the early morning with the addition of a new trip.
• Earlier or later service will be added to routes 11, 12, 16, 30, 37 and 64 to better meet the needs of customers.

Schedule improvements

• Trip times on routes 222 and 228 will be adjusted to improve connections and better meet the needs of customers.
• Connection times will be reduced for customers who transfer downtown between overnight routes N39, N57, N75 and N97.
• Schedules will be adjusted on routes 20, 44, 57, 63, 64, 85, 87 and 92 to improve reliability.

Seasonal schedule adjustments

• The return to normal summer service will reinstate approximately 95 per cent of pre-pandemic service levels, restoring greater frequencies on most routes.
• Frequencies will be adjusted on routes 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 25, 30, 38, 39, 40, 44, 61, 66, 75, 82, 86, 90, 96, 98, 99, 111, 228, 235, 236, 251, 256, 272 and Line 2 replacement buses.

Bus stop changes at stations

Bus stop changes will be implemented at Blair, Lincoln Fields and Place d'Orléans stations. These changes will reduce platform crowding and group together routes with similar destinations to simplify customer options. Consult station signage or octranspo.com for more information about changes to boarding locations.

No need to pay on Canada Day

Transit service will be no-charge all day on Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1. There will be no Canada Day celebrations downtown this year and events will be held virtually. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule. Night service will begin at 11 pm on routes N39, N45, N57, N61, N75 and N97. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, with increased evening service until 1 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule, with increased service in the evening until midnight.

Special service to recreational destinations

Summer weekend service will return on route 139 to Petrie Island starting on Saturday, June 27. Buses to recreational destinations will run every 30 minutes during the day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays until Monday, September 7. Summer weekend service to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum will begin when those museums open.

Construction and detours

Construction projects are ramping up this summer and will affect several routes. Customers on the following routes should give themselves extra travel time and check octranspo.com for the latest service updates:

• Routes 5, 14 and 114 northbound will be detoured away from Elgin Street between Catherine Street and Laurier Avenue until Sunday, July 26.
• Routes 12, 14, 15, 18 and 19 may experience delays to service along Rideau Street and Montreal Road due to construction between North River Road and St. Laurent Boulevard.
• Routes 16, 50, 81 and 153 will be detoured away from Scott Street between Island Park Drive and Ross Avenue, starting in July.
• Routes 252 and 256 may experience delays because of construction on Old Richmond Road between West Hunt Club and Hope Side roads.

Rideau Street Renewal and O-Train Line 2 closure

Rideau Street will remain closed between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street until the end of the year. Routes 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18 and 114, as well as overnight routes, are detoured away from Rideau Street. Most bus service is being relocated to Mackenzie King Bridge.

O-Train Line 2 remains closed until 2022 for the Line 2 expansion. Line 2 bus service operates every 12 to 15 minutes. Buses serve each O-Train station plus South Keys, Walkley and Heron Stations, as well as Gladstone and Preston.

Customers are reminded to give themselves additional travel time when travelling on routes impacted by the Rideau Street closure or on Line 2 buses.

What we're doing to keep you safer

To prepare for increased ridership and the return to normal seasonal service levels, the following health and safety measures are now in place:

• Mandatory cloth masks for customers and employees
• Protective shields around the operator cabs at the front of conventional buses
• Return to front-door boarding to allow for more space for customers
• Touchless fare payment options, including with Presto and ParaPay
• Hand sanitizer dispensers at stations
• Masks and face shields for Para Transpo operators
• Limit of one customer per trip on Para Transpo while ridership remains low
• Around-the-clock cleaning and sanitizing of vehicles and stations
• Reminders not to use transit if you're sick

Customer Service Centre

The Customer Service Centre in the Rideau Centre will reopen on Monday, June 29. Hours of operation will be from 11 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 6 pm, on Sunday. New health and safety measures will be implemented for the safety of customers and employees. When possible, please avoid the line and take advantage of these alternatives when loading or buying a new Presto card: Prestocard.ca, the Presto App, ticket machines at O-Train stations, as well as Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations. EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass discount applications can also be submitted by mail or by fax.

For more information on transit services, visit octranspo.com or call 613-741-4390. 

Source : City of Ottawa

Further to the memo issued on the 15 June 2020, RTG has requested to extend the current full temporary closure of Line 1 until the end of this week. We have given approval to extend the closure in order to expedite the required work.

As a result, R1 replacement bus service will be available to customers this week for the entire line and staff will be present at Line 1 stations to help direct customers. Line 1 will not be operating a partial service as previously planned, R1 replacement bus service will be in place.

We are continuing to work closely with RTG, as this current closure may be further extended, or additional closures may be required over the summer. The focus remains on improving service reliability for our customers.

Thank you,

John Manconi - General Manager, Transportation Services Department 

Source : City of Ottawa

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The original notice is linked below

A memo circulated this afternoon on Twitter regarding Heat and Speed Restrictions on the O-Train Line 1. The text can be found below. This communication was distributed to members of council, and transit commissioners by Troy Charter, Director of Transit Operations.
—-

Earlier today we became aware of a tweet referencing the fact that due to the extreme heat being experienced a TSR (temporary speed restriction) of 50 km/hr has been implemented on Line 1.

We have issued the following tweet in response to clarify that trains are operating normally and in accordance with our standard operating procedures. It is important to note and I want to highlight that these procedures are standard in the rail industry when extreme heat is experienced and is / has been a standard operating response for Line 2, the Trillium Line. Furthermore, this standard procedure is one part of our safety programs that proactively monitor train and track conditions when extreme temperatures are experienced. All trains and systems are operating normally however some customers may experience slightly longer travel  times of up to a few minutes. When temperatures drop, the associated speed reductions will be removed and trains will return to normal operating speeds as they have in previous occurrences.

In addition to the temporary speed reduction associated with the extreme heat, there are other sections along the track where speed reductions have been put in place as part of RTG's overall rectification plan.

TWEET

As we are experiencing extreme heat today, trains on Line 1 are travelling at slower speeds in accordance with our operating procedures. This is a standard safety practice on all rail systems, including Line 1 & Line 2. All systems and trains are operating normally. Customers may experience a slight increase in travel time.

--Troy Charter - Director, Transit Operations. 

The following are some articles found online that pertain to speed restrictions or slow operations due to heat for more information.

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Via Rail : How heat affects your train trip? Travelling in extreme heat (https://www.viarail.ca/en/summer)

Safety is VIA Rail's number one priority. During heat waves, the sun can cause the metal on the tracks to expand, and are therefore closely monitored. When temperatures reaches a certain temperature, the rails are susceptible to stretch and deform.To ensure the safety of VIA Rail's passengers, staff and the general public, trains must run at a reduced speed and will be closely surveyed.

O-Train Confederation Line Update

Line 1 System Improvements

• RTG provided the City with a plan that prioritizes technical improvements that are closely linked to performance;
• During this period of low ridership caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, RTG has been given an opportunity to undertake work relating to issues that have impacted service on Line 1;
• The purpose of the temporary closures is to expedite maintenance and repair activities identified in the plan provided by RTG; and,
• Line 1 has been temporarily closed on occasion to allow RTG full access to the line and full access to the fleet in order to mobilize specialized equipment and complete the required maintenance and repairs.

Completed Work

• Ongoing testing of updated train control software and communication system software to improve vehicle and system performance;
• Detailed cleaning and inspection of the overhead catenary system to remove buildup of road chemicals and to replace compromised catenary mechanical supports (Parafil);
• Inspections and adjustments of the overhead catenary system to optimize the positioning of the wires;
• Track work including adjustment of the ballast to correct settlement issues and adjustment of the rail to deal with high heat conditions;
• Testing of switch-heater alarm functionality;
• Injection repair in the tunnel to seal an area near Rideau Station where water was entering the tunnel;
• Installation of new vehicle passenger door software to reduce door related disruptions and door faults;
• Continued work on Stage 2 vehicles including the release of a thirty-seventh vehicle into the fleet; and,
• Vehicle retrofit work and modification work, routine maintenance, inspections, and corrective maintenance.

Upcoming Work

• RTG is planning to implement the updated train control software that had been tested during the previous closures pending final safety certification;
• Further adjustments of the overhead catenary system and continued replacement of mechanical supports as required throughout the alignment;
• Continued emphasis on vehicle modifications, vehicle maintenance inspections and release of the thirty-eighth vehicle into the operational fleet; and,
• Ongoing track work along the guideway, including ballast replacement and other adjustments.

Next Steps

• Continue to work with RTG on vehicle reliability to ensure that known issues are corrected and that any emerging issues are resolved quickly;
  • Plan underway for a review of infrastructure performance:
  • Long term plans to resolve track conditions including noise, vibration, temperature related issues, and ballast settlement;
  • Confirmation of final overhead catenary system configuration including integration with the vehicle pantograph; and,
  • Review of performance tracking for the integrated system.
• Implement 15 double vehicle schedule for morning peak as of August 4, 2020.
• We still do not have a firm date for consistent reliable service; however, City has indicated to RTG that this is expected by the end of August;
• RTG has not agreed to a firm date for reliable service but has agreed to run 15 double vehicles at the start of August;
• Staff will continue to work closely with RTG to ensure that the focus continues to be on improving service; and,
• As RTG executes the work associated with their plan and identifies additional technical enhancements, there may be a need for future temporary closures to Line 1 during the summer.

OC Transpo has scheduled full and partial closures of O-Train Line 1 between Sunday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 24 for work to improve service reliability. R1 replacement bus service will operate on these dates to ensure continuity of service.

On Sunday, June 21, Line 1 will be closed, and R1 replacement bus service will operate all day between Tunney's Pasture and Blair stations.

Additionally, from Monday, June 22 until Wednesday, June 24, a section of O-Train Line 1 will be closed. Trains will operate between uOttawa and Blair stations while R1 replacement bus service will operate between Tunney's Pasture and Lees stations. Customers will be able to transfer between trains and R1 buses at Lees Station.

O-Train Line 1 service will resume on Thursday, June 25.

This closure will allow Rideau Transit Group (RTG) to update software and complete infrastructure work and maintenance to address issues that have impacted reliability. The City has granted permission for RTG to complete this work during the current period of low ridership related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

R1 replacement bus service will operate frequently to ensure there is space to allow customers to follow physical distancing guidelines.

Customer service staff will be located at Line 1 stations to help direct customers to R1 bus stops.

For more information on this Line 1 closure, including details about R1 replacement bus service and stops, visit octranspo.comor call 613-741-4390.

Source : City of Ottawa

Starting Monday, June 15, customers will be required to wear cloth masks or equivalent face coverings in transit stations and on buses, trains, Para Transpo minibuses and contracted taxis. So put your mask on and let's go!

We are in this together and asking everyone to do their part to help keep themselves and those around them healthy and safe.

In advance of the return to full summer service, which takes effect on Sunday, June 28, OC Transpo is implementing several measures to help make transit as safe as possible before ridership increases. These measures were developed in consultation with Ottawa Public Health.

Changes coming to OC Transpo on Monday, June 15

• Everyone who can will be required to wear a cloth mask or equivalent face covering. Young children and people who have a disability or medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask will not be required to wear one. Visit ottawapublichealth.ca for information on where masks.
• Protective shields will be installed around operator cabs on all conventional buses, so you will be able to board at the front again.
• You will need to pay the fare when boarding at the front of the bus. If you have Presto or U-Pass, you can board by the back doors of articulated and double-decker buses and tap your card there. Board 40-foot standard buses at the front doors only, unless you are in a fare-paid zone.

• There are hand sanitizer dispensers in all O-Train stations and most Transitway stations.
• Para Transpo operators will continue to wear surgical masks and face shields.
• Para Transpo trips will continue to be limited to one customer per trip, as long as ridership levels are low enough to accommodate all customers.
• Enhanced daily cleaning of all transit vehicles, stations and employee areas will continue.

Do not to use public transit if you are not feeling well, have had contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case, or have recently travelled outside of Canada.

OC Transpo staff will be at select transit stations next week to remind customers of the new cloth mask requirement. They will hand out a limited supply of disposable masks to anyone who has forgotten theirs or is unaware of the new requirement. The United Way will be selling masks at some transit stations beginning in early July.

For more information on transit services, visit octranspo.com or call 613-741-4390.

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a memo providing an update on the Transit Service Recovery Plan.  

Source : City of Ottawa

The Transit Commission held a special virtual meeting to discuss the Transit Recovery plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Transit Commission today approved OC Transpo's Transit Service Recovery Plan, which is an integral part of the City of Ottawa's roadmap for the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two key points for customers in the report include the mandatory wearing of cloth masks on transit starting June 15, and a reminder to not use transit if you are sick.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, OC Transpo service was modified to reflect lower than usual ridership levels and to ensure an availability of staff resources in case of widespread illness. Adjustments have been made quickly to add trips or larger buses to maintain physical distancing onboard and to continue to provide essential services and serve all neighbourhoods. Numerous health and safety measures were put in place for both customers and staff beginning in March, including enhanced cleaning of vehicles, and facilities and rear-door boarding for most customers.

On April 27, the Province of Ontario announced a three-stage approach for reopening the Ontario economy. As the economy reopens, transit ridership in Ottawa will increase as workplaces, businesses, schools and other activities reopen. Transit service plays a foundational role in supporting the City of Ottawa's economic recovery, by ensuring that people can travel between all parts of the city.

OC Transpo's recovery plan will accommodate the increase in ridership and will be adjusted through a multi-phased approach. Health and safety measures will be in place prior to the increase in ridership. The plan will be adjusted as Ottawa Public Health recommendations change and as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

Step 1: Current modified service to continue until Saturday, June 27

OC Transpo will continue to provide the current modified service, which is approximately 60 per cent of usual weekday service, until June 27. Adjustments will continue to be made as required to enable physical distancing onboard and to provide for connections to essential services.

Step 2: Mask requirement and other measures to be put in place on Monday, June 15

In preparation for the increase in ridership and return to summer service levels, the following measures will be in place on Monday, June 15:

• Customers and employees will be required to wear cloth masks or equivalent face coverings when entering buses, trains, stations and Para Transpo minibuses and contracted taxis.
• In keeping with recommendations from the Province of Ontario, young children and people who have a disability or medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask will not be required to wear one.
• Customers can visit ottawapublichealth.ca for information on obtaining and/or making their own masks.
• Front-door boarding will be reinstated, allowing more space for customers to practice physical distancing.
• Barrier shields on bus operator cabs will be installed on all conventional buses by June 15.
• Customers will be able to board at the front of the bus and will need to pay fares.

• Hand sanitizer dispensers will be at all O-Train stations and most Transitway stations.
• Enhanced daily cleaning of all transit vehicles, stations, and employee areas will be maintained.
• Para Transpo operators will continue to wear surgical masks and face shields.
• Para Transpo trips will continue to be limited to one customer per trip, as long as ridership levels are low enough that this does not result in customers being unaccommodated.

A comprehensive communications and marketing plan will be implemented to inform customers of the upcoming changes.

Step 3: Summer service to begin on Sunday, June 28

OC Transpo will implement summer service adjustments starting on Sunday, June 28, to coincide with the City's planning horizon for the end of the emergency measures on July 1.

• All routes will be in service and will operate the same route network that was in place from January to March 2020.
• School services will not operate.
• Bus operations at Blair, Hurdman and Tunney's Pasture stations will be controlled and closely monitored to ensure the flow of buses into these major transfer stations does not result in unhealthy overcrowding of waiting areas and platforms.
• Bus stop reassignments planned for Blair and Place d'Orléans stations will be implemented on June 28 and will assist with reducing crowding and improving customer flow at those stations.
• The Customer Service Centre (CSC) at Rideau Centre will reopen when it is possible, in order to provide in-person services for OC Transpo customers, including the intake of EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass applications, photos for discounted passes and other ID cards, and setting the discount or replacement of Presto cards.

Step 4: Fall service to begin on Sunday, August 30

OC Transpo will implement fall service adjustments on August 30 to coincide with the start of the school year.

• Transit service will follow the same route network that has been in place since January, and service frequencies and capacities will be similar to pre-COVID-19 winter service on most routes.
• School services will operate, and full-service frequencies will be provided on routes serving post-secondary institutions. School service would be adjusted depending on the decisions of the Province, universities and colleges.
• OC Transpo will plan for additional capacity to be available on standby in order to increase customer spacing as required.

OC Transpo will be closely monitoring updates to the Province of Ontario's reopening plan and will make adjustments as required to accommodate ridership.

Visit octranspo.com for more information on OC Transpo's transit services recovery plan.

Source : City of Ottawa

An informational video from OC Transpo explaining the safety improvements being made and the requirement to wear face masks while at stations, riding buses or the train is available below.

Additionally, the full presentation PDF and meeting audio are available further down.

Please find attached a memo regarding O-Train Line 1 temporary closures.

Source : City of Ottawa

Just before 10:30 am this morning there was an incident at one of the Stage 2 South Extension construction sites near the Ottawa International Airport. 

Preliminary information indicates that the workers were hurt while working on a rebar cage. Five workers were injured. One person was treated on site and four have been taken to hospital. 

Ottawa Police, the contractor, TransitNext and Ministry of Labour are at the site of the incident and all activities has been stopped while an investigation into this incident occurs. 

TransitNext will respond to any media inquiries regarding the incident. 

Thank you,

John Manconi - General Manager, Transportation Services Department

Source : City of Ottawa

The O-Train Fans Snapshot Updates are our way of documenting, archiving and sharing the history of the O-Train station construction sites.

Over the coming years, we wish to continue this important project which also helps to inform citizens and residents of the work and progress being made at all of the station work sites. As the territory that the new extensions cover stretches across most of the city, O-Train Fans has developed a plan to enhance our coverage which would increase the frequency of updates.

The answer... our loyal rail fans and followers!

We want you to be part of this important time in Ottawa's history, by volunteering your time in helping us visit the station sites, taking photos of what is going on.

All you need is a camera or smartphone to take photos.

Please note that a Snapshot Update needs to have a minimum of 3 photos to be accepted.

Depending on the level of interest of people wanting to participate, there are two ways to help. 

1. Helping to provide snapshot updates for a larger region (Multi-Station).
2. Helping to provide snapshot updates for single stations (One Station).

Updates can be done whenever you have time, and even multi-station can be spread over several days or weeks.

As part of Stage 2 LRT, here are the stations to be covered, as well as suggested groupings if you choose to join our project by submitting multiple stations.

If all this peaks your interest in joining our efforts to produce Snapshot Updates for Stage 2, please signal your interest by letting us know below. 

Alternatively you can also submit via the website by visiting : https://www.railfans.ca/snapshot/snapshot-submit

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask by sending me an email at webmaster@otrainfans.ca. 

To join us, please send an email to webmaster@otrainfans.ca, with your name, how often you anticipate being able to create Snapshot Updates, whether you would be doing multiple stations or single stations, and which, as well as telling us briefly why you would like to join.

Thank you very much for your time.

Shane Seguin (O-Train Fans Webmaster)

The City today received a presentation by the Société de transports de l'Outaouais (STO) on its Complementary Study: Public Transit System in Gatineau's West End. The STO is studying the feasibility of expanding its transit services into western Gatineau, a project that would include a link to downtown Ottawa.

The study aims to meet the transportation needs of Gatineau's west end residents for many decades by providing reliable, efficient public transit service to the downtown cores of Gatineau and Ottawa, along with other key points of interest.

Interprovincial bridges between the two cities provide more than 200,000 crossings every day. About 48,000 of those trips are made on public transit. The STO system needs to evolve to meet the needs of a growing population, especially in Gatineau's west end.

The study will help the STO determine how to integrate a new rapid-transit link into Ottawa to improve connectivity for transit users in both cities. Changes to the STO system will affect how residents on both sides of the Ottawa River travel between Ottawa and Gatineau, as well as help reduce the high number of STO buses currently operating on Ottawa's downtown streets.

Residents can visit ottawa.ca or the STO's project website to learn about the project and the ongoing study. Further public consultation will be held in June to give residents an additional opportunity to review the work and provide feedback, before a final recommendation is submitted to Transportation Committee and Council for approval this summer.

Quotes

"I look forward to seeing an improved transit connection between our two cities – one that will see hundreds of STO buses removed from our downtown streets. This electric tram project aligns well with Ottawa's goals for more sustainable transportation, and it will help improve air quality for our residents, in support of the principles of the City's Climate Change Master Plan."

Mayor Jim Watson, City of Ottawa

"STO representatives have engaged with City staff on this transformative project, which could change the way people get around between Ottawa and Gatineau. I look forward to seeing the analysis of these options in the coming months and what it will mean for Ottawa's residents."

Councillor Tim Tierney, Chair, Transportation Committee

Source : City of Ottawa 

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the regularly scheduled Transit Commission meetings for the months of March, April, and May were cancelled. The City's primary focus is on its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it is vital that important discussions on other business, including public transit proceed to ensure that members of Council, the Transit Commission and the public are afforded the opportunity to receive vital information and updates and to provide direction, where appropriate. 

In response to the cancellation of the scheduled Transit Commission meeting in May, Citizen Transit Commissioner Sarah Wright-Gilbert hosted a Virtual Transit Chat (via Zoom) to hear directly from OC Transpo customers and Ottawa residents about their concerns and questions related to public transit in Ottawa. 

The Virtual Transit Chat took place on May 13, 2020, and was attended by approximately 60 individuals.

Below you will find a report on "What We Heard" during the Virtual Transit Chat.

Source : Sarah Wright-Gilbert, Citizen Transit Commissioner

Council received an update on Stage 1 and Stage 2 of light-rail transit. The City continues to work with Rideau Transit Group to improve the reliability of service on the Confederation Line. Staff provided Council with a summary of Rideau Transit Group's improvement plan, which outlines the group's priorities to ensure that Line 1 operates to the standard expected by the City under the project agreement and by customers.

Stage 2 construction continues on all three extensions. In the south, rail bridge and elevated guideway construction is progressing. In the east, Highway 174 work is underway to prepare for guideway and station construction in the median. In the west, utilities are being relocated in preparation for cut and cover tunnel construction to start later this year.

Source : City of Ottawa

Confederation Line Update

 Stage 2 LRT Update

Please find attached a memo regarding EquiPass, Community Pass, and Access Pass Renewals and Applications during COVID-19.  

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached the O-Train Confederation Line Quarterly Memo to Council for Q4 – 2019 and Q1 – 2020. 

Source : City of Ottawa 

O-Train Line 1 to be replaced temporarily by bus service May 2 to 3 and May 9 to 13

O-Train Line 1 will close temporarily and be replaced by R1 bus service on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, and again from Saturday, May 9 until Wednesday, May 13.

These closures will enable Rideau Transit Group the opportunity to complete maintenance activities and work relating to issues that have impacted service. The City has granted permission for Rideau Transit Group to complete this work due to the current low ridership resulting from COVID-19.

R1 bus service will operate frequently to ensure there is space to allow customers to follow physical distancing guidelines. As a reminder, transit services should only be used for essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entrance grills and doors at most Line 1 stations will be closed during this time and customers will only have access to R1 bus stops. O-Train Ambassadors will be located at Line 1 stations to help direct customers to R1 bus stops.

Customers are also reminded that, on Sunday, May 3, O-Train Line 2 will be closed and replaced by bus service for construction of the Stage 2 O-Train expansion. The buses replacing Line 2 will run every 12 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, and every 15 minutes on Sundays, to provide additional capacity and space for physical distancing among customers onboard. O-Train Line 2 will reopen when construction is complete. 

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a Memo regarding an Indoor Air Quality Assessment Report for Line 1 Confederation Line (Rideau Station).

Source : City of Ottawa