Here is the update to this morning's rail service:
RTG launched all 13 vehicles. Vehicles are launched in two waves – 7 in wave one and 6 in wave two
The first 7 were on schedule however they experienced a power outage in the yard which caused a delay to the final 8 as the vehicles have to follow a resetting process for the CBTC system once power is restored. Power was restored quickly in the yard and vehicles were deployed
No major issues during the morning rush hour and the delayed launched resulted in train headways of 5-6 minutes.
No overloads
Once all 13 trains were on the line at 7:50 headways were running at 4 mins
After rush hour we experienced a switch issue at Blair – trains continued in full service but as per safety protocols trains were held at various locations as we funneled trains into the Blair station
Switch was addressed quickly by on site technician as per procedures
R1 service was not required service ran through the entire rush hour period
Full service on the line
John Manconi
General Manager, Transportation Services Department
Source : City of Ottawa
(2:30pm) We have a train issue that we are dealing with and a switch issue. R1 service has been activated
(3:42pm) Blair switch issue is fixed trains will be cleared to move in east end. For customers that's one less transfer. Rideau station train is being removed should move out shortly.
(4:29pm) As noted earlier today, this morning we experienced a few issues that caused some minor delays. Following that incident, we had a disturbed switch east of Tremblay Station. Delays were minor.
Outside of peak period, disturbed switches occurred to the east of Tremblay Station and to the west of Blair Station, which have been restored to service. As well, trains were stopped at Hurdman and Rideau stations due to tripped circuit breakers. Both trains have been removed from the line and full service has been restored.
During this period, service was provided using a mix of train and R1 replacement buses.
We are currently running full service with 13 trains.
These incidents will all be reviewed by JBA and RTM as part of their ongoing work.
RTG has confirmed that they will be providing 13 trains for this afternoon's commute.
S1 Supplemental Bus Service
As you know, we have been providing S1 supplemental bus service due to a shortage of trains delivered by RTG last week for service on O-Train Line 1. The S1 bus service is provided by two groups of buses:
The 20 buses dedicated to R1 service; and
Additional buses pulled from regular, high frequency routes.
Now that RTG is delivering enough trains to accommodate customer volumes, we are able to return the additional buses to their regular routes. This will increase the reliability of the bus transit network throughout the city.
Starting on Wednesday morning, S1 service will be provided from Tunney's Pasture, Blair and Hurdman Stations to downtown, using the 20 dedicated buses.
As rail service continues to stabilize, we will monitor and assess the need for S1 supplemental bus service. We will ensure that Councillors, Commissioners and customers are given ample notice of any further changes to S1 service.
The adjustments to S1 service will be communicated to customers through all channels.
Customers can visit OCTranspo.com or follow @OC_Transpo for more information and updates on service.
RTG has advised us they plan to provide the full-service fleet of 13 trains for Monday morning. This would restore service to normal levels. We will monitor their preparations throughout the night, and confirm when trains are deployed early on Monday morning.
We will be implementing S1 bus service on Monday morning, as we did last week. In the morning, S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. For the afternoon peak, special bus service will run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.
We will continue to assess the need for S1 supplemental bus service throughout the week and will monitor and adjust our response on a day-by-day basis as rail service stabilizes.
We are informing customers so that they can plan for their Monday morning commute. Customers can visit OCTranspo.com or follow @OCTranspoLive for more information and updates on service.
This is the current forecast, which may change. We will update information to Council and Commissioners as soon as Monday morning rail service is deployed.
Source : City of Ottawa
(7:07am) 12 trains have been launched so far and RTG is working on launching 13th train.
(3:05pm) 13 trains for this afternoon's peak have been launched. This restores service to normal levels.
We will continue to implement S1 bus service this afternoon and will continue to assess the need for S1 supplemental bus service and adjust our response as rail service stabilizes.
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We have 11 vehicles on the line running at approximately 5 minute headways. (Both for AM and PM peak periods)
Looking ahead to this weekend, RTG has confirmed that we will have the required 11 trains available to provide normal weekend service, with headways of 5 minutes. There is no requirement for S1 supplemental bus service over the weekend, but we will be implementing S1 for Monday morning's peak and we will assess daily.
Customers can visit OCTranspo.com or follow @OCTranspoLive for more information and updates on service.
We have received a number of requests regarding LRT service this morning and the number of vehicles operating during the morning commute. The number of trains in service at any moment is always fluid and changes based on vehicle availability, scheduling and customer volumes throughout the day. We know that what matters to our customers is when their next train is going to arrive. Answering this question will be a focus of our updates to you and our customers going forward.
We understand the confusion and frustration this has been causing for our customers and the public and are working with RTG to restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible.
Until rail services is stabilized, we will continue to provide the same supplemental bus services we have been providing this week. In the morning, S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. For the afternoon peak, special bus service will run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.
Yesterday - January 29, 2020
As you are aware, RTM had advised that we would have 10 trains for yesterday morning's peak service. Service on the Confederation Line operated with 8 and 9 trains at different times during the peak period yesterday morning.
One train experienced an electrical issue in the yard prior to being launched and at approximately 5:45 am a second train was unable to continue in service at Tunney's Pasture Station due to an electrical issue causing the circuit breakers on the train to trip.
Towards the end of the morning peak period, a 9th train was put into service and continued for the rest of the day.
S1 supplemental bus service continued to provide supplemental service from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations during peak periods.
This morning – January 30, 2020
Planned service for this morning included 10 trains on Line 1, however service operated with 8 and 9 trains at different times during the morning peak period. One train was unable to be put into service due an issue with the wheels.
At approximately 8:15 am this morning, a second train was proactively removed from service at Blair Station due to a mechanical issue. Service continues on Line 1 with 8 trains.
The current number of vehicles in service means that trains are moving throughout Line 1 with approximately 7 minutes between trains.
S1 supplemental bus service continues to be implemented during peak commute times to assist in moving customers to and from key transfer points (Tunney's Pasture, Blair and Hurdman stations) and the downtown core.
We are also aware of issues with inaccurate information appearing on the passenger information displays at platform level and are working with RTG to fix the problem and ensure that the displays are providing accurate information.
John Manconi
General Manager, Transportation Services Department
Tomorrow, we will continue to provide the same supplemental bus services we have been providing all this week.
In the morning, special bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. For the afternoon peak, special bus service will run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. Details are available at octranspo.com.
Service information continues to be shared with customers through all regular communication channels. Source : City of Ottawa
RTG/RTM has advised they will be providing ten trains for tomorrow morning and afternoon peak periods. This will mean that trains will operate every 5 to 6 minutes.
Customers on Line 1 will experience longer than normal wait and travel times, and platforms and trains will be more crowded than usual.
We will continue to provide the same supplemental bus services as today. In the morning, special bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. For the afternoon peak, special bus service will run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. Details are available at octranspo.com.
Up to 50 bus trips on higher-frequency routes will be cancelled in the morning peak and up to 75 bus trips will be cancelled in the afternoon peak in order to provide the S1 supplemental bus service. Staff continue to cancel trips that minimize the overall effect on customers. Details of the bus trip cancellations will be available at octranspo.com.
Service information continues to be shared with customers through all regular communication channels.
John Manconi
General Manager, Transportation Services Department
We currently are operating with 9 trains for the afternoon peak period, providing less capacity than normal.
We will continue to provide special bus service for this afternoon's commute. Special S1 buses will run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.
In addition, in response to overcrowding on westbound trains yesterday, we are adding more capacity for westbound commuters from the west side of downtown starting this afternoon. Special S1 bus service will pick up customers at the bus stop on Albert west of Kent for a non-stop trip directly to Tunney's Pasture Station.
Bus trips on higher-frequency routes will continue to be cancelled during peak periods to provide capacity to run S1 special bus service. We currently anticipate up to 75 bus trips will be cancelled in today's afternoon peak and up to 50 bus trips will be cancelled tomorrow morning. These represent approximately three percent of peak period service and the remaining 97 percent of trips will not be affected by the train shortage. Staff have selected the trips to minimize the overall effect on customers.
Service information is being shared with customers through all regular communication channels.
Dear Mayor, Members of Council and Members of the Transit Commission,
Many of you have asked for more information about the power issue that affected trains over the weekend and today, which resulted in a reduction in the number of trains available for service.
Throughout the course of this past weekend, there were several instances where trains stopped and were unable to continue in service due to an electrical issue causing the circuit breakers on the trains to trip. In response, R1 replacement bus service was deployed once on Saturday between Parliament and St. Laurent Stations. While R1 service was deployed, trains continued to provide service between Tunney's Pasture and Parliament Stations and between St. Laurent and Blair Stations. In all other instances, service was able to continue to all stations. Details of this issue, are provided below:
The loss of power to the vehicle motors is due to electrical problems with the equipment on the roof of the vehicle.
The vehicles appear to be more prone to these failures during wet or inclement weather.
The trains have internal safety systems that monitor the flow of electricity and will automatically cut power using a rooftop high speed circuit breaker if required. When this happens, power to the vehicle is cut, and the train may come to a stop. This operates like a circuit breaker in your house.
While the root cause of this issue is still under investigation by RTM, these incidents are the result of the train's safety systems operating as designed. When loss of power to the motors occurs, power for systems such as lighting and other onboard systems are still available.
Customers may hear a bang or see sparks where the train contacts the overhead power wires. This may be startling but does not pose a risk to the safety of passengers in the train or on the platform.
When a power shutdown occurs, passengers are taken off the affected train and a technician is called to investigate and reset the system. In some cases, a secondary set of safety circuits on the train have been engaged, which requires a full train reset. As a cautionary measure, affected trains have been moved off the line for further inspection and investigation.
The affected vehicles will undergo inspection and maintenance at the Belfast Maintenance Facility before returning to service. In some cases, the repair is minor; however, some vehicles require more time to repair which is why we are experiencing a shortage of vehicles this week.
Further information on corrective maintenance and repairs to be confirmed by RTM.
We recognise the impact this has had on our customers and are working with RTM to resolve this problem and restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible. OC Transpo will continue to deploy supplemental bus service from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman and Blair stations during peak periods to adjust for the reduction in train numbers.
OC Transpo staff, including the red-vested O-Train Ambassadors, will continue to be on-site to assist and direct customers. Information is being shared with customers through all regular communication channels, including octranspo.com and @OCTranspoLive.
John Manconi
General Manager, Transportation Services Department
Source : City of Ottawa
Update at 8:47pm (Monday)
We currently expect that tomorrow the O-Train Line 1 will be operating with nine trains for the morning and afternoon peak periods, providing less capacity than normal. Customers on Line 1 will experience longer wait, travel times and platforms and trains will be more crowded.
We will continue to provide the same supplemental bus services as were provided today. In the morning, special bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. For the afternoon peak, special bus service will run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations. Details are available at octranspo.com.
As today, up to 50 bus trips on higher-frequency routes will be cancelled in the morning peak and up to 75 bus trips will be cancelled in the afternoon peak. These represent approximately three percent of peak period service and the remaining 97 percent of trips will not be affected by the train shortage. Staff have selected the trips to minimize the overall effect on customers.
Details of the bus trip cancellations will be available at octranspo.com.
Service information is being shared with customers through all regular communication channels.
Please find attached a memo regarding the Stage 2 Project procurement evaluations and three related appendices. Please note, the appendices are only available in English.
Ottawa LRT Stage 2 - Trillium Line Extension - Technical Evaluation Consensus Presentation - October 23, 2018
The following quote is from the memo released with these documents, to explain why there are two presentations for the Trillium Line extension.
Following the October 3, 2018 presentation, BESC raised concerns that the technical evaluations considered criteria not specifically outlined in and/or contemplated by the RFP. The concerns that the BESC raised regarding criteria outside the parameters of the RFP were re-evaluated by the technical evaluation team and adjusted, if deemed necessary. The results of this process were presented to BESC by way of a second Technical Evaluation Consensus Presentation on October 23, 2018
The Transit Commission received a special status update on the O-Train Line 1: Confederation Line.
Important Points from the presentation:
Review of Rail Service
OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) provided updates on key technical issues affecting Line 1 service reliability:
Vehicle on-board Controller (VOBC);
Train Control Monitoring System (TCMS);
Door Operations;
Rail Switches;
Updates on New Year's Eve service; and,
Updates on the recent issues with the Overhead Catenary System.
RTG confirmed that they are hiring JBA Corporation, an external team of specialized experts, to perform an in-depth analysis of RTG's processes and operations and make recommendations on changes to improve service deliverability.
JBA Corporation are internationally recognized as experts in this field and have experience with all the systems, suppliers and components used in Ottawa's system.
Bus Service
Unveiling of a new bus schedule:
Supplemental bus service between Tunney's Pasture and Hurdman Stations and the downtown core will continue during morning and afternoon peak commuting periods until Friday, January 31
At that point, we will reassess, based on train availability and inform customers of any changes
Starting next week, the supplemental buses will be labelled "S1" to help customers identify them
Communications
We continue to use all available communications channels to keep our customers informed of changes to service
We are continuing to deploy over 180 red-vested O-Train Ambassadors throughout the system to assist customers
These staff are strategically deployed as necessary to support operational requirements
Transit Commission special meeting - January 23, 2020
Press Release from the Transit Commission. ——
OC Transpo and RTG answer questions about recent service disruptions
At today's special Transit Commission meeting, senior staff from the Transportation Services Department and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) provided an update and answered questions about recent O-Train Line 1 performance and service disruptions.
Source : City of Ottawa
The presentation slideshow that was shown at the meeting. (Only 3 slides).
O-Train Fans meets up with Mayor Jim Watson to discuss the opening of the Confederation Line, the ongoing issues being faced, the future with Stage 2 and beyond, the Prince of Wales bridge connection to Gatineau, the uncertain future of Hamilton's LRT and more.
O-Train Fans meets up with Troy Charter, Director of Transit Operations, to discuss some of the current technical issues being faced on the line, why they are important and how they affect operations on the line.
This past weekend on Saturday and Sunday, OC Transpo was required to implement R1 replacement bus service in response to RTM issues with track switches and switch heaters on O-Train Line 1.
This morning, RTM ran service with 11 of the 13 required trains. Towards the end of the morning peak period, 2 additional trains were removed from service due to technical reasons (compressor fault and a wheel issue).
RTM has advised the City that they will be running service with 10 trains instead of the required 13. Trains will be operating approximately every 5 minutes for the afternoon peak. Customer should expect longer wait times than normal by approximately 1 minute and should expect approximately 20% more people than normal on platforms and on trains.
The Mayor and the Chair, the City Manager and I have met with the CEOs of the RTG/RTM consortium to get briefed on what the issues are and demand that the issues with the trains and track be immediately rectified. We expect them to take appropriate measures to reduce the occurrence of issues on Line 1 so that we may provide reliable and safe transit services to all customers.
Customers will receive regular updates on service through all of OC Transpo's information channels, including social media.
For tomorrow morning's commute, OC Transpo is examining using the fleet of R1 standby buses to augment rail service. More information will be available as soon as plans are finalised. Visit octranspo.com or follow @OC_Transpo for updates.
The City continues to hold Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to account for ongoing O-Train Line 1 maintenance issues. City staff are in regular communication with RTG and RTM to put pressure on them to get the job done and to live up to the standards expected by our transit customers.
John Manconi
General Manager, Transportation Services Department
Source : City of Ottawa
O-Train Line – Update 2 (January 20, 2020) - 8:51pm
In anticipation of a continuing shortage of trains on O-Train Line 1 during peak periods tomorrow, OC Transpo will be operating supplementary bus service to provide some additional capacity at the busiest times.
In the morning, from 7:30 until 9:00 a.m., special buses will leave from Hurdman Station and from Tunney's Pasture Station, will operate non-stop to downtown, and will drop off customers at bus stops on Albert Street (buses from Hurdman) and on Slater Street (buses from Tunney's Pasture).
In the afternoon, from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m., special buses will leave from Albert Street just west of O'Connor, near Parliament Station, non-stop to both Hurdman and Tunney's Pasture Stations.
OC Transpo staff will be on site at the start points of these special bus services to assist customers.
By operating buses non-stop over these busy sections of the corridor, more space will be made available for customers travelling on trains to and from other stations along the line.
The costs of this service will be added to the charges being passed on to RTG.
Customer communications and media notifications will commence immediately
O-Train Line – Update 3 (January 21, 2020) - 1:58pm
RTG has advised us that they will be providing 10 of 13 vehicles required for afternoon rush hour. The bus supplement plan communicated last evening that was implemented today will proceed as part of afternoon rush hour to assist our customers. Information updates to customers are continuing.
O-Train Line 1 Update (January 21, 2020) - 10:45pm
RTG has confirmed that for Wednesday morning rush hour, 10 vehicles will be available. They have indicated that we may have an additional vehicle, bringing the total to 11 for morning rush hour. The supplemental bus plan will continue.
O-Train Line 1 Update (January 22, 2020) - 7:21am
RTG has provided 11 vehicles for this morning rush hour. Supplemental bus service continues.
O-Train Line 1 Update (January 22, 2020) - 4:00pm
RTG is providing 10 vehicles for afternoon rush hour. Supplemental bus service remains in place.
The City of Ottawa released this overview to accompany today's press conference on the service interruption that occurred today at St-Laurent station.
----
O-Train Service Interruption – January 16, 2020 (3:15pm Media Availability)
Troy Charter, Director of Rail Operations
Today at approximately 10:50am, a train in the eastbound direction at St. Laurent Station was unable to continue and service was disrupted.
As the root cause is still being investigated, it appears that the OCS or overhead wire that supplies power to the train broke and fell onto the train as it entered in the station.
Both the vehicle and power systems functioned as intended in that as soon as the overhead wire broke, the power was immediately cut to the overhead wires and to the train.
The Operator made announcements to the customers advising them that the train could not continue and that they would need to exit train.
Customers were able to safely exit the train at St. Laurent Station.
R1 replacement bus service was implemented between Hurdman and Blair Stations. This will continue throughout the afternoon peak period and into this evening. Support personnel in terms of our O-Train Ambassadors, and on-street Supervisory staff were immediately notified and dispatched to assist customers.
Staff will continue to be on-site during this event to assist customers
For customers travelling between Hurdman and Tunney's Pasture stations Line 1 service continues with minimal delays.
At this time, RTM is making every effort to restore service as quickly as possible. However, it is anticipated this disruption will continue throughout the day today and possibly into tomorrow as the repairs are underway.
R1 bus replacement service will continue to operate. As the situation evolves and service, either full or partial, is restored, we will continue to provide updates.
We know this is difficult for our customers and rest assured we are doing everything we can to restore service as soon as possible
I will now turn things over to my colleague Pat Scrimgeour who will provide the details on how we will keep our customers up to date as this situation progresses
Pat Scrimgeour, Director of Transit Customer Systems and Planning
As you know, O-Train Line 1 is currently closed between St-Laurent and Blair Stations
R1 replacement bus service is running and will continue to run between Hurdman and Blair Stations
Trains continue to run between Tunney's Pasture and Hurdman Stations
The service disruption is expected to continue this afternoon through the Thursday afternoon peak period
Every afternoon we carry about 18,000 to 20,000 customers to east end destinations
These customers travelling to the east end from downtown should expect significant delays and should consider leaving late or making alternative travel arrangements
Customers travelling to the west end from downtown may notice some delays to train service
We are gathering approximately 70 buses from across the system to provide R1 replacement service
But replacement buses are not able to provide the capacity or the fast travel time of the regular train service
There may be some delays to bus service in other parts of the city as we reassign buses to the replacement bus service
R1 buses will be running from Hurdman Station in groups every few minutes
OC Transpo staff are on site at all stations to help customers
Some of the R1 buses to Blair Station will skip Tremblay and Cyrville Stations in order to get customers to St-Laurent and Blair faster—these R1 "express" trips will be identified on the front of the bus and by OC Transpo staff on the bus platforms
Customers are being informed through all of OC Transpo's information channels, including social media, and the news media
As you've heard, RTM and OC Transpo are working to fix the problem at St-Laurent Station as quickly as possible
We will provide more information on the expected duration of the service disruption through the evening and night
Customers should visit octranspo.com and @OC_Transpo on Twitter for the latest updates on the evening's service and the Friday morning commute
In the event that the service disruption continues into Friday morning, customers should consider working from home or making alternative travel arrangements
Peter Lauch, Rideau Transit Maintenance
Mr. Lauch will provide an update on service restoration (...Not provided in this release)
Updates provided by the city will be posted below.
Update: Stopped train on O-Train Line 1 at St-Laurent Station - UPDATE 1 (2:26pm)
Sent on behalf of John Manconi, General Manager, Transportation Services
We have a stopped train on O-Train Line 1 at St-Laurent Station. Trains are running between Tunney's Pasture and Tremblay. R1 replacement buses are providing service between Hurdman and Blair Stations.
Passengers on stopped train at St. Laurent have exited the train.
The overhead wire that supplies power to the train has broken. The vehicle, the system and customer support procedures all function as designed and per safety protocols. The current status is as follows:
Service
Service continues as per the update below. Trains continue to run between Tunney's Pasture and Tremblay Station. R1 bus replacement service is being provided between Hurdman and Blair.
Repairs
RTM is on site assessing repair work. No ETA at this time as to when it will be completed.
Information Customers
Customer updates are continuing. Station staff are assisting customers.
Media
Media will be sent this update and details will be shared as they come available. Updates to follow.
Update: Stopped train on O-Train Line 1 at St-Laurent Station - UPDATE 2 (2:19pm)
The stopped train at St. Laurent Station needs to be moved from its current location to allow crews to assess damage to the overhead wire power system.
Once the train is moved, assessment and repairs can begin. The scope, scale and timing required to complete repairs is still not known at this time. All efforts are being made to move as expeditiously as possible to restore service.
R1 replacement bus service continues to operate.
Additional updates will be provided as new information is received.
Update: Stopped train on O-Train Line 1 at St-Laurent Station - UPDATE 4 (5:27pm)
The train at St. Laurent Station has been moved away from the affected area and returned to the maintenance facility. Crews are now inspecting and assessing the extent of the damage and the scope of repair work. The current service plan will remain in effect for the rest of the day and evening.
Currently, we are experiencing heavy volumes at Hurdman Station. Buses are and will continue to provide frequent service.
At this time, we do not have an estimated time for full-service restoration.
Service plans are in development for Friday morning's commute to provide the best service possible for customers depending on the state of repairs and readiness by RTG.
The next update will be provided at approximately 9:30 pm.
Update: Stopped train on O-Train Line 1 at St-Laurent Station - UPDATE 5 (9:37pm)
Repairs to fix the power line system at St. Laurent Station are progressing. We do not have an ETA on service restoration at this time, but RTG is reporting that repair work is proceeding well and that they have not encountered any unforeseen issues.
The sequence of the repair work to be done is as follows:
Remove the damaged equipment (nearing completion);
Assemble the replacement wire system (currently underway);
Install the replacement wire system;
Re-energize the system; and
Conduct numerous tests to confirm that the replacement is fully functional.
Once these steps are all completed successfully, full train service will be restored.
Service plans are in development for Friday morning's commute to provide the best service possible for customers depending on the state of repairs and readiness by RTG.
Update: Stopped train on O-Train Line 1 at St-Laurent Station - UPDATE 6 (11:40pm)
Removals of damaged infrastructure is complete. Assembly of new infrastructure is complete. Installation is commencing. No ETA on when this work will be completed.
Update: Stopped train on O-Train Line 1 at St-Laurent Station - UPDATE 7 (5:11am Friday)
Repairs to the power line system at St. Laurent were completed early this morning. Inspection and testing of the restored system were successful and OC Transpo is implementing full rail service as of 5 am this morning.
Customers are being informed through all of OC Transpo's information channels, including social media.
Please see the below update regarding LRT Service for New Year's Eve.
Mayor, Members of Council, Members of the Transit Commission,
This evening there were 2 separate occurrences where trains lost power and were unable to continue in operation. The first occurred at Cyrville Station at 17:02. End to end rail service continued to operate with customers experiencing longer commute times. The train at Cyrville Station was removed and returned back to the maintenance facility at 18:51. At 17:53 a second train lost power just west of UOttawa Station. The transit operations control center implemented alternate service plans immediately to keep customers moving and mitigate the delays associated with the 2 events. Train service operated on a loop from Tunney's to Parliament Stations and from Blair to Hurdman Stations where with R1 replacement bus service running between Parliament and Hurdman Stations. At 23:50 the train at uOttawa was removed back to yard and full service resumed at 23:53.
Philippe Landry, P.Eng.
Acting General Manager, Transportation Services Department
The Transit Comission received a special status update on the O-Train Line 1: Confederation Line, as well as the resulting changes, issues and problem being experienced on the O-Train and the bus network since the #ReallyBigServiceChange of October 6, 2019.
Important Points from the presentation: Rail Service Overview
Rail service is improving with fewer disruptions, providing more reliable service for our customers;
Our focus has been on the following four rail specific areas:
Train Control Monitoring System (TCMS);
Vehicle on Board Controller (VOBC);
Door Operations; and,
Track Switches.
There have been some improvements in all of these areas.
Train Control & Monitoring System (TCMS)
Number of occurrences continues to trend downwards;
A new version of software was deployed and tested on the fleet during the weekend of December 7. The software continues to:
1. Contain the issues generated by the TCMS system (minimizes impact); 2. Collect data for Alstom engineers to diagnose for root cause analysis; and, 3. The new software also optimizes communication between active and inactive TCMS units, simplifies network communications, and improves error handling.
Operational measures continue to be refined and put in place to reduce the number and impact of TCMS occurrences, resulting in better service for our customers; and,
As root cause has yet to be determined, the dedicated team of experts continues to work on resolving this issue.
Vehicle On Board Controller (VOBC)
The work on VOBC is being done in parallel to that of TCMS;
The number of VOBC occurrences has stabilized; and,
There has been one recent VOBC issue that occurred midday on December 13, which resulted in a short delay for customers.
Door Operation
Door issues impacting service have decreased;
In most cases, improved response and rectification time is minimizing the impact to customers;
A specialized team continues to work on engineering solutions to improve performance and adjust door settings;
Dwell times continue to be monitored and adjusted by staff;
We continue to communicate the importance of not holding doors via our communications and marketing campaign; and,
A communication package will be sent to Council and Transit Commission following this meeting.
Track Switches
On December 5, a non communicating switch at Blair Station impacted operations and R1 was implemented between St. Laurent and Blair stations;
The Control Centre must be able to communicate with all switches to ensure they are properly aligned for safe train movements.
Switches that are non communicating or misaligned must be attended to by a specialized technician;
RTG/RTM guideway technicians continue monitoring switches at terminus stations during peak periods; and,
Additional resources are deployed to monitor and attend to switches during weather events.
Ongoing Improvements
Straps have been installed on 1/3 of the fleet;
Remaining trains will have strap hangers installed by the end of January; and, RTM is working to advance the shipment date.
Tunney's Pasture Station pedestrian canopy is expected to be complete this week; and, Installation of decorative screens expected to be complete by the end of December.
Hurdman Station pedestrian bypass lane and canopy are complete; and, Decorative screens expected to be installed by end of December.
Removal of shelter glass at Blair Station Stop D to help customer flow.
Platform markings at six stations are complete; Remaining installations are being completed weather dependent.
Anti slip coating installed on stairs at Parliament, Lyon and Rideau stations; and, RTM doing system wide review and will apply as necessary.
Source : City of Ottawa
Audio Recording of the meeting. (Confederation Line and Bus Service Update)
Transit Commission - Questions & Answers - December 18, 2019.mp3
Press Release from the Transit Commission. ——
Transit Commission receives O-Train Line 1 and Bus Service Update
Ottawa – The Transit Commission today received an update on both O-Train Line 1 and bus service.
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 and 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.
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.
The update on bus operations noted that out of approximately 8,600 scheduled trips every weekday, approximately 98.5 per cent 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.
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 octranspo.com.
OC Transpo has been collecting feedback from customers, staff, Members of Council and Members of Transit Commission and will continue to integrate comments and feedback into ongoing changes and improvements.
Source : City of Ottawa
The presentations that were shown at the meeting.
-O-Train Confederation Line and Bus Service Update-
The Finance and Economic Development Committee (FEDCO) received a status update on the O-Train Confederation Line project as well as Stage 2 LRT.
--Press Release--
The Committee received updates on the Stage 1 and Stage 2 light rail transit projects. Progress has been made on various technical and system-related communications issues on O-Train Line 1. Due to poor performance by Rideau Transit Group, the City intends to exercise some of its rights under the project agreement to improve service reliability for customers. In the interim, the City is taking steps to enhance service and increase capacity. Forty additional buses have been added, with 19 more to be added in January 2020. Twenty buses are now dedicated for R1 replacement services during peak times.
Construction work is progressing on all three Stage 2 extensions. Work is underway on station and vehicle design, roadway drainage, and bridge and pedestrian overpasses. Tree clearing along the Trillium Line, ongoing work on highway 174, and utility relocation work within the west extension project limits will take place early next year.
The Committee received an interim report on properties acquired for Stage 1 of the light rail transit project. A final report will be tabled at the Committee once the remaining transactions have closed.
Source : City of Ottawa
The audio recording of the portion of the committee meeting dealing with the Confederation Line and Stage 2 LRT updates.
Residents and OC Transpo customers are advised that Claridge Homes is doing blasting work near Lyon Station that will cause loud noises and vibrations.
This planned work will take place on weekdays, between the hours of 7 am and 4 pm, from Friday, November 22 and will continue until April 2020.
The City of Ottawa and Rideau Transit Maintenance have reviewed Claridge's plan, which ensures blasting levels will not affect the structural integrity of Lyon Station.
The Transit Comission received a status update on the O-Train Line 1: Confederation Line, as well as the resulting changes, issues and problem being experienced on the O-Train and the bus network since the #ReallyBigServiceChange of October 6, 2019.
Important Points from the presentation:
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; and,
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; and,
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; and,
Platform markings are complete at 3 stations, full platform marking installation scheduled for completion by early December (weather permitting).
Improving Bus Service Reliability
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; and,
Staff are working with the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) to use the Highway 417 bus
The 417/174 ramp and Lees Avenue ramp will not be closed.
Audio Recording of the meeting. (Confederation Line and Bus Service Update)
Confederation Line and Bus Service Update - November 20, 2019.mp3
Press Release from the Transit Commission. ——
Commission approves OC Transpo's 2020 Draft Budget and improvements toPara Transpo online services
Today, Transit Commission approved OC Transpo's 2020 Draft Budget, received a report outlining the implementation of Para Transpo online services and received an update on transit services, including O-Train Line 1.
Enhancing transit service
Highlights of the 2020 Draft Budget include:
$7.5 million investment for bus service, including 19 new buses
$2 million for increased Para Transpo service
Three-month freeze on all transit fares
One-year fare freeze for EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass
$440,000 incremental cost for EquiPass and Community Pass will be funded through the Community and Social Services Department budget
Minimal incremental cost for Access Pass will be funded through the City's Transportation Services Department budget
Continued capital investments across all aspects of the service
The 2020 Draft Budget will be considered by City Council on December 11.
Transit Commission also received a report on Para Transpo's online services implementation plan.The report outlines how online services will be delivered to customers, including enhanced features such as online trip-tracking.
OC Transpo will implement online services for Para Transpo customers in two stages:
In stage one, an interim online booking system will be available to a test group by the end of 2019, and will be available to all customers in early 2020. This interim solution will allow customers to avoid the phone queue while OC Transpo works with a software supplier to develop a robust online solution.
In stage two, a full suite of online services will be released in phases to Para Transpo customers by the end of 2020.
The full suite of online services will provide Para Transpo customers with a self-serve option to access a variety of Para Transpo services, such as making a next-day or subscription booking, on a computer or mobile app. It will also enable customers to track their booked trip and receive an estimated time of arrival, based on vehicle location data.
Transit Commission also received an operational update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service. The update outlined Line 1 station enhancements, increased rail and bus service reliability, improvements to customer communications and a preview of winter operations.
OC Transpo announced adding 20 dedicated buses that will be on standby during peak periods to support R1 bus replacement service, when needed. These dedicated buses will ensure that OC Transpo can implement R1 bus replacement service without impacting transit reliability across the system. These 20 new buses will be in service the first week of December.
Source : City of Ottawa
The presentations that were shown at the meeting.
-O-Train Confederation Line and Bus Service Update-
The Transit Comission received a status update on the O-Train Line 1: Confederation Line, as well as the resulting changes, issues and problem being experienced on the O-Train and the bus network since the #ReallyBigServiceChange of October 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.
Audio Recordings of the meeting.
(Due to the meeting lasting 6 hours, we have broken up the audio to separate the Budget discussion and the Confederation Line Update.)
Transit Commission - November 6, 2019 - Confederation Line Update.mp3
Press Release from the Transit Commission.
Transit Commission tables OC Transpo's 2020 Draft Budget and receives O-Train Line 1 Operational Update
Ottawa – The Transit Commission today tabled the proposed 2020 Draft Budget for OC Transpo and received an Operational Update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service.
With 2019 being the first year of multimodal service, investments in the draft budget reflect Councillor and customer feedback and data analysis collected since the launch of Line 1 and the October 6 network service change.
Proposed items include:
$7.5 million investment for bus service, with an additional 19 new buses in service
$2 million to provide for increased Para Transpo service
Fare freeze for EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass
$440,000 incremental cost for EquiPass and Community Pass to be funded by Community and Social Services
Minimal cost for Access Pass to be funded by the City's Transportation Services Department
$15 million capital funding to implement bus detours for the temporary closure of O-Train Line 2 during Stage 2 construction work
Continued capital investments across all aspects of the service
Ridership is predicted to be at 99.4 million customer-trips in 2020, which is 2.6 per cent higher than ridership over the last 12 months. With this rise in expected customer-trips, and accounting for the delayed fare increase in 2019, revenue is forecast to be $202.6 million, which is 4.3 per cent higher than the 2019 budget.
The 2020 draft budget will be considered by the Transit Commission on November 20, and then by City Council on December 11.
The Transit Commission also received an operational update for O-Train Line 1 and bus service, which outlined rail performance, improvements to bus service reliability and customer communications, and a look-ahead to winter operations.
The Transportation Services Department continues to listen, review and consider all customer feedback, to meet with Councillors and Transit Commissioners, as well as consult with other transit agencies, industry experts, employees and unions to identify and implement improvements to bus and rail service. These improvements include the adjustment of dwell times at various stations, deploying additional buses to meet customer needs and improving information sharing and response times as they relate to delays.
