M. Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDPQ Infra, Chantal Rouleau, ministre déléguée aux Transports et ministre responsable de la Métropole et de la région de Montréal, and Annie Gérin, Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts, Concordia University, and, representing the agreement with four Montréal universities, today unveiled an innovative public art program for the Réseau express métropolitain (REM). This public art collection will enhance the experience of REM users, foster the next generation of artists and help build important cultural legacies. CDPQ Infra has also committed to making an additional contribution in support of Québec public art.

The "UniR" program was developed by the curator for the Caisse de dépôt et de placement du Québec, Marie-Justine Snider, who has more than 21 years of experience working in the field of fine arts. The initiative will have three major components:

As part of the Politique d'intégration des arts à l'architecture et à l'environnement des bâtiments et des sites gouvernementaux et publics of the gouvernement du Québec, funding has been earmarked to install approximately 10 works in strategic locations across the REM's four branches. These works will celebrate the neighbourhoods along the light rail system's route and will showcase a wide variety of artistic expressions from some of the province's most outstanding and cutting-edge talent.

• Valued at $4,326,171

As part of an innovative agreement with Concordia University, McGill University, Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQÀM), students will create a new work or art installation each year. Various temporary artworks will be installed along the REM in the Griffintown area, bringing a plurality of voices, views and experiences to the UniR program and, most importantly, encouraging the next generation of artists.

• Valued at $500,000

In addition to its commitment to respect the Politique d'intégration des arts à l'architecture et à l'environnement des bâtiments et des sites gouvernementaux et publics of the gouvernement du Québec, CDPQ Infra has pledged to make an additional contribution in support of public art. The investment will provide additional cultural legacies that will enhance the collection. This funding will also give support to a sector that has suffered greatly under the current pandemic.

• Valued at $3,000,000

"The announcement of the REM public art program represents another step toward the completion of this new transportation network, which will eventually see more than 170,000 trips per day. With this collection, the REM is building strong symbols of local and international identity while making public art a destination in itself. This program will shine a spotlight on talented Quebecers and help foster the next generation of artists. We hope that our additional contribution will also assist local artists during this particularly difficult period."

• Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDPQ Infra

"Thanks to the Politique d'intégration des arts à l'architecture et à l'environnement des bâtiments et des sites gouvernementaux et publics of the gouvernement du Québec, more than $4.8 million will be devoted to the REM's public art program, in addition to CDPQ Infra's contribution. This initiative will allow Québec artists to shine, while embellishing the landscape of the city for the citizens. The selected works will undoubtedly enrich the cultural heritage of Montréal and all of Québec, of which we are so proud. "

• Nathalie Roy, ministre de la Culture et des Communications

"The Réseau express métropolitain is the largest public transit project in Québec in the last 50 years. It will not only position Montréal among the great cities of the world with a major automated transportation network, but it will also distinguish itself by offering the population of the metropolitan region privileged access to exceptional artworks, which will make our city and its artists shine, here and elsewhere. "

• Chantal Rouleau, ministre déléguée aux Transports et ministre responsable de la Métropole et de la région de Montréal

"While the REM will help the metropolis prosper and thrive, the REM public art program will foster connections with and among users, offering a diverse and inclusive collective vision and contributing to Québec's cultural heritage. The REM represents new ways of living and travelling, but also new destinations and meeting points. The collection will enhance users' experience and provide a lasting legacy for Montrealers."

• Marie-Justine Snider, Curator for the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec

"The participation of students from four Montréal universities in the REM public art program is an extraordinary opportunity to train and encourage the next generation of public art producers. This exceptional agreement will allow them to mark the passage of the REM through their creativity, and users to discover new perspectives in visual arts, design and architecture."

• Annie Gérin, Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts, Concordia University

One of the most innovative aspects of the REM art program is the inclusion of temporary artworks. A new artwork or installation will be put on display each year over a four-year period. The Griffintown area is targeted as the main location for this program. The first student-created temporary work will be installed in 2023.

These temporary works will be produced as part of an inter-university course under an innovative agreement with four major Montréal universities: Concordia University, McGill University, Université de Montréal and Université du Québec à Montréal. The course will be open to students in faculties of fine arts, architecture, film, music and design. The goal is to offer the first course in 2022 and to continue the program until 2026.

This temporary artwork program seeks to provide room for daring and innovative experiments, both in terms of their material and concepts, in order to help future creators hone their skills to participate in major shows, to encourage interdisciplinarity, and, above all, to help nurture the next generation of Québec artists.

In 2021, the process of selecting the artists and works will begin. The first artists selected for the South Shore sector will be known early next year (2022). The first works of art will be installed in time for the REM's commissioning in 2022, on the South Shore section.

Source : REM

As it committed to do following the announcement of the REM de l'Est project, CDPQ Infra is now inviting the public to share their views through a broad public consultation and is continuing its active meetings with various stakeholders and civil society representatives, with over fifty meetings held to date.

Evaluated at $10 billion, the REM de l'Est represents the largest amount ever invested in a public transit project in Québec and a significant tool that will contribute to revitalizing the north and east ends of Montreal. Following 18 months of analysis, the reference project was presented in December 2020. The process announced today will allow to continue the work and the detailed planning of the project by going to meet the population and thus contribute to its optimization and its improvement.

This process will offer many opportunities for citizens to express their views on the REM de l'Est project, in a variety of formats designed to reach the greatest number of participants. It will be based on listening and openness and will be rigorous, inclusive, and transparent. It will also be supported by the participation of the City of Montreal, the Government of Quebec and the ARTM. CDPQ Infra reiterates its hope that these initiatives will take the REM de l'Est project to the desired level of excellence.

" The REM de l'Est is a major project and we know that its success depends on a period of active listening and discussion with the public. In December 2020, we introduced a transportation network that has the potential to transform mobility in the east and help revitalize this great territory. Today, we continue this work by launching a broad consultation process to ensure that we hear and gather input from the public. We hope that Montreal's east end residents will take ownership of the project and that, through this process, we are able to improve and optimize it thanks to their contribution. "
Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDPQ Infra

"Today, we are extending an important invitation to the public. The REM de l'Est project is still in the planning phase and it can be improved on. Is the time to make yourself heard, ask questions and participate in a collective success story."
Virginie Cousineau, Public Affairs Manager, CDPQ Infra, and REM de l'Est Spokesperson

Four formats will be made available to the public so they can learn more, ask questions and share their ideas.

VIRTUAL INFORMATION MEETINGS
For more information about the project and to ask questions

May 10, 12 and 13 (noon, morning and evening, respectively)

During the information meetings, CDPQ Infra representatives will present the project and respond to questions from the public along with experts from CDPQ Infra and project partners including the Ville de Montréal, the Ministère des Transports du Québec and l'ARTM.

Register and learn more about these meetings.

Please note that the information sessions will be recorded and made available on the CDPQ Infra website.

WEBINARS
To delve deeper into the specific topics

The route : May 19 at noon
Mobility : June 9 at noon

In addition to information meetings, webinars will be held in May and June to further explore two topics that have sparked public interest: the route choice and the project's mobility objectives.

The REM de l'Est project has raised many questions since its announcement and now is the time to continue the reflection process and improve our understanding of the project's principles.

Register and learn more about these workshop

These workshops will be presented by CDPQ Infra experts, project partners and independent observers.

CONSULTATION SESSIONS
To weigh in and provide feedback

From May 27 to June 10

Sectoral virtual consultation sessions will take place in order to gather comments and recommendations from members of the public.

During these consultations, the public will be invited to form sub-groups and work with a facilitator on specific topics linked to the sectors. These topics will be listed and prioritized during the event by the participants and the facilitator.

Learn more about these consultation sessions

ONLINE CONSULTATION PLATFORM
To share your opinion at any time

Lastly, if individuals are unable to participate in the proposed sessions, they can share their opinion on a digital consultation platform which is available online.

This platform will allow them to pin their comments on a route map, submit ideas on virtual Post-it notes and cast their vote in surveys.

AVAILABLE DOCUMENTATION
To learn about the project

As of today, it is possible to consult various documents and reports on the REM de l'Est as part of the consultation process.

New documents, reports and analyses will be published on a regular basis and over the coming months, to provide the public with a complete and transparent understanding of the project.

RESULTS OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION IN THE BAPE

A report on all the recommendations submitted by members of the public will be made available on the CDPQ Infra website at the end of summer 2021 and a review of the retained ideas will be presented by the end of 2021.

The REM de l'Est project will then be submitted to the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur l'environnement (BAPE) for review in 2022. During this process, members of the public will once more be able to stay up to date and share their opinion on the project.

The public is invited to consult the new online section for information and consultation meetings and subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates.
Follow the project on Twitter: @CDPQInfra.

Source : CDPQInfra

Chantal Rouleau, Minister for Transport and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region, Harout Chitilian, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Development and Strategy at CDPQ Infra, and Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal, have announced the creation and members of the multidisciplinary committee of experts for the architectural and urban integration of the REM de l'Est. Chaired by Ms. Maud Cohen, P.Eng., President and Chief Executive Officer of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, the committee is composed of 15 people who are recognized by their peers in their respective fields.

The Montréal-based architectural firm Lemay, known for its transdisciplinary and sustainable projects in Québec and internationally, was also selected to develop, together with the committee of experts, the architectural charter and prescriptive guidelines that will govern the integration of the REM de l'Est in downtown Montreal and along the entire route. The Montréal public will be asked to comment on and improve the options proposed as part of the review process.

The work of the independent expert committee is part of the detailed planning phase of the project, designed to improve and optimize it. Reports resulting from this work will be published by the end of the year. The consultation process set up by CDPQ Infra will take place simultaneously, and also give the public an opportunity to obtain information and give their opinions on the many aspects of the project.

"The arrival of the REM de l'Est marks a turning point for Montréal. We will give new momentum to sustainable mobility in the east end of the city by relying on local talent and know-how to provide us with an infrastructure that will contribute positively to the urban fabric through innovative design, in harmony with the surroundings. The committee unveiled today is composed up of independent experts from different backgrounds who specialize in various fields such as development, heritage, urban art, active transit and so on. I am convinced that they will be able to ensure a seamless integration of the largest public transit project in the history of Quebec. Thus, the REM de l'Est will be a source of pride for the people of Montréal, and a source of inspiration around the world."

Chantal Rouleau, Minister for Transport and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region

"We committed to establishing a committee to ensure that the urban and architectural integration would make it a signature project. We fulfilled that commitment by creating a committee of very high-level experts who will be an asset to the project's success. We all want this high-performance infrastructure to be harmoniously integrated into the neighbourhoods that will benefit from this new service."

François Bonnardel, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region

"Our ambition is to make the REM de l'Est a collective project that will make everyone proud. We know we can achieve this by working together with the public, independent experts, leading professionals and relevant authorities. Our desire is to develop an exceptional integration approach that is specific to the REM de l'Est. The committee will have the authority to contribute to the development of a high-level, world-class architectural vision that will make the city shine."

Harout Chitilian, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs, Development and Strategy at CDPQ Infra

"The REM de l'Est is a golden opportunity to offer the people of Montreal's east end a modern, efficient and comfortable public transit system that will help revitalize this area full of potential. However, this opportunity comes with the important challenge of ensuring that the project is successfully integrated into the neighbourhoods it will serve and pass through. The City of Montreal has indicated from the outset that it wants urban and architectural integration to be a priority, from the design of the project to its completion. I am confident that the committee of experts has the right people in place to identify solutions and make this major project a success. "

Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal

"I sincerely believe that in the face of any challenge, there are always solutions. You have to be open, thorough, creative, but also daring. We have the talent to fulfil today's design mandate. We are all excited to get started."
 
Maud Cohen, Chair of the multidisciplinary expert committee on urban and architectural integration for the REM de l'Est

"We are embarking on this project with the conviction that we can have a part in creating inspirational and sustainable living environments that will make the people of Montréal proud. We know the value of a cross-disciplinary approach that draws on the expertise of each individual. We look forward to working as a team with the committee of experts, the public and CDPQ Infra in developing the design and urban integration guidelines for the REM de l'Est."

Louis Lemay, President and Architect, Lemay

• The REM de l'Est will consist of 8 km of underground rail and 24 km of elevated rail. The structures, particularly those in the René-Lévesque Boulevard corridor in the downtown area, will receive special attention in terms of their architectural treatment, to ensure they receive a modern and symbolic aesthetic for this nerve centre of Montreal.

• The committee unveiled today will rely on its members' complementary fields of expertise to ensure the REM de l'Est is successfully integrated into the urban landscape. The committee is composed of the following individuals:
o Maud Cohen, President and Executive Director, CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, and Chair of the multidisciplinary expert committee on the urban and architectural integration of the REM de l'Est
o Mouna Andraos, Co-founder, Daily tous les jours art and design studio, Interim Executive and Artistic Director, Society for Arts and Technology, and Adjunct Professor, Design and Computation Arts Department, Concordia University
o Frédérick Bouthillette, Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Public Transit and Rail Projects, Ministère des Transports
o Rose Lindsay Daudier, Executive Director, Fusion jeunesse
o Marie Elaine Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chambre de la sécurité financière, Board Member, Réseau de transport métropolitain (EXO)
o Luc Gagnon, Director of the Service de l'urbanisme et de la mobilité, City of Montréal
o Éric Gauthier, Senior Partner, FABG Architects
o Ken Greenberg, Director of Greenberg Consultants, urban designer, professor and author.
o Eric Millette, Architectural Conservation and Integration Consultant, CONTEXTURE
o Paula Negron, Ph. D., Associate Professor at the School of urban planning and landscape architecture, Université de Montréal
o Christian Savard, Executive Director, Vivre en Ville
o Monique Simard, cultural producer and manager, Chair of the Board of Directors, Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, Chair of the Board of Directors, Fonds Québecor, and Chair of the Board of Directors, Vitrine culturelle
o Stéphanie Trudeau, Executive Vice President, Québec at Énergir and Chair of the Board of Directors at Gaz Métro Plus, Énergir, chaleur et climatisation urbaines (ECCU), the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) and Soupe pour elles
o Jean-Paul Viguier, President and Founder of VIGUIER architecture urbanisme paysage
o Christian Yaccarini, President and Chief Executive Officer, Société de développement Angus

• The committee of experts' role is to support, with help from the architectural firm Lemay, the REM de l'Est project office in defining the guiding principles of the architectural signature, urban integration and development of the REM de l'Est in downtown Montréal and along the entire route.

• The committee will initially meet monthly, beginning in May 2021, through the end of the year, and then remain active thereafter throughout the project. Once recommendations have been tabled and the architectural design is publicly unveiled, it will continue to monitor the progress of the detailed design that will be developed by the consortium selected as a result of the request for proposals process. All of the committee's opinions will be included in a report that will be made public prior to the BAPE public hearings. CDPQ Infra will also publicly unveil the architectural design chosen for the project.

• The REM de l'Est is one of the projects targeted by the major process underway to revitalize Montréal-Est. Increased mobility, decontamination of strategic sites, economic development and improvement of the quality of life of citizens are the priorities identified in the Declaration for the revitalization of Montréal-Est, in which the Government of Québec and the City of Montréal committed to consolidating a common, integrated and innovative vision.

The STM will be undertaking preparatory work on the Blue line extension in the Lacordaire/Jean-Talon area and invites citizens, businesses and other concerned individuals to be prepared. 

Starting on May 25, preparatory work on the Blue line extension will be undertaken in the Lacordaire/Jean-Talon area. The work, which will be done during the day, will involve relocating urban public utilities, such as water pipes, sewers and conduits, and underground cabling, to free up the land for the mass excavation work needed to build the new métro station. Although the STM is concerned about limiting the impact of this work, street closures are planned, and the STM is recommending that citizens be well prepared by getting information ahead of time.

Cooperation between the STM and the City of Montréal to mitigate the impacts
The STM project teams, together with the City of Montréal, have made efforts to establish a scenario that will create the least possible impact on traffic despite the nature of the work to be done, which requires excavation up to six metres deep. Although there will be major closures on Jean-Talon Street, the phases of work are being planned to allow Jean-Talon to be partially reopened as soon as possible. Moreover, to limit the impacts for the public, the City of Montréal has decided to move up the upgrading of the water networks in the area of Bourdaloue Street to minimize traffic obstructions. The City has therefore mandated the STM to perform the work as part of the project that will begin shortly.

Details of street closures
The first phase of closures, east of Lacordaire, will last for approximately six months (phase 1), then west of Lacordaire for one or two weeks (start of phase 2). After that, one lane will be open westbound on the other side of Jean-Talon (rest of phase 2). On Lacordaire, at least one lane will remain open at all times in each direction.

Detours will be in effect, marked by appropriate road signage to help direct drivers. Several bus stops on lines 32, 131, 141 and 372 will be cancelled or moved. Citizens are urged to check bus stop signage or the STM's real-time information tools to learn about all the details and plan their trips.

Access to neighbouring businesses will be maintained at all times during the work. In addition, pedestrian passageways will be set up to make it easier to get around.

Get information to be prepared
By visiting the web page dedicated to the project, at http://www.stm.info/en/info/service-updates/stm-works/lacordaire , those who are interested can access a variety of information on the Blue line extension and the preparatory work to come. Using video clips, the STM's experts will present the nature of the work, obstructions and mitigation measures. Citizens will also be able to ask the experts questions online.

A call for citizen participation is also being launched. To ensure a way of connecting with residents on an ongoing basis throughout the work, a good neighbourhood committee made up of citizens, groups and institutions wanting to represent their community with regard to the project is currently being formed. It is possible to apply by completing the online form at http://www.stm.info/en/info/service-updates/stm-works/lacordaire .

To keep merchants affected by the extension project informed and to better understand their needs and concerns with regard to maintaining the area's economic vitality, the STM has set up a business roundtable that includes representatives from the business community, the STM, and the City of Montréal and its boroughs.

These mechanisms will allow the STM to continue the dialogue begun with the community, in particular during the public consultation on the extension held in winter 2020.

Source : STM

As part of the Côte-Vertu garage project, the Société de transport de Montréal must close Côte-Vertu station from May 29 to August 22, inclusive, in order to install a track switch ahead of the station. This switch will increase train frequency by up to 25% on the Orange line at peak periods. Mitigation measures will be implemented to minimize inconveniences caused by the station closure.

While the station is closed, the STM will conduct work that cannot be performed while the station is operational, including:

• Track removal and excavation of the invert
• Installation and commissioning of the track switch
• Addition of signalling equipment

Launched in 2017 and 77% complete, the Côte-Vertu garage project involves building an underground garage to house ten additional métro trains, as well as three above-ground buildings needed to operate the garage.

The balancing out of the number of train storage spaces at each end of the Orange line will provide operational flexibility for adding trains, support the expected growth in ridership in the coming years and increase the offer of service to keep pace with the extension of the Blue line.

The garage commissioning is planned for 2022. The other work to be completed includes:

• Construction of three above-ground buildings
• Finalization of concrete work
• Installation of equipment needed to operate the garage
• Installation of tracks and switches
• Exterior landscaping

With a $492.3M price tag, this major project is funded by the governments of Québec and Canada.

Project details: Côte-Vertu | Société de transport de Montréal (stm.info)

Mitigation measures

Shuttle 810: Special high-frequency bus line linking Côte-Vertu and Du Collège stations

Bus 64 Grenet: Regular line extended to Du Collège station, in addition to buses 17 Décarie and 72 Alfred-Nobel, which already serve both stations

Bus 470 Express Pierrefonds: Regular line rerouted to Du Collège station, with addition of bus-to-bus transfer stops

Customers with limited mobility are invited to use buses 64 and 17 during the closure. These lines will stop at the north entrance building of Du Collège station, which is equipped with elevator service.

As the stations are approximately 900 metres apart, active transportation may also be used.

Additionally, shuttle 968, which was put in place as part of the REM project for the closure of the Mont-Royal tunnel, will be rerouted to De La Savane station from May 29 to August 22. Afterwards, it will return to Côte-Vertu station.

Virtual information session

Residents who wish to learn more about the project or the station closure can attend a virtual information session on April 27, 2021. To register: Côte-Vertu | Société de transport de Montréal (stm.info)

Key facts about Côte-Vertu station

• Sixth-busiest station in the network
• Nearly 30,000 boardings per weekday (pre-pandemic)
• Over 8,215,000 boardings per year (pre-pandemic)
• 23 bus lines, including 19 STM lines, 3 STL lines and 1 exo line

Councillor Diane Deans along with members of the Stage 2 LRT team, held a virtual information session, to discuss the Southern extension of the Trillium Line, as well as upcoming work that is planned. 

Stations covered include Bayview, Corso Italia, Dow's Lake, Carleton, Mooney's Bay, Walkley, Greenboro, South Keys, Leitrim, Bowesville, Limebank, Uplands and Airport. 

This video was recorded from the Zoom informational session held with the community and is archived on Rail Fans for informational purposes.

Presentation

Connectivity Study

Transit Commission receives an update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service and a report on 2020 general accounts written off

The Transit Commission today received an update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service operations. Train service reliability remains high, and staff confirmed that specialized equipment for seasonal track work has been secured by RTM, and that work is expected to take place in June. Wheel inspection and replacement work also continues. Work related to switch heaters, the overhead catenary system, vehicle traction power, vehicle passenger doors, and vehicle HVAC is complete and is being validated by a third-party independent assessment. Coupler inspections and all associated work is largely complete. The update also confirmed that ridership remains low at 19 percent and is expected to remain at this level until the current stay-at-home order and school closures end.

The Transit Commission also received a report on the 2020 general accounts written off, as required by the Delegation of Authority By-law. In 2020, Revenue Services invoiced approximately $43 million in OC Transpo transit receivables, while the Transportation Services Department invoiced approximately $1.5 million in Para Transpo fares. Of these invoiced receivables and fares, $331.75 from 10 individual accounts were deemed uncollectible and have been removed from the City's financial system. This represents a collection rate of 99.99 per cent.

O-Train Line 1 Update

Rectification Plan and Other Works

• Work related to switch heaters, overhead catenary system, vehicle traction power, vehicle passenger doors, vehicle HVAC is complete 
• Coupler inspections and all associated works are being finalized
• Plans for seasonal track work have progressed since the last meeting; RTM have secured the specialized equipment for this work and expect it will take place in June 
• Work continues on vehicle auxiliary power (CVS units) and on the fine-tuning of vehicle braking systems
• All completed works are subject to validation through ongoing independent assessment 

Train Wheels 

• Wheel replacements, inspection and replacement work continues at both sites
• Daily inspections of our fleet continue until all wheels have been replaced and/or set screws have been adjusted
• Independent TSB investigation continues; all required parties are engaged, including Chief Safety Officer, RMCO, wheel and metal experts, Transport Canada

The issue with the couplers consisted of error codes stating there was an issue with the coupler. After investigation, it was found there was no issue with the coupler and the problem was due to wires rubbing, causing erroneous fault codes to alert the operator. Work has been done to improve the software so that only codes pertaining to the operator are displayed and taking measures to prevent damage or rubbing of the wiring. In the past months, there has not been any reoccurrence of the issue.

The seasonal work will have a direct impact on ride quality (such as vibration and noise). Some areas of the track are relatively smooth and quiet, while others such as the Hurdman curves are much louder and harsher. Areas such as these should see some level of improvement from the work that is planned.

For more information on the issue with the couplers and the seasonal track work that is planned this summer, please listen to the Media Availability audio below at 22:20 onward.

Source : City of Ottawa

Committee receives progress update on Stage 2 LRT construction in the south, east and west

Construction activities continue to ramp up on the O-Train network, extending it farther south, east and west as part of Stage 2 LRT. The City's Finance and Economic Development Committee received an update today on the project from the City's Rail Construction Program with details about upcoming construction activities.

Station construction continues at all locations in the south, with work progressing at the Walkley Maintenance and Storage Facility and on multiple rail bridges and guideways.

In the east, ongoing Highway 174 road work and utility relocation are making way for LRT infrastructure in the highway's centre median. As of the end of April, 21 girders have been installed as part of rail bridge construction between Blair Station and the median of Highway 174.

Work in the west includes progress on the Moodie Light Maintenance and Storage Facility, the Lincoln Fields Station area, Byron Linear Park and the slurry plant at Rochester Field and the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. Cut-and-cover tunnel construction has started on the Parkway tunnel and work is ongoing on the trench at the Moodie and Pinecrest interchanges with Highway 417.

Source : City of Ottawa

Stage 2 LRT - Quarterly Update - Presentation and Audio

The comparative analysis of the different scenarios under study found that the optimal dedicated public transit solution between Gatineau's west end and the Gatineau and Ottawa downtowns is the all-tram scenario, with a tunnel under Sparks Street in downtown Ottawa. This scenario is the one that best meets the needs identified and detailed in the complementary study.

In the event that the tunnel option proves unfeasible (due to cost or technical issues), the optimal solution would be the all-tram scenario with integration at-grade on Wellington in downtown Ottawa. Further details on these two options will be provided in the subsequent pre-project phase.

On the Quebec side, the dedicated public transit system will use chemin d'Aylmer and boulevard Alexandre-Taché in the south (between UQO and the Ottawa River), and boulevard du Plateau in the north.

Now that the route, technology and costs are known, detailed analyses will be conducted over the next few months for the pre-project phases, including the preliminary design of the project, the environmental assessment, the calls for proposals and certain preparatory technical service elements.

The public consultation process will continue in order to update and consult residents and stakeholders about certain aspects that will be highlighted during the pre-project phase.

For additional details, consult the route outline and the technical briefing presentation.

Source : STO

 Route Outline

Technical Briefing - West-End Study

Please find attached a memo regarding John Manconi, General Manager of Transportation Services, who will be retiring on September 30.

Source : City of Ottawa

 Statement from Mayor Jim Watson

Kitchissippi Ward Councillor Jeff Leiper, along with members of the Stage 2 LRT team, held a virtual information session, to discuss the Western extension in Kitchissippi Ward of the Confederation Line, as well as upcoming work that is planned. 

Stations covered include Westboro, Kichi Sibi (Dominion) and Sherbourne. 

This video was recorded from the Zoom informational session held with the community and is archived on Rail Fans for informational purposes.

The following memorandum outlines the milestones achieved on the O-Train Stage 1 Confederation Line, Stage 2 Confederation Line and Trillium Line extension projects in Q12021and provides an overview of the planned work for Q2 2021.

Source : City of Ottawa

East-end Councillors, along with members of the Stage 2 LRT team, held a virtual information session, to discuss the Eastern extension of the Confederation Line, as well as upcoming work that is planned. 

Stations covered include Montreal, Jeanne d'Arc, Convent Glen, Place d'Orleans and Trim Stations. 

This video was recorded from the Zoom informational session held with the community and is archived on Rail Fans for informational purposes.

The presentation is first, followed by the connectivity study below it.

Bay Ward Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, along with members of the Stage 2 LRT team, held a virtual information session, to discuss the Western extension in Bay Ward of the Confederation Line, as well as upcoming work that is planned. 

Stations covered include Sherbourne, New Orchard, Lincoln Fields, Queensview, Pinecrest, Bayshore and Moodie Stations, in addition to the Moodie LMSF. 

This video was recorded from the Zoom informational session held with the community and is archived on Rail Fans for informational purposes.

The Transit Commission received an update on Confederation Line and Bus Service.

Source : City of Ottawa

----------

Rectification plan:

• Work-related to switch heaters, overhead catenary system, vehicle traction power, vehicle passenger doors, vehicle HVAC is complete;
• Work continues on vehicle auxiliary power (CVS units) and on the fine-tuning of vehicle braking systems;
• As previously mentioned, all completed works are subject to validation through ongoing independent assessment;

Additional works:

• Final preparations to conduct seasonal trackwork are underway, temporary service adjustments this spring/early summer may be required;
• Coupler inspections and all associated works are complete on 20vehicles, the remaining vehicles are planned to be completed within the next month; and,
• 11 train schedule implemented in March will be extended for three additional months (May, June and July).

Train Wheels

• Wheelreplacements ongoing; period of low ridership continues to be leveraged to accelerate wheel replacement schedule;
• Daily inspections of fleet ongoing until all wheels replaced and/or set screws are adjusted;
• Inspection and replacement work proceeding at both sites; and,
• Independent TSB investigation continues; all required parties are engaged, including Chief Safety Officer, RMCO, wheel and metal experts, Transport Canada.

Ridership

• Ridership in March 2021 was at 26% of usual levels;
• We anticipate lower ridership in April and early May with the current stay-at-home order in effect; and,
• We continue to monitor ridership and will make adjustments as necessary.

OC Transpo proposes evaluation criteria to guide potential future transit service reductions and provides updates on 2020 performance measures

The Transit Commission today approved a report outlining OC Transpo's recommended transit service evaluation criteria if transit service cuts are required in the future. The report provides next steps if Council directs OC Transpo to make cuts to transit services and provides specific criteria that staff will use to assess all potential service cuts.

The City's transit budget is expected to be largely covered by the combined result of $30 million in operating savings and up to $90 million in capital budget adjustments that were included in the City's 2021 budget, plus $135.3 million in funding expected from the federal and provincial governments. The service cut criteria could be required if lower transit ridership continues into 2022 because of COVID-19, and if the resulting loss of fare revenue is not covered by the federal and provincial governments.

The report identifies several factors to consider when exploring closing the funding gaps through transit service cuts, including impacts on disadvantaged groups, impacts on essential mobility, the ability of the transit system to return to 2019 levels and greater in the future, and impacts on the mobility and urban design goals approved by Council in the Transportation Master Plan and the Official Plan.

The report's recommended criteria when selecting any required service cuts emphasize the need for customer consultation in selecting cuts that provide the greatest savings while impacting the fewest customers, all while retaining a good and useful citywide transit service. The criteria emphasize that service cuts should be avoided where they have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, and that all cuts should be reviewed through the City's equity and inclusion lens.

OC Transpo also provided the first of its twice-annual performance reports for the period from January 2020 to December 2020, following Transit Commission's approval of OC Transpo's performance reporting metrics at the Commission's meeting on February 17, 2021. These performance metrics include customer safety, ridership, customer service, and service reliability.

To better track customer safety, the Transit Commission approved the addition of two measures: the crime rate on the transit system and the rate of injuries requiring treatment by paramedics but not requiring transport to hospital.

The Transit Commission received an update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service operations. Train service reliability remains high, and preparations for upcoming track work are underway. The 11-train peak-period service schedule that was implemented in March will be extended until the end of July. Ridership in March was at 26 percent of usual levels and is expected to remain low until the current stay-at-home order and school closures end.

Finally, Transit Commission passed a motion by Councillor Glen Gower, directing the Commission Chair to write to Ottawa's Medical Officer of Health, with a copy to the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, to emphasize the role of transit workers in enabling essential work to continue in the City of Ottawa, and ask that this be shared with the Ottawa Vaccine Sequencing Taskforce.

Audio from the Meeting

O-Train Line 1 & Bus Service Update

OC Transpo Performance Measurement and Reporting Period Ending December 2020

Transit Service Evaluation Criteria

The Transit Commission received an update on O-Train Line 1 and Bus Service. The following are some of the points delivered in today's update:

Rectification plan items related to the following are complete: 

• Switch Heater Failures 
• Overhead Catenary System 
• Vehicle Traction Power 
• Vehicle Passenger Doors 
• Vehicle HVAC
  

RTG continues to progress towards completing the work related to: 

• Vehicle Auxiliary Power (CVS units) 
• Fine-tuning of Vehicle Braking Systems
  • Software-related testing and validation work is ongoing

Rail Reliability Continued Monitoring 

Moving to an 11-train service plan has enabled work on the items below to be expedited: 

• Track 
  • Trackwork scheduled for this spring to enhance ride quality comfort and noise reduction (rail grinding/profiling, etc.) 
• Train Couplers 
  • Software testing and mechanical modifications continue; anticipated to be complete by the end of April

Train Wheels 

• Wheel replacements on the fleet continue, as this period of time with an 11-train schedule is being leveraged to accelerate the wheel replacement schedule; 
• Daily inspections continue on the fleet until all wheels are replaced and/or set screw is adjusted; 
• RTG has received and installed specialised equipment from Europe enabling wheel replacement work to occur at two work sites and all processes validated through original equipment manufacturers; and, 
• Independent TSB investigation continues, and all required parties are engaged, including the Chief Safety Officer, the RMCO, wheel and metal experts, Transport Canada.

OC Transpo provides update on 12 priority projects in 2020 Business Plan

The Transit Commission today received a report entitled Transit Services 2021 Business Plan and Reporting on 2020 Business Plan, which provides an update on progress made on the 12 key departmental priorities identified in the 2020 Business Plan and identifies the 10 key projects that Transportation Services staff will work to deliver in 2021.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, all projects in the 2020 Business Plan were initiated and are either completed or are nearly complete. Some highlights of completed work include:

• Introduced the ability for customers to renew their Community Pass, EquiPass, or Access Pass remotely.
• Established the Virtual Line which ends the need for physical line ups at the Rideau Centre Customer Service Centre and in the future will allow customers to book an appointment in advance.
• Introduced the ability for Para Transpo customers to register their monthly Presto pass in advance and use it to pay fares, eliminating the need to carry a receipt. The tap function inside Para Transpo vehicles is planned to launch later in 2021.
• Launched a customer trial for a new touchless way to pay fares using credit cards and smartphones at O-Train Line 1's Rideau Station. A full roll-out across all buses and fare gates is anticipated later in 2021.
• Presented the first Regulatory Monitor and Compliance Officer annual independent compliance report to Transit Commission and Council in February 2020.
• Developed a new performance measures and reporting structure, with the first report going to Transit Commission in April 2021.
• Opened the first Happy Goat Coffee concession stand at Blair Station in December 2020, with the Hurdman, Rideau, and Tunney's Pasture locations expected to open in early 2021.
• Issued a contract for the supply of four battery-electric buses. New Flyer was awarded the contract and the buses will go into service in fall 2021.
• The Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) and OC Transpo, along with the Ville de Gatineau, have worked together since 2017 to prepare for a new STO bus route alignment through downtown to provide better connections with O-Train Line 1. It goes into effect in June 2021.

The 10 key priorities for 2021 are:

1. Operational Response to COVID-19
2. Battery-Electric Bus Project
3. Transit Fare Working Group
4. On-Demand Transit
5. Enhanced Real-Time Information for Customers
6. Permanent Bus Operator Barriers
7. Legislated Improvements to Operator Breaks
8. O-Train Line 1 Station Improvements
9. Rail Simulator Upgrades
10. Stage 2 O-Train Project Construction

In 2018, the City appointed a Regulatory Monitor and Compliance Officer (RMCO) to perform regulatory compliance monitoring for O-Train Line 1 when in operation. The annual RMCO Report for 2020 was presented to the Transit Commission today, and focused on inspections and repairs of tracks, light rail vehicles and the overhead catenary system. The report showed that OC Transpo was in full compliance, and that the contractors (Rideau Transit Maintenance and Alstom) require more consistent documentation to be fully compliant. There has been progress made by the contractors, as 17 of the 23 remedial actions identified in the report have been completed.

An operational update on O-Train Line 1 showed that Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to advance through the rectification plan. Train service has been reliable since upgrade work was completed on December 6, and throughout the winter, the improved switch heaters installed on the line have proven to operate reliably in all weather conditions. To date, issues have been rectified regarding the overhead catenary system, vehicle switch heater failures, traction power, vehicle passenger doors, and vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning. RTG also continues to progress towards completing the work related to vehicle auxiliary power and fine-tuning of vehicle braking systems.

Wheel replacement continues on light trail vehicles. Rideau Transit Maintenance will continue to perform the daily inspections on the remainder of the train fleet until all impacted wheels have been replaced. The City continues to engage industry experts and will continue to work with the Transportation Safety Board as their independent investigation continues.

The Commission approved a recommendation to move into an agreement with the City's current transit advertising contractor to expand the existing advertising contract to include O-Train Line 1 trains and stations, as well as extend the contract until all Stage 2 extensions are open. In July 2020, the Transit Commission directed staff to commence a procurement process to identify potential revenue opportunities from advertising on O-Train Line 1. Today's report outlines that by adding Line 1 to the current contract with Pattison Outdoor Advertising covering bus and Transitway stations, it will create opportunities for additional revenue. By having a single contractor responsible for managing all advertising assets, including those within the Stage 2 extensions, it will result in operational efficiencies and higher revenues.

Meeting Audio (To be posted once the meeting concludes)

O-Train Line 1 & Bus Service Update

RMCO Annual Compliance Report 2020

Transit Services 2021 Business Plan and Reporting on 2020 Business Plan

The City's Finance and Economic Development Committee today received an update on the Stage 2 LRT construction progress as part of the regular quarterly update.

In the south, work is progressing at the Walkley Maintenance and Storage Facility and on multiple rail bridges, including across the Airport Parkway, Uplands Road, Lester Road, Leitrim Road, Bowesville Road, Earl Armstrong Road and Limebank Road. In the east, construction of support columns for the new rail flyover bridge between Blair and Montréal stations is nearing completion and work continues in all areas up to Trim Road. In the west, tunnel construction is underway, and crews are preparing to start work on highway interchanges at Pinecrest Road and Moodie Drive, with ramp closures set to begin in March. 

Source : City of Ottawa

Audio from the Presentation and Update

Stage 2 Quarterly Update Presentation

As part of the O-Train South Extension Project, Siemens Mobility is preparing to install new signaling technology on Lines 2 and 4. The updated train control equipment will ensure that trains are moving to meet any changes in situation, demand, and at speeds that provide the most efficiency throughout the system. This will be increasingly important given higher ridership levels expected with the new extension and its connection to Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

This technology will be installed on all existing and new trains, tracks and stations servicing the existing O-Train South Line, as well as the 16 km of additional track and 8 stations to be built for the new extension. While the technology is proven through decades of safe use around the world, this newest version will be further supported with a complete upgrade to the existing signaling and communications system, including new signals, train detection system and switch machines, ensuring optimal performance throughout the entire system.

One important feature will be the Automated Train Protection (ATP) system. This technology will help the driver of the trains manage safe operational levels, protecting passengers against human error, such as over-speeding. In such situations, the system can automatically take over control of the train's operation and return it back to a safe level.

Work is also now starting with the vehicle providers, including Stadler, who will provide 7 new vehicles. The technology provider is working with the vehicle manufacturers to install important onboard equipment, which will allow the vehicle operator to receive information and communicate effectively and clearly within this new system.

In the spring, work will begin to install the trackside equipment that will send appropriate signals to the driver, letting them know about any action needed on their part: to wait, to slow down, or to speed up; all contributing to the safe operation of the O-Train South Line.

By the Numbers:

New Signaling & Train Control system technology will be installed in:

• 13 Diesel Multiple Uit (DMU) trains will be outfitted with the new onboard equipment.
• 24 km of existing and new track will have new trackside (or "wayside") equipment.

The following memorandum outlines the milestones achieved on the O-Train Stage 1 Confederation Line and Stage 2 Confederation Line and Trillium Line extension projects in Q4 2020 and provides an overview of the planned work for Q1 2021. 

The City of Ottawa continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to both the maintenance and operation of the Stage 1 Confederation Line and the delivery of the Stage 2 Project. The various maintenance, design, and construction teams working on light rail in Ottawa are adhering to all guidance provided by Ottawa Public Health and the Province of Ontario. 

In addition to monitoring the local construction impacts, staff are working with Rideau Transit Group to monitor potential impacts on the Alstom manufacturing facility in Brampton, Ontario and are working with TransitNEXT to monitor potential impacts on the Stadler manufacturing facility in Bussnang, Switzerland. At present, vehicle deliveries from the Brampton facility are continuing and the initial vehicle deliveries from Switzerland are expected to begin this year. 

Construction continues in all geographic areas of the project and the City is monitoring the potential impacts on the projects closely. The City is working closely with the contractors to understand if there will be any impacts to these projects as a result of the COVID-19 environment locally and abroad. 

The Trillium Line team has indicated schedule impacts which are now under review. The City is working with TransitNEXT to confirm whether the delays will be fully realized and to confirm if the delays can be reasonably mitigated. The handover of the system is still scheduled for 2022. 

The Confederation Line team has reported some schedule pressures, and these have since been resolved. Following an assessment of the schedule and of schedule mitigation opportunities, the original handover timeline of 2024 in the east and 2025 in the west remain as planned.

Stage 2 LRT - Update Highlights

• The Goldenrod Bridge at Tunney's is set to be completed in Q2 2021, which will enable the removal of the temporary embarkment bridge buses use to access the bus loop from Scott, and thus extend tracks west;
• Support for excavation at Rochester field and New Orchard started Q4 2020;
• The new Lincoln Fields station construction is expected to start Q2 2021;
• New Iris Street bridge set to start Q3 2021, with station Q2 2022;
• Baseline bus loop complete in Q4 2020, with bus operator building set to be constructed Q2 2021;
• Montreal Station bridge construction set to start Q1 2021;
• Construction of a new Trim/174 intersection started Q4 2020 and is ongoing.

Source : City of Ottawa

Today, the Transit Commission received a service update on the O-Train Line 1: Confederation Line, in addition to OC Transpo Performance Measurement and Reporting.

The Transit Commission today approved OC Transpo's new performance measures and reporting structure, which includes a twice-annual report to Transit Commission and a monthly results scorecard published on octranspo.com.

Until 2014, OC Transpo presented regular performance reports to the Transit Commission. This reporting was temporarily suspended during the construction of O-Train Line 1, to resume after Line 1 had opened, and with revised measures to report on aspects of the new multimodal transit network. The new measures and structure are based on existing performance measures, industry best practices and feedback from the Transit Commission steering committee. The new performance measures for OC Transpo fall into four categories: safety, ridership, customer service, and service reliability. The first report will be presented to the Transit Commission in April 2021.

The Transit Commission is recommending that Council confirm and extend the delegation of authority to the General Manager, Transportation Services, to allow and regulate the transportation of bicycles, electric kick-scooters and power-assisted bicycles onboard O-Train cars and on transit property and amend the Transit By-law to reflect this change. Since the launch of O-Train Line 1 service, there have been no operational issues observed with bicycles and no complaints received by Customer Service. In addition to the health benefits associated with using bicycles, allowing customers to transport these additional transportation methods on the O-Train system can help decrease the number of automobile trips customers may have otherwise opted for. The report also recommends that, for safety, Council amend the Transit By-law to prohibit the use of unmanned air vehicles (drones) on or over transit property where a permit has not been issued by the General Manager. This recommendation will be presented to Council on February 24.

The Commission received an operational update on O-Train Line 1 service today. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to make progress on its rectification plan, and has to-date completed substantive work on the following items:

• Switch heater failures
• Overhead catenary system
• Vehicle traction power
• Vehicle passenger doors
• Vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

Rideau Transit Maintenance and Alstom continue to perform the daily inspections on the train wheels, and a total of 16 vehicles have had their train wheels replaced to-date. RTG has secured specialised equipment from Europe that allows wheel replacement work to occur at two work sites, which has helped accelerate the work. The Transportation Safety Board's (TSB) investigation continues. All elements associated with the wheels have been shared with TSB, and their report is expected in 2021. In addition, an independent assessment report on RTG's rectification plan is nearing completion, and additional information has been requested from RTG to complete the assessment.

To reduce costs, provide additional capacity and further improve reliability on Line 1, the City is implementing the following:

• Effective the first week of March, rail service will be adjusted to operate on an 11-train peak period service schedule for two months.
• Due to the pandemic, ridership continues to be low. An 11-train schedule provides a minimum of 5-minute service throughout the day and provides physical distancing for customers.
• Monthly savings to the City will include a $100,000 reduction in service payments to RTG and a reduction in electricity consumption estimated at approximately $50,000 to $60,000.
• A reduced service plan provides RTG with an opportunity to expedite work to continue to improve reliability and consistency on vehicles, train wheels, vehicle modifications, etc.

On February 3, OC Transpo held a one-day Operation Mask Up blitz to reinforce the importance of wearing masks while onboard buses or trains or while in stations. Overall, customer compliance was very high. Specific results of the blitz include the following:

• No customers were denied access to the system for refusing to wear a mask
• 3 customers were fined for not wearing a mask ($260 fine per person)
• 67 customers were told to adjust their masks as they were not wearing them properly
• 9 customers had medical exemptions

Source : City of Ottawa

•Rectification plan items related to the following are complete:

1. Switch Heater Failures
2. Overhead Catenary System
3. Vehicle Traction Power
4. Vehicle Passenger Doors
5. Vehicle HVAC

RTG continues to progress towards completing the work related to:

• Vehicle Auxiliary Power (CVS units)
• Fine-tuning of Vehicle Braking Systems
• Independent assessment is nearing completion. Additional information requested from RTG in order to complete the assessment.

Rail Reliability Continued Monitoring

1. Track–like all railroads, there are on-going requirements for continued track maintenance plans and activities to mitigate against rail corrugation, reduce wear on track and vehicles, and improve ride quality (noise and vibration).
2. Train Couplers–RTM is currently reviewing vehicle couplers as they have been identified as a potential cause of some recent service interruptions.

• Wheel replacement is complete on 16 vehicles;
• Daily inspections continue on the fleet until all wheels are replaced and/or set screw is adjusted;
• RTG has received and installed specialized equipment from Europe enabling wheel replacement work to occur at two work sites;
• Independent TSB investigation continues, and all required parties are engaged, including the Chief Safety Officer, the RMCO, wheel and metal experts, Transport Canada;
• RTM has advised they are adjusting the wheel replacement schedule. Revised schedule being finalized, etc; and,
• The TSB and Transport Canada have been advised of a pending updated schedule for wheel replacements.

Adjusted Service Plan

• In an effort to reduce costs and provide additional capacity to further improve reliability, the City is implementing the following;
• Effective the first week of March, rail service will be adjusted to operate on an 11-train peak period service schedule for two months;
• Due to the pandemic, ridership continues to be low;
• An 11-train schedule provides a minimum of 5-minute service throughout the day and provides physical distancing for customers;
• Monthly savings to the City include a $100K reduction in service payments to RTG and a reduction in electricity consumption estimated at approx. $50K to $60K; and,
• A reduced service plan provides RTG with an opportunity to expedite work to continue to improve reliability and consistency on vehicles, train wheels, vehicle modifications, etc.

Audio from the Meeting and the Virtual Media Availability.

O-Train Confederation Line Service Update Presentation.

OC Transpo Performance Measurement and Reporting

The Transit Commission received an operational update on O-Train Line 1 service today.

Line 1 performance in November was 99 per cent, and since August, OC Transpo has seen a positive performance with service between 97 and 99 per cent over those months.

Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to progress through its rectification plan to address reliability issues impacting Line 1. Improvements have been made to all electric and gas-powered switch heaters along Line 1, and Alstom and RTG continue with their daily inspection regime resulting from wheel cracks. The replacement of vehicle wheels continues, and 13 vehicles have had their wheels replaced.

Since the start of the Fall service change in September, ridership across the transit system was at 28 per cent of usual levels. Ridership decreased slightly through September and October due to the reinstatement of certain COVID-19 restrictions. OC Transpo continues to monitor ridership as more customers return to using public transit and is making adjustments as they become necessary.

OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance have completed winter workshops, reviewed winter operating plans and now have additional personnel in place for the winter months.

Source : City of Ottawa

O-Train Line 1 Update audio and presentation.

Siemens Mobility has been selected by TransitNEXT, a wholly owned subsidiary of SNC Lavalin, to provide the Signaling and Train Control (S&TC) Systems for Ottawa's Trillium Line South Extension project. This includes updating the signaling system and installing new Automated Train Protection (ATP) technology that will ensure safe train movements and optimize rail operations. This will be increasingly important given the higher ridership levels expected with the Trillium Line's new south extension and the connection to Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. The project is expected to be completed in 2022.

"Having prime responsibility to ensure that this project is completed successfully and on-time, we needed to have the right partners," said Robert Alger, President, Infrastructure Projects at SNC-Lavalin. "Siemens Mobility is not only proven as an innovative technology provider, they are a company who has solid track record in completing complex projects regardless of challenges and climates."

"The Trillium extension will provide greater access to Ottawa South and to Ottawa's travelers, including the more than five million passengers that utilize the airport per year," said Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, CEO of Siemens Mobility in Canada. "Our technology will help optimize the operations on this new line and provide an enhanced passenger experience that will feature greater reliability and availability given the new airport service."

Siemens Mobility will provide the engineering, design, integration support, testing and commissioning of Siemens Automated Train Protection (ATP) system – a state-of-the-art proven technology that will be installed on the existing trains, tracks and stations servicing the current Trillium Line, as well as the new trains, 16 km of new track and eight stations to be built for the new extension. Further supporting this newly installed train control system will be Siemens' latest signaling systems, switch machines and signals.

The Trillium Line is one of two rail lines operated by the City of Ottawa servicing the greater Ottawa area. TransiNEXT will construct a new four-kilometer rail link that provides rail access to the airport, providing an easier, more affordable transportation option for airport travelers. It is also expected to help reduce the heavy traffic along Ottawa's Airport Parkway and its neighboring communities.

TransitNEXT is the prime contractor responsible for the design, build, finance, and maintenance of the Trillium Line South Extension project. The operator of the line will be OC Transpo.

Siemens Mobility has been providing solutions to the Canadian transportation industry for more than 40 years, including light rail vehicles in Edmonton and Calgary, trainsets that will be delivered to Via Rail starting in 2021, and the rail electrification of the light rail systems in Kitchener-Waterloo and Ottawa's Confederation Line.

For more information, please visit new.siemens.com/us/en/products/mobility/rail-solutions/rail-automation.html

Source : Siemens Mobility

Mayor Jim Watson joined Marie-France Lalonde, the Member of Parliament for Orléans, representing the Government of Canada, and Jeremy Roberts, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean, from the Government of Ontario to start demolition on the former Highway 174 overpass at Montreal Road. The interchange has been modified to make space for the future Montreal Road LRT station that will be part of the Stage 2 LRT O-Train East extension.

The Highway 174 Montreal Road interchange has undergone a significant transformation as part of the Stage 2 Light Rail Transit O-Train East extension. In less than one year, the Stage 2 team has constructed seven new ramps and two new bridges. With the recent completion of the two new Highway 174 bridges, the old bridges can be demolished making way for construction of the future track and station.

Over the course of one weekend, various pieces of large construction equipment fitted with hydraulic hammers, buckets, forks and shears will demolish 1,456 m³ of concrete and 160 metric tonnes of steel. This significant project milestone will allow the Stage 2 O-Train East extension project to enter a new chapter by setting the stage for Montreal Station construction in 2021.

Montreal Station will be located in the median of Highway 174, above Montreal Road. The platform will span Montreal Road and include bus stops on both sides of Montreal Road beneath the station. Sidewalks and station entry plazas will allow pedestrians and cyclists to move along Montreal Road and in and out of the station. The station will have bus stops to allow customers to transfer between the train and local buses.

East-West Connectors (EWC), the contractor building the Stage 2 LRT east and west O-Train extensions, will extend Stage 2 from Blair Station to Trim Road. Over 12 kilometres of new rail will be added along with five new stations at Montreal Road, Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard, Orléans Boulevard, Place d'Orléans and Trim Road.

The dual tracked Confederation Line will continue east from the existing terminus of Blair Station passing under Blair Road, on the north side of Highway 174. The rail line will then cross over the westbound lanes of the highway and run along a widened highway median to the final station at Trim Park and Ride.

The O-Train East extension is one of three projects that make up Stage 2 LRT. Line 1 is also being extended west from Tunney's Pasture to Lincoln Fields where it will split, travelling south to Baseline Station and west to Moodie Drive. O-Train Line 2, the Trillium Line, is being extended south from Greenboro Station to Limebank Road in Riverside South, with a link to the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

The Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project is a $4.66 billion project that is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa.

Stage 2 LRT will get you home faster, expanding the reliability, accessibility and comfort of light rail transit. Using world class vehicles with low-floor seating and other accessibility features, and stations supporting transit-oriented development, Stage 2 will transform commuting in Ottawa. It will connect communities, including Ottawa's major employment centres, post-secondary institutions, shopping and recreation destinations, and arts and culture hotpots. Stage 2 will relieve congestion, reducing approximately one sixth of Ottawa's total vehicle kilometres travelled and save commuters time and money.

Stage 2 supports healthy commuting, gives residents more options for how they commute, including biking to work. Ottawa is integrating the city's pathway network with all light rail developments in support of mixed-mode commuting.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada's investments in projects that support affordable, reliable and sustainable public transit options will ensure these resources are available for generations to come. The Stage 2 O-Train East extension is a significant project in the City of Ottawa that will help reduce traffic congestion in residential areas, while improving East end residents' accessibility to other communities and city centre. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities."

Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orléans

"Congratulations to the City of Ottawa on this important milestone. Our government is proud to support the expansion of the Ottawa LRT by providing up to approximately $1.2 billion for Stage 2 of this project in addition to the up to $600 million we have committed for Stage 1. Providing funding for local transit projects like this one is a key part of that commitment to building public transit, highways, roads and bridges that connect people to places, make commutes shorter and relieve congestion."

Jeremy Roberts, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean

"Stage 2 will help ensure the nation's capital continues to be one of the best places in the world to live and work. It will make it easier for residents to connect between communities, to major employment centres, to post-secondary institutions, to shopping and recreation destinations, and to arts and culture hotpots. This investment will provide environmental benefits and significantly contribute to our local economy. In 2020, Stage 2 LRT has resulted in 1,400 local jobs and more than $500 million worth of contracts issued to local vendors."

Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa

Source : City of Ottawa

Walkley Yard will be a key component in the Stage 2 Trillium Line South extension. Vehicles will be cleaned, inspected, maintained, stored and operated from the yard. This includes the existing six Alstom Coradia Lint trains that will be fully refurbished, along with seven new Stadler FLIRT vehicles that will support the extension.

Construction of the new Walkley Yard is well underway. After only breaking ground last year, the 200-tonne exterior shell is nearly complete with track installation set to begin. The new Walkley Yard will be a 4,700 m² LEED certified facility that will house the 13 Stage 2 O-Train South vehicles. The new facility will consist of three train maintenance bays, a train wash facility, 1800 metres of ballasted track, and 500 metres of interior track within the facility.

TransitNEXT, the contractor building the Stage 2 Trillium Line South extension, is adding an additional 16 kilometres of track to the current portion of the O-Train Line 2, which runs from Bayview Station to Greenboro Station. Work includes adding passing tracks at South Keys and double tracks south of Leitrim to Limebank Road. Four kilometres of new track will provide a link to the Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. The contract with TransitNEXT also includes maintenance of Line 2 for 27 years.

The existing portion of Line 2 will see two new stations added at Corso Italia and Walkley, and other stations will have their platforms extended to accommodate longer, larger capacity trains. The new southern portion of the line will include new stations at South Keys, Leitrim, Bowesville and Limebank. The link to the airport will connect at South Keys Station and will include two new stations at the Airport and Uplands, which will serve the EY Centre.

Construction is scheduled for completion in 2022. The design allows for conversion to twin-track electric LRT in the future. It will also accommodate the planned widening of both the Airport Parkway and Lester Road.

Line 2 will use high efficiency diesel Stadler FLIRT trains. The trains are 80 metres long and can carry 420 passengers, approximately twice as many as the current trains. Trains will be fully accessible and meet the highest international environmental and performance standards.

The current Alstom Coradia Lint trains, with a capacity of 260 passengers, will operate in their current configuration along Line 4 (Airport Link). The 42-metre long trains will be doubled up to run along Line 2 when additional vehicles are needed. These trains also use high-efficiency diesel engines and are fully accessible.

The O-Train Trillium Line South extension is one of three projects that make up Stage 2 LRT. Line 1 is also being extended west from Tunney's Pasture to Lincoln Fields, where it will split, travelling south to Algonquin Station and west to Moodie Drive. Line 1 is also being extended east from Blair Station to Trim Road.

The Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project is a $4.66 billion project that is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa.

Stage 2 LRT is good news for our city and its residents, as it expands the reach, comfort and convenience of light rail transit. Using world-class vehicles with low-floor seating and other accessibility features, and stations supporting transit-oriented development, Stage 2 will transform commuting in Ottawa. It will connect communities, including Ottawa's major employment centres, postsecondary institutions, shopping and recreation destinations, and arts and culture hot spots. Stage 2 will relieve congestion, reducing approximately one sixth of Ottawa's total vehicle kilometres travelled and greenhouse gas emissions, and save commuters time and money.

Stage 2 supports healthy commuting, gives residents more options for how they commute, including biking to work. Ottawa is integrating the city's pathway network with all light rail developments in support of mixed-mode commuting.

Quotes

"Affordable and reliable public transit is critical to building sustainable and inclusive communities. Stage 2 Ottawa Light Rail Transit, including the Trillium Line South extension, is a significant project that will help connect residents to essential services and reduce traffic congestion. Canada's infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities."

Chandra Arya, MP for Nepean, on behalf of The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The start of the next stage of this project at the new Walkley Yard Maintenance and Storage Facility is an exciting milestone on the south extension of the Trillium Line. This extension will bring rapid transit to new communities, and connect people to places, which allows more Ontarians to experience all that Ottawa has to offer. Ontario is providing up to $1.208 billion for Stage 2 and is proud to support key infrastructure projects that modernize our transit network, and expand on economic opportunities."

The Honourable Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, and MPP for Nepean

"Stage 2 is being built with the future in mind. It will connect growing communities in Ottawa South, such as Riverside South, Manotick, Findlay Creek, Greely and Osgoode and bring them much closer to high quality train service. It will encourage active transportation through the creation of three new pedestrian bridges and a new 13.6-kilometre multi-use pathway (MUP) along the length of the new extension, connecting Riverside South with adjacent communities, the NCC Greenbelt pathway network, and the City's pathway network. Stage 2 will help ensure that Ottawa continues to be one of the best places in the world to live, work and play."

Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa

Source : City of Ottawa

Stage 2 station names

Transit station names are effective when they provide clear location information that helps customers to find their way to their destinations.

Names for the new O-Train Stage 2 stations have been selected based on discussion with ward Councillors, the results of public consultation, and with the guidance of a working group convened by the Chair of the Transit Commission. When choosing the stations names, we considered if the name was:

• A meaningful geographic reference
• Easy to understand in English and French
• Easy to pronounce

• Easy to write
• Unique from other stations and city locations
• An established Transitway station name

As a follow up to the interview with Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning this past March, in which we discussed Stage 2 service patterns on the Confederation Line, I reached out to get some clarification on the points previously raised, in particular due to the fact that we now know that the Confederation Line will be operated as O-Train Lines 1 & 3 once Stage 2 opens. 

Pat Scrimgeour provides the following information in response to my questions below.

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Please note that operational planning is still under development and may change between now and the Stage 2 opening.

Q1. AM Peak Period

For the AM Peak Period, based on past information can you please confirm or provide additional information on the following points: 

• All trains going to Baseline (Algonquin) will start at Trim.
• Trains going to Moodie will start at Trim with every second train starting at Blair.
• Service through the downtown core every 3 minutes, with trains every 6 minutes on each branch.
• ***All Eastbound trains will go to Trim.

We do not yet know frequencies. Those will depend on ridership levels and operating budget levels at the time.

No, every second trip on Line 3 from Moodie is expected to go to Trim, with the others ending at Blair."

-

Q2. Mid-Day

Will trains operate every 5 minutes through the downtown core, with direct service past Lincoln Fields to Baseline (Algonquin) and Moodie every 10 minutes on each branch?

Response: "Yes in principle, but we do not yet know frequencies. Those will depend on ridership levels and operating budget levels at the time"

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Q3. PM Peak Period

Will all trains going to Baseline (Algonquin) will start at Trim? Likewise, will trains going to Moodie start at Trim with every second train starting at Blair? Do we anticipate service through the downtown core to be every 3 minutes, with trains on each branch every 6 minutes?

Response: "Any train that is starting at Blair will go to Moodie. We are still determining what ridership volumes warrant a shorter pattern and if so, how many and when these will be deployed. We expect all afternoon westbound trains to start at Trim on both Line 1 and Line 3. All Eastbound trains will go to Trim."

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Q4. Late Night Service after 11pm (Monday to Thursday)

In the March 2020 interview, you stated that for late night service after 11pm, westbound trains will all offer a direct service to Baseline (Algonquin) every 15 minutes through the downtown core, and a shuttle service will run between Lincoln Fields to Moodie (every 15 minutes) to service that branch.

Response: "This short-pattern arrangement on Line 3 will operate only after 23:00, Monday to Thursday. Friday and Saturday late evening trains will alternate between Line 1 and Line 3. Sundays and holidays, both Line 1 and Line 3 will operate until the last trains at approximately 11 p.m."

-

Q5. All other time periods not outlined above (eg. Weekends, and Friday Late Night Service)

For all other time periods not outlined above, will we see trains running every 5 minutes through the downtown core, with direct service past Lincoln Fields to Baseline (Algonquin) and Moodie every 10 minutes on each branch? Additionally, in the project agreement documents, there is mention of some eastbound trains ending at Blair with others continuing to Trim. Is this another pattern or will all normal eastbound service always go to Trim?

Response: "That is correct. Any train that is starting at Blair will go to Moodie. We are still determining what ridership volumes warrant a shorter pattern and if so, how many and when these will be deployed. Operating plans, as required in project agreement documents, allow starting trains at Blair to better reflect customer demand. These plans are still under development. This is the same pattern (Moodie to Blair) as identified in the peak period service descriptions. We expect every second eastbound trip on Line 3 in the morning peak period to end at Blair. We may also schedule some individual trips to start or end at Blair to provide proper capacity on the busy core section of the system."

You can view the original interview from March 2020 with Pat Scrimgeour below.

Light rail transit will extend to Barrhaven if upper levels of government invest in the $3-billion project. City Council today approved extending LRT by 10 kilometres and seven stations from Baseline Station to Barrhaven Town Centre. The design includes three crossings to separate VIA Rail tracks from Woodroffe Avenue, the southwest Transitway and Fallowfield Road, along with interim measures to make transit more efficient and reliable along Woodroffe Avenue. Council previously approved an environmental assessment to extend LRT to Kanata and Stittsville. Together with the Barrhaven extension, these projects comprise Stage 3 of LRT.

To reduce buses downtown and improve transit, Council endorsed the Société de transport de l'Outaouais' all-tram scenario for its proposed transit-system expansion, along with two options to integrate the tramway in Ottawa. The preferred corridor is a tunnel under Sparks Street. Council will only recommend the alternate surface corridor on Wellington Street with traffic maintained if the STO cannot secure funding for the tunnel and resolve outstanding issues with the corridor.

Source : City of Ottawa

The Transit Commission received an update on the Confederation Line service.

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Transit Commission approves OC Transpo's 2021 Draft Budget

The Transit Commission today approved OC Transpo's 2021 Draft Budget and the Revisions to Boundary of Urban Transit Area for 2021 report.

OC Transpo's 2021 Draft Budget includes the following:

• Freezing EquiPass fares and the Community Pass at 2019 levels.
• A 2.5 per cent fare increase effective January 1, 2021, except for low-income customers and those who are Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients
• Because of the 2020 fare freeze, there is a budget pressure of $5.1 million in 2021 that will be funded from Transit reserves
• Costs of the 2020 fare increase deferral have been included in the RTG claim
• No service expansion on all modes of transit
• Discretionary spending pause continues in 2021

The 2021 Draft Budget will be tabled for consideration and approval by City Council on December 9.

The Revisions to Boundary of Urban Transit Area (UTA) for 2021 report was approved at today's meeting, and areas recommended for inclusion in the UTA will be effective January 1, 2021. The UTA boundaries will now be consistent with the boundaries of the Urban Policy Area and will ensure that funding for urban transit service is consistent across all properties in the Urban Policy Area.

OC Transpo ran Operation Mask Up in October to help change the behaviour of the small number of customers failing to comply with OC Transpo's mandatory mask policy. Between October 9 and 23:

• 48 customers were denied access to the system for refusing to wear a mask
• 10 customers were fined for not wearing a mask
• 602 customers were told to adjust their masks as they were not wearing them properly
• 33 customers had medical exemptions
• 25 written warnings were issued prior to switching to the issuance of fines on October 13

The Commission received an operational update on O-Train Line 1 service today. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to progress through its rectification plan to address the reliability issues affecting Line 1. RTG and Alstom have continued the daily inspection regime resulting from the wheel cracks, and a total of nine vehicles have had their train wheels replaced to date. The Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the wheel crack issue is ongoing. OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance have completed their winter workshops and have reviewed winter operating plans. Specialized rail-borne equipment has undergone winter preparations, switch heather upgrade work is ongoing, and additional personnel resources are being added for the winter months.

Transit ridership in Ottawa has been at 28 per cent of usual levels since the start of the fall service change. Ridership decreased slightly through September and October due to the reinstated Stage 2 COVID restrictions. OC Transpo continues to monitor ridership as more customers return and will make adjustments as necessary.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, OC Transpo launched a "Keeping You Safer" campaign in November to reinforce its commitment to customer and staff safety. The campaign includes interior and exterior sticker messages to promote confidence in riding OC Transpo, including: "We're keeping your ride clean around the clock."

Source : City of Ottawa

Confederation Line service update audio and media availability

Confederation Line service update presentation.

Please find attached a memo regarding milestones achieved on the O-Train Stage 1 Confederation Line and Stage 2 Confederation Line and Trillium Line extension projects in Q3 2020.

Source : City of Ottawa 

The Transit Commission held a special meeting today to table and receive the 2021 Draft Budget.

Source : City of Ottawa

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The Transit Commission today tabled OC Transpo's 2021 Draft Budget and the Revisions to Boundary of Urban Transit Area for 2021 report.

In order to keep transit affordable for low-income residents and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients, OC Transpo's 2021 Draft Budget includes freezing EquiPass fares and the Community Pass at 2019 levels.

OC Transpo's 2021 Draft Budget also includes the following:

• A 2.5 per cent fare increase effective January 1, except for low-income customers and those who are ODSP recipients

• EquiPass fares and the Community Pass Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) will be frozen at 2019 levels

• Because of the 2020 fare freeze, there is a budget pressure of $5.1 million in 2021 that will be funded from reserves
• No service expansion on all modes of transit
• Costs of the 2020 fare increase deferral have been included in the RTG claim
• Discretionary spending pause continues in 2021

Additional COVID-related costs of $12.8 million for enhanced cleaning of buses, facilities and trains were included and assumed to be funded from the Safe Restart funding in 2021, in addition to the $50 million to $60 million to account for lower-than-budgeted ridership and fare revenue. Should the Safe Restart funding not cover these costs, the City has backstop reserve funding of $24 million from the financial mitigation strategies implemented in 2020 from deferred projects to assist. Additional strategies would need to be implemented in 2021 to address the remaining shortfall of $23 million to $31 million.

The Revisions to Boundary of Urban Transit Area (UTA) for 2021 report was also tabled at today's meeting. The recommendations in the UTA report would make the UTA boundaries consistent with the boundaries of the Urban Policy Area, and would ensure that funding for urban transit service is consistent across all properties in the Urban Policy Area. In the future, staff propose expanding the UTA in conjunction with any expansion of the Urban Policy Area, so that both are consistently aligned.

OC Transpo's 2021 Draft Budget and the Urban Transit Area report will be considered by the Transit Commission on November 18, and then by City Council on December 9. If approved, areas recommended for inclusion in the UTA would be effective January 1, 2021.

Audio of the meeting

Presentation

The Transportation Committee received a presentation on the Barrhaven Light Rail Transit, touching on the Rail Grade-Separations, Planning and Environmental Assessment Study. This proposed expansion route has caused a high level of concern for residents due to the fact that a portion of the recommended alignment of the line will impact countless homes (notably affordable housing).

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Light rail transit could extend from Baseline Station to Barrhaven as part of Stage 3, if funding from upper levels of government becomes available.

The City's Transportation Committee today approved recommendations from the environmental assessment for Barrhaven LRT and rail-grade separations. The LRT would be extended by 10 kilometres and seven stations. Double tracks would be elevated between Baseline Station and the Nepean Sportsplex, transitioning back to grade and following the existing southwest Transitway alignment to Barrhaven Town Centre.

The design includes three bridges to separate VIA Rail tracks from Woodroffe Avenue, the southwest Transitway and Fallowfield Road, along with interim measures to make transit more efficient and reliable along Woodroffe Avenue.

The estimated $3-billion project could be implemented in two phases. The first would cost $2 billion, extending LRT between Baseline Station and Fallowfield Station and building three bridges over the VIA Rail line. The second would cost $1 billion, extending the LRT to Barrhaven Town Centre, where a new park-and-ride facility would be built.

As the recommended alignment of the LRT extension would affect 120 private rental units, the Committee approved a motion to create a working group to examine options on how to assist the residents who are facing future relocation. The working group, which would include multiple City departments, Ottawa Community Housing, representatives from the affected communities, the Ward Councillor and the Council Liaison for Housing and Homelessness, would make recommendations to the Finance and Economic Development Committee by the end of the year.

The Ministry of Transportation presented its plans to replace the Highway 417 bridges over Preston Street, Rochester Street, Booth Street, Bronson Avenue and Percy Street. Construction is expected to take five years.

Source : City of Ottawa

Audio from the meeting

City Staff Presentation

Stage 2 of Ottawa's LRT system continues moving forward, with funding to expand service east by 12 kilometres and five stations, west by 15 kilometres and 11 stations, and south by 12 kilometres and eight stations – including a link to the Ottawa International Airport. Once Stage 2 is completed, it will feature 24 new stations along 44 kilometres of rail, bringing 77 per cent of residents within five kilometres of LRT.

Draft Budget 2021 includes $6 million to deliver expanded rail service on Lines 1 and 2. It includes $6.2 million to support expanded service as part of Stage 2 and nearly $24 million to purchase and install fare control equipment for all three extensions, along with updates to allow Open Payments.

Draft Budget 2021 commits $13 million to improve Blair and Tunney's Pasture stations, adding canopies and information panels, and replacing and adding an elevator at Blair Station.

The cost of the EquiPass and the Community Pass for Ontario Disability Support Program recipients will remain frozen at 2018 rates for another year. 

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a memo regarding Happy Goat Coffee Company concession stands opening at four O-Train Line 1 stations in November. The stations include Blair, Hurdman, Rideau and Tunney's Pasture. 

Source : City of Ottawa

Today the City of Ottawa released its report on the recommendations for the Barrhaven O-Train Stage 3 extension. The report will be considered by the Transportation Committee on November 2nd. You can consult the documents and plans below. 

This report was originally posted on the City of Ottawa website at http://app05.ottawa.ca/sirepub/item.aspx?itemid=402930.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The extension of Light Rail Transit (LRT) to Barrhaven is contemplated in the current Transportation Master Plan (TMP), as part of the Ultimate Rapid Transit and Transit Priority Network, with intended implementation beyond the 2031 horizon year. In 2018, Council directed staff to initiate an Environmental Assessment (EA) study. Completion of the study will bring the Barrhaven area to the same level as other suburban communities in Ottawa with regards to LRT planning, as part of the Stage 3 LRT program.

The study focused on the rapid transit corridor that was protected through the 1997 Southwest Transitway EA study (Baseline Station to Strandherd Drive) and the 2006 Southwest Transitway Extension EA study (Strandherd Drive to Cambrian Road). The study also examined options for implementation staging, a Train Storage and Servicing Facility (TSSF), a new Park and Ride lot, and pedestrian and cycling facilities to support rapid transit service.

The study is being conducted under the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP), Ontario Regulation 231/08 in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

Project Description

• 10 kilometres of twin-track, fully segregated electric LRT;

- 2.4 kilometres on an elevated structure west of Woodroffe Avenue between Baseline Station and the Nepean Sportsplex.

- 7.6 kilometres conversion of the existing Southwest Transitway between Nepean Sportsplex and Barrhaven Town Centre, including 1.7 kilometres of an open-cut trench at the southern end of LRT line.

• 7 LRT stations;

• Three new LRT stations: Tallwood, Knoxdale and Nepean Sportsplex.
• Conversion of four existing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations to LRT stations: Fallowfield, Longfields, Strandherd and Barrhaven Centre.
• Improved and new facilities for pedestrian and cyclists along the corridor, including a pedestrian bridge connecting to the Nepean Sportsplex;
• Three new bridges over the VIA Rail line at Woodroffe Avenue, the Southwest Transitway and Fallowfield Road;
• Three new below-grade structures at Berrigan Drive, Marketplace Avenue and Chapman Mills Drive;
• A light rail Train Storage and Servicing Facility (TSSF) near the Via Rail overpass at Greenbank Road (1005 and 1045 Greenbank Road);
• A bus-to-rail transfer terminal and 250 spaces park-and-ride facility at the Barrhaven Town Centre; and
• Signalization at Woodroffe Avenue and the entrance to Baseline Station, and the relocation of a northbound bus stop to far-side at Norice Street as interim transit priority measures.

An elevated guideway west of Woodroffe Avenue is recommended as it is less technically complicated and will not create a barrier between communities. The elevated segment is located 40 metres to 60 metres from the homes on Beechcliffe Street.

South of Knoxdale Road, the elevated guideway requires a 20-metre wide strip of land which would affect 120 residential rental units owned by two private companies. The City will continue to inform residents of the project status, including updates to timelines, so that they may be aware of any impacts and can plan accordingly. The City will also work with its affordable housing partners and with private sector developers to encourage them to offer similar housing options on adjacent lands or in nearby communities.

South of Nepean Sportsplex to Barrhaven Town Centre, the LRT would follow the existing Southwest Transitway corridor, with grade separations over the VIA Rail line. A new signalized intersection at Woodroffe Avenue will provide access to the integrated Fallowfield Station. The Park and Ride at the Barrhaven Centre Station could be integrated with the future development plans for the Barrhaven Town Centre area.

The train storage and servicing facility will be located on City-owned land in the north-east corner of Greenbank-Highbury Park intersection. The location is near the end of the LRT line, which will reduce deadhead train mileage, operating cost and non-revenue service time. The recommended site is currently identified and was approved by Council on April 10, 2019 (ACS2019-PIE-GEN-001) as a short-term site to be retained and developed for the purpose of affordable housing within the next five to seven years. Portions of these lands were also earmarked as having potential for development/disposal by the Ottawa Community Lands Corporation. Staff recommend repurposing the site for the Barrhaven LRT's Train Storage and Servicing Facility and recommend that the Interdepartmental Task Force on Affordable Housing perform a separate comprehensive review of potential short-term sites along Stage 3 LRT corridors to replace the loss of this affordable housing site to LRT use. The review would replicate the process that recommended the original twenty sites along Stage 2 LRT and existing Transitway corridors and staff will report back once a suitable replacement short-term site has been identified. The Interdepartmental Task Force on Affordable Housing is a collaborative effort with staff from: Transportation Services; Planning, Infrastructure and Economic Development; and Community and Social Services.  

Source : City of Ottawa

Report - Barrhaven LRT EA Recommendations

Document 1 - Recommended Plan (Baseline Station to Barrhaven Town Centre)

Document 2 - Evaluation Criteria and Results

The Transit Commission received an update today on the O-Train Line 1 and Bus Service. 

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The Transit Commission today approved the installation of permanent operator barriers on OC Transpo buses. Pending Council approval of the 2021 Capital Budget, the procurement process would begin in 2021 and barrier installations would start in late 2021.

OC Transpo continues to explore and implement new measures to improve safety for customers and operators. Industry-wide, more transit agencies are moving towards the installation of barriers to increase the overall safety of bus operators. In addition to existing safety features and policies, installing permanent barriers on buses will create a physical barrier preventing access to the bus operator's area, which can help prevent assaults. Barrier shields can also help prevent the transmission of viruses, like COVID-19. The total cost to retrofit OC Transpo's current fleet is $6 million, and any future buses purchased would include operator barriers.

OC Transpo launched Operation Mask Up on October 9 to help change the behaviour of the small number of customers failing to comply with OC Transpo's mandatory mask policy. Between October 9 and 18:

• 15 customers were denied access to the system for refusing to wear a mask
• 7 customers were fined for not wearing a mask
• 454 customers were told to adjust their masks as they were not wearing them properly
• 23 customers had medical exemptions
• 25 written warnings were issued prior to switching to the issuance of fines on October 13

Young children and customers with a disability or medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask are not required to wear one.For more information on Operation Mask Up, please visit octranspo.com.

An operational update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service was presented at today's meeting. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to progress through its rectification plan to address the reliability issues affecting the LRT and ultimately OC Transpo customers. RTG and Alstom have continued the daily inspection regime resulting from the identification of wheel cracks, and the replacement of all the train wheels has started. RTG has been able to increase the train count and meet OC Transpo's daily service requirements while continuing the inspections. The Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the wheel crack issue is ongoing.

Transit ridership in Ottawa has been 30 per cent of usual levels since the start of the fall service change. Ridership is the highest its been since the pandemic began in mid-March 2020. OC Transpo continues to monitor ridership as more customers return and will make adjustments as necessary.

On October 18, OC Transpo opened a new bus-only roadway as an extension of Raven Road that connects Bronson Avenue and the Carleton University campus. The new roadway shortens travel times and improves service reliability for buses travelling through the Carleton campus. It supports the current replacement buses during Stage 2 construction on O-Train Line 2, and will remain in place after Line 2 reopens.

OC Transpo began testing a "Virtual Line" at the Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre on October 5, which supports physical distancing measures as recommended by Ottawa Public Health. This new system allows customers to take a number upon arrival and watch the call-out screen for their turn in line. In the coming weeks, customers will be able to opt-in to receive a text alert when their spot in the queue is approaching and will also be able to check the wait time in advance and book an appointment remotely.

Source : City of Ottawa

Audio from the Transit Commission Meeting.

Audio from the Media Availability. 

The Transit Commission was today advised that OC Transpo was the first Canadian transit agency to join the American Public Transportation Association's "Health and Safety Commitments Program," the North American public transportation industry's overarching pledge to customers that transit systems are taking all the necessary measures to operate as safely as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the Health and Safety Commitments Program, visit APTA.com.

An operational update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service was presented today. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) has met the requirement to provide 15 trains on O-Train Line 1 during the morning peak periods since September 8. The City will continue to review the progress of RTG's rectification work into the fall.

OC Transpo's fall service changes took effect on August 30^th and OC Transpo continues to work closely with all four school boards and the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority and the Consortium de transport scolaire d'Ottawa to adapt to the revised school schedules.

Fare payment by tapping a credit card is being fast-tracked and will be tested starting at the first O-Train fare gate by the end of 2020.

The 2020 Transit Operating and Capital Budget Status Report and the COVID-19 Financial Mitigation Strategies were also presented to the Commission. The City recommended that a report be submitted to the Ministry of Transportation seeking additional funding to support Phase 2 of the Safe Restart funding program. The report on Delegation of Authority contracts awarded for the period of July 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 was also provided to the Commission.

OC Transpo will continue with its health and safety measures to help protect against COVID-19, including mandatory masks for customers and staff, enhanced cleaning and signage, and a proactive campaign for mask compliance in early October.

Source : City of Ottawa 

Meeting - Audio Recording

Virtual Media Availability - Audio Recording

O-Train Line 1 and Bus Service Update 

OC Transpo first Canadian transit agency to participate in APTA "Health and Safety Commitments" Program

OC Transpo is the first Canadian transit agency to join the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) "Health and Safety Commitments Program," the public transportation industry's overarching pledge to passengers that public transit systems are taking all the necessary measures to operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, OC Transpo has worked tirelessly to keep customers and employees as safe as possible. By signing on to the APTA Health and Safety Commitments Program with more than 100 public transit systems, OC Transpo and the public transit industry are actively working to instill confidence in riders that it's committed to protecting their health and safety.

The program was developed after asking transit users from across the country what measures would make them feel more confident riding public transportation amid concerns about COVID-19. From this research, the industry identified four key areas that transit systems need to address to earn riders' confidence:

• Following public health guidelines from official sources
• Cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles frequently and requiring face coverings and other protections
• Keeping passengers informed and empowered to choose the safest times and routes to ride
• Putting health first by requiring riders and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill

OC Transpo has pledged to continually meet these commitments and has earned the Seal of Commitment by adopting practices and policies that make sense for our transit system, riders and community. A key component of the Health and Safety Commitments Program is the shared responsibility of our system and our riders to follow the guidelines. Riders rely on us to follow these commitments, and OC Transpo relies on riders to protect themselves and other customers.

We're all in this together. OC Transpo remains committed to the highest standards of health and safety. We're following official public health guidelines; we ask riders to continue following them, too.

The Seal of Commitment will be displayed across the OC Transpo transit system soon.

Source : City of Ottawa

FEDCO received an update on Stage 2 LRT today by Michael Morgan - Director of Rail Construction for the City of Ottawa

Source : City of Ottawa

Audio

Presentation 

This memo is to advise of upcoming planned maintenance activities on the O-Train Line 1. The City is undertaking surveys of the track and the overhead catenary system (OCS) using specialized track equipment.

While some of this work can be undertaken overnight outside of service hours, a video survey of the line must be completed during the day. This activity will provide information on the condition of the track and the OCS infrastructure, and is a standard practice on all rail systems.

On Sunday August 30^th between 8 to 10 am, the R1 replacement bus service will be provided to our customers between Tunney's Pasture and Blair stations to enable us to proceed with the survey work on the rail track. At 10 am, service on the rail system will start.

In advance of the closure, notice will be provided to customers on social media, on octranspo.com, and with signage at stations.

John Manconi - General Manager, Transportation Services Department

Source : City of Ottawa 

OC Transpo is pleased to announce a new agreement with Scheidt & Bachmann (S&B) to fast track additional contactless fare payment technology on its bus fleet and at O-Train stations with fare gates.

Over the next several months, OC Transpo and S&B will work together to develop and test the technology that will allow riders to tap a credit card at fare card readers on buses and at O-Train station fare gates. Testing will take place throughout 2020, with the new system anticipated to be ready for customers next year.

This partnership will result in OC Transpo having one of the most advanced fare payment systems in Canada, giving customers flexibility to choose from a range of payment options.

This enhancement builds on the innovative technology in OC Transpo's fare gates and ticket vending machines installed at O-Train Stations. The addition of new payment options at faregates and fare card readers on buses is being fast tracked in light of the COVID-19 pandemic so that OC Transpo can offer customers additional options to easily pay their transit fare while reducing contact points along the system.

When launched, the new card readers will accept payments made with VISA and MasterCard, or by tapping a smartphone with Apple Pay or Google Pay. In the initial phase, the payment system will only be used for adult single-ride fares but can over time be expanded to other fare types.

As part of testing, customers will have an opportunity to use the new payment system at a fare gate at one O-Train Station by the end of 2020. Subject to the successful results of this trial, it is currently expected that the new payment option will be available on all buses and at all fare gates in 2021.

For more information on transit fares, programs and services, please visit octranspo.com.

Quotes

"This is an exciting partnership that shows how OC Transpo is finding new ways to improve the transit experience for our residents. Contactless payment using a personal credit card is a leading-edge service on transit systems worldwide, and I look forward to using this user-friendly technology on our transit system here in Ottawa."

Mayor Jim Watson

"Flexible, customizable fare payment is just one way we can attract new or infrequent transit riders to the transit system. Riders can determine the fare payment option that makes the most sense for them and how they use the system. By fast tracking the development of this new software, OC Transpo is looking ahead at positive ways to foster growth in the system."

Councillor Alan Hubley, Chair, Transit Commission

"S&B is delighted to expand our partnership with the City of Ottawa to deliver a contactless Pay As You Go transit payment solution. This innovative solution will provide customers with the option of using their mobile phone or credit card to pay their fare in a safe touchless manner."

Karen Swanborough, Regional Vice President, Scheidt & Bachmann 

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a memo regarding maintenance service payment to Rideau Transit Group. 

The purpose of this memorandum is to advise the Mayor, Members of Council and the Transit Commission on the status of pending Monthly Service Payments to Rideau Transit Group (RTG) as a result of its performance of the Maintenance Services.

Source : City of Ottawa

In my first Rail Fans VLOG, I talk a bit about myself, where my interest in transit and rail started, why I launched O-Train Fans, what I think of the O-Train, as well as my favourite transit systems.

Thank you for watching. 

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There is currently a technical issue on the site preventing the video from being embedded, so please click the button above to view it on Youtube directly.

OC Transpo has launched a public consultation to select the names for the 24 new stations that are part of the Stage 2 O-Train expansion and wants to hear from you!

From August 5 to 26, 2020, you are invited to weigh in on the following station names, or propose different names:

Stage 2 West – Baseline Branch

1. Westboro
2. Kìchì Sìbì
3. Sherbourne
4. New Orchard
5. Lincoln Fields
6. Iris
7. Algonquin
   

1. Queensview
2. Pinecrest
3. Bayshore
4. Moodie
   

1. Montréal
2. Jeanne d'Arc
3. Convent Glen
4. Place d'Orléans
5. Trim
   

1. Gladstone
2. Walkley
3. South Keys
4. Leitrim
5. Bowesville
6. Limebank
7. Uplands
8. Airport / Aéroport

• Meaningful geographic reference
• Easy to understand in French and English
• Easy to pronounce
• Easy to write
• Unique from other stations and city locations
• Established Transitway station names

To find out more about why each name has been proposed, read about OC Transpo's full naming criteria and see renderings of what each station will look like, visit octranspo.com.

You are invited to provide comments on the proposed names or suggest new names through the following ways:

• Online at octranspo.com
• By phone at 613-741-4390 (TTY: 613-741-5280)
• By writing to: 925 Belfast Rd Ottawa ON K1G 0Z4 (Attention: Stage 2 Station Names)

After the consultation period, the results will be reviewed by a panel and the final selected names will shared with the Transit Commission, Council, customers and residents this fall.

Source : OC Transpo

Please find attached a memo update on O-Train Line 1 Confederation Line's Fleet Availability.

Source : City of Ottawa 

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council and Transit Commission with an update on the availability of the O-Train Line 1 fleet.

RTG has been working to increase the vehicle count to 15 trains in service,plus two spares, during the morning peak period. RTG has confirmed that 15 trains, plus two spares, are available to support service starting today, Tuesday, August 4, 2020. While 15 trains are available to the City, the enhanced daily wheel inspection regime only allows for 13 trains, plus two spares, to be deployed into service during peak periods, with trains arriving approximately every 4 minutes.

With the reduced passenger loads, 13 trains can accommodate customer volumes and allows for opportunities for physical distancing. RTG is making progress with the investigation and resolution of the wheel issue and as they make further progress, additional vehicles may be added to the morning peak service if required. 

-John Manconi - General Manager of Transportation Services

Please find attached the O-Train Stage 1 and Stage 2 Quarterly Memo to Council (Q2 2020).

Source : City of Ottawa 

The following information outlines the milestones achieved in Q2 2020 and provides an overview of the planned work for Q3 2020.

The City of Ottawa's Rail Construction Program continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to delivery of maintenance services on the Stage 1 Confederation Line, impacts to Stage 2 vehicle manufacturing efforts being undertaken by Rideau Transit Group (RTG), and the Stage 2 design and construction of the Trillium Line and Confederation Line extensions. The various maintenance, design, and construction teams working on light rail in Ottawa are adhering to all guidance provided by Ottawa Public Health and the Province of Ontario. Construction continues in all geographic areas of the project and the City is monitoring the potential impacts on the projects closely.

The contractors have been implementing additional safety measures at their construction sites and have implemented additional measures such as remote working for their design and administrative staff. The City is working closely with the contractors to understand if there will be any long-term impacts to these projects as a result of the current environment.

The critical focus on the Stage 1 Confederation Line remains the implementation of RTG's rectification plan to improve the performance of the system. As part of that plan, RTG and the City have agreed that this current period of low ridership provides an opportunity to temporarily close the system to undertake work relating to initiatives that are part of that plan to improve system performance. Specifically, the Confederation Line was temporarily closed over the following periods:

• May 2-3, 2020

• May 9-13, 2020

• May 31-June 3, 2020

• June 21-28, 2020

Over the course of the temporary service closure periods, the following works were completed:

• Implementation and testing of updated train control software and communication system software to improve vehicle and system performance;

• Installation of new passenger door software to reduce door-related disruptions and door faults;

• Detailed cleaning and inspection of the overhead catenary system to remove buildup of road chemicals and to replace compromised catenary mechanical supports (Parafil);

• Track works including adjustment of the ballast to correct settlement issues and adjustment of the rail to deal with high heat conditions (kinking and/or ride quality issues);

• Injection repair to seal an area near Rideau Station where water was entering the tunnel; and,

• Vehicle retrofit work and modification work, routine inspections, and corrective maintenance.

Outside of the items identified in RTG's rectification plan, Line 1 has experienced two new issues that affect availability, reliability and performance of the system: wheel cracks and track alignment in hot temperatures. Following the identification of these issues, RTG undertook a full inspection of the fleet and established a regimented ongoing wheel inspection routine to ensure that customer safety remains paramount. As outlined in the July 10, 2020 memorandum, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has advised the City that they will be initiating an investigation into the wheel cracks experienced on some of the Confederation Line trains. City staff will provide updates to the Mayor and Members of Council as they become available.

As it relates to Line 1 track alignment issues, in July 2020, RTG was given several opportunities to close the Line 1 system early before the end of service to undertake short term repairs and adjustments to mitigate issues caused by the hot temperatures. Under the project agreement RTG is required to provide a plan to the City that corrects the ongoing track performance issues on a permanent basis. While the heat-related issues are not uncommon on rail networks, the effect on Line 1 is greater than expected and RTG is required to implement a permanent fix to the track.

As RTG executes the work associated with their plans and identifies additional technical enhancements, there may be a need for future temporary service closures to Line 1 later in 2020. In addition to the work on rectification, there are ongoing activities related to project close-out, including minor deficiency work, final reporting to the funding partners and close-out of project documentation. Stage 1 Confederation Line project close-out activities will continue in Q3 2020.

Additionally, Rideau Street is now closed to permit the final segment of the Rideau Streetscaping work to occur between Dalhousie Street and Sussex Drive. More information about the project and timelines of the work are available here:

https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/public-engagement/projects/rideau-street-renewal-sussex-drive- dalhousie-street#open-house-boards-june-19-2019

The City of Ottawa has decommissioned and archived the Confederation Line project's construction website (ligneconfederationline.ca). Project agreement documentation remain available on ottawa.ca. Any updates on operations, repairs and service will continue to be made available on octranspo.com.

Design Progress

In Q2 2020, design work continued for the Stage 2 O-Train Trillium Line and Confederation Line project teams, TransitNEXT and East-West Connectors (EWC).

In Q2 2020, City staff reviewed TransitNEXT's preliminary designs of specific Trillium Line extension elements, including design drawings for the New Walkley Yard, guideway design drawings for the existing portion of the alignment, final design drawings for the south extension of the alignment, and the preliminary operational modelling for the system. Staff also reviewed pre-final designs of the new signaling and train control system, the communication systems drawings for the New Walkley Yard, utility relocation plans, structures, and various Stadler vehicle elements, including final design information of the brake system and interior lighting. Additionally, City staff also reviewed design packages for stations along the existing portion of the alignment, including Greenboro, Walkley, Carleton, Mooney's Bay and Carling stations.

In Q3 2020, City staff will complete the review of the construction documents submission of the guideway for the Airport Link, the re-submission of the preliminary design drawings for the new Walkley Yard, and final design drawings for the Dow's Lake Tunnel. Finally, City staff also expect to receive the final design package for the signaling and train control system, additional final design packages for elements of the Stadler vehicles, and pre-final and final design packages for Bayview, Gladstone, Carling, Carleton, Mooney's Bay, Greenboro, South Keys, Uplands, Airport, Leitrim, Bowesville and Limebank stations.

In Q2 2020, City staff reviewed EWC's designs of specific Confederation Line extensions elements, including stations, trackwork, utility expansion works, Highway 417 interchanges, roadway works including Highway 174 and the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, bridge structures and the Moodie Light Maintenance and Storage Facility.

In Q2 2020, City staff reviewed EWC's designs of specific Confederation Line extensions elements, including stations, trackwork, utility expansion works, Highway 417 interchanges, roadway works including Highway 174 and the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway, bridge structures and the Moodie Light Maintenance and Storage Facility.

Preliminary designs for stations including Orléans Boulevard, Montreal Road, Iris and Bayshore stations and final designs for Moodie Station, Queensview Station, Lincoln Fields Station were also reviewed. Several stations, including Pinecrest, Baseline, Place d'Orleans, Jeanne d'Arc and Trim are awaiting resubmissions of final design packages after initial review. The City expects to review the resubmitted final design packages in Q3.

Preliminary infrastructure designs for the tunnel work for the Connaught area, overall track and alignment designs along the entire alignment, and designs for existing bridge structure rehabilitation on Highway 174 have also been reviewed by the City. The Hazard Log for the east extension, as well as various preliminary hazard analyses were also reviewed.

City staff also reviewed the final designs of the Highway 174 bridges at Montreal Road, Lincoln Fields flyover and several utility design packages that have now been issued for construction. Other final designs reviewed include the Moodie Light Maintenance Storage Facility, Moodie Station, Queensview Station, Lincoln Fields Station, and west alignment roadways.

In Q3 2020, staff anticipate reviewing preliminary designs for the remaining Confederation Line stations and structures. The ongoing design review of roads, bridges and utility work throughout the east and west alignments will continue in Q3 2020.

TransitNEXT and EWC are well into construction work along their respective alignments. The Rail Construction Program will continue to work with City Councillors to advise where work is underway and provide public notifications, as required.

In Q2 2020, the Line 2 Trillium Line was closed on May 4, 2020 and the existing guideway, stations and vehicles were turned over to TransitNEXT in order to begin construction works. A multi-use pathway detour was implemented at the future Gladstone Station and rock removal through blasting and other means is underway and will continue in Q3 2020. Tracks were removed between Young Street and Gladstone Station to allow for rock cut and guideway widening.

At the VIA-Trillium Line Rail crossing, the existing Line 2 tracks have been cut and barriers placed to prevent access to VIA Rail right-of-way. Caisson drilling has commenced and will continue in Q3 2020 to support the elevated guideway over the VIA tracks.

Construction at the New Walkley Yard continues with grade beam and maintenance pit foundation work. Culverts and underground storm water retention structures are being installed at the west end of the site. The tracks leading to the old Walkley Yard facility have been removed allowing for full use of Walkley Yards project lands by TransitNEXT.

Along the new guideway alignment between Greenboro to Limebank stations, earthworks, ditching, grading and culvert installation continue. Excavation for South Keys Station is underway. Girders were installed at Uplands, Bowesville and Airport Parkway rail bridges. Caisson, pier and pier cap work will continue in Q3 2020 at Lester, Leitrim, Earl Armstrong rail bridges, as well as the Limebank and Ottawa Airport elevated guideway structures.

EWC has completed the geotechnical investigation and is nearing the completion of survey work along the Confederation Line East and West extensions. Some intermittent night work may be required to minimize impacts to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Applications for noise exemptions will be submitted to Ward Councillors.

Construction of the eastbound lane realignment of the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway (SJAM) commenced and will be ongoing in Q3 2020. Pedestrian and cyclist access through this area, via the Ottawa River Pathway, will be maintained throughout the construction of new traffic lanes, and the south pedestrian access has been detoured to make room for the parkway tunnel works. The final SJAM traffic change is expected mid Q3 2020, with a few interim changes expected to accommodate this work. Site preparation has started at Rochester Fields for a Parkway tunnel construction staging and laydown area.

Construction of new Goldenrod bridge is expected to start in early Q3 2020. This bridge will enable the removal of the embankment road in the rock cut just west of Tunney's Pasture Station.

Work along Richmond and Byron avenues in preparation for the Parkway tunnel started in Q2 2020 and included utility relocations and construction of a sidewalk along the south side of Byron Avenue. Utility relocation work is expected to continue into Q3 2020 in advance of the support of excavation installation.

Construction of a storm sewer in proximity to Lincoln Fields Station near Carling Avenue is ongoing and is anticipated to be completed in Q3 2020. Modifications to Carling Avenue are ongoing and are required to facilitate the watermain relocation and storm sewer connection. Additional utility work will be ongoing in Q3 2020 through the east and west alignments to relocate utilities to avoid conflicts with future works.

Further in the west, the retaining walls and start of the construction for Iris street culvert north of Iris began in Q2 2020 and will continue in Q3 2020. Various utility works (Hydro and Rogers) will continue in this area in Q3 2020. The excavation for the future Pinecrest Creek Pond and the construction of the Baseline Station bus operator building are expected to begin in Q3 2020.

In the east, work began on the reconfiguration of Ottawa Regional (OR) 174 in Q2 2020. Ramp modifications at Montreal and Champlain Interchanges are underway, while ramp modification at Jeanne D'Arc are expected to start in Q3 2020. Drainage works, including storm sewer and culvert extensions, are ongoing on the north and south side of OR 174 between Blair Road and Champlain in preparation for the realigned OR 174 lanes.

Modification to the OR174 and ramps will allow future guideway work to begin in the centre median area of OR 174, away from active traffic lanes. All traffic will be maintained in both directions throughout the duration of the project; however, minor off-peak delays to eastbound traffic may occur at times.

Finally, construction of drainage work and new parking lots at the Trim Park and Ride started in Q2 2020 and is ongoing.

As part of the Stage 2 Project, TransitNEXT will be supplying seven Stadler FLIRT vehicles. These vehicles are being designed and manufactured in Switzerland and progress will continue through the summer to complete the final design of onboard systems, seating layouts, design and specification for integration of various onboard systems, exterior paint design (livery) and other system designs ahead of start of manufacturing later in the year.

Rideau Transit Group (RTG) is providing 38 additional Alstom Citadis Spirit light rail vehicles to ensure that the expanded Stage 2 Confederation Line operates as a single, uniform service. The Rail Construction Program is monitoring the production of this expanded fleet with special attention being placed on ensuring that all hardware and software improvements and upgrades resulting from the in-service experience of the Stage 1 fleet are applied to the new vehicles.

Despite supply chain impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, RTG completed and the City accepted three vehicles from the Stage 2 order, bringing the total operational fleet count to 37 vehicles out of 72. Vehicle 38 is in testing and expected to be added to the fleet shortly.

Customers may notice some testing activities currently underway along the existing Confederation Line alignment during evening and weekend hours. Test vehicles are easily identifiable to ensure passengers are aware the vehicle is 'not in service'.

The Stage 1 Confederation Line Contingency Fund is $100M. To date, $85.9M from the total fund has been spent. Remaining funds are earmarked for potential future changes, primarily related to property requirements and transit priorities. When funds are reserved for contract variations, the upper cost limit for the variation is used and upon completion of the work, unspent monies are returned to the Contingency Fund. For this reason, the funds reserved figure is an estimate that may be higher than the actual amount spent.

The Stage 2 Trillium Line Extension project budget includes an amount of $138.5M net of HST rebates, which represents the private partner's capital investment to be repaid during the maintenance period.

The Stage 2 program budget has been updated to reflect current forecasts, net of HST rebates.

In keeping with Council's approved 2017 Stage 2 Report (ACS2017- TSD-OTP-0001) and 2019 Stage 2 Report (ACS2019-TSD-OTP-0001), approximately $998.9M has been spent as of June 30, 2020 and relates to RTG MOU for Belfast Yard and vehicle assembly mobilization ($323.8M), Confederation Line extension mobilization and construction period payments ($405.3M) and Trillium Line extension construction period payments and financial close for the Revenue Vehicle Supply Contract ($63M). The remaining $206.8M was spent for planning, procurement, project delivery and City retained scope.

RTG achieved Revenue Service Availability on August 30, 2019 and was eligible for a pro-rated monthly service payment for a single day of service on August 31, 2019. The performance deductions that accumulated for this single day of service were applied to the September 2019 payment per the Project Agreement. As discussed previously, a single payment was made for Maintenance Services to RTG for August and September 2019, less deductions, as required by the Project Agreement.

The City is currently working through an invoice review to ensure that we meet all of our contractual obligations under the Project Agreement. Based on ongoing reviews of the invoice period for October to June reflecting the system performance of September to May, we do expect to make maintenance payments to RTG less the appropriate performance deductions.

The City of Ottawa originally posted redacted versions of the Stage 2 Confederation Line and Trillium Line Project Agreements and Technical Schedules on November 15, 2019 to the City's Routine Disclosure and Active Dissemination Plans website on www.ottawa.ca.

Recently, staff undertook a review of the redactions that were applied to a number of technical sections in an effort to release additional information and assist in answering commonly asked questions relating to station design, vehicles, testing and commissioning and maintenance activities.

As with the Stage 1 documents, aspects of the Stage 2 documents continue to be redacted. These redactions continue to allow the City to balance transparency with the protection of third party and/or commercially sensitive information. East-West Connectors and TransitNEXT are aware of the changes. Additionally, staff have reformatted the Stage 2 documents into separate documents to increase the public's ease in accessing and reading the information.

This additional information is posted on the following site: https://ottawa.ca/en/routine-disclosure- and-active-dissemination-plans#transportation-services-department.

Building on the Stage 2 LRT Connectivity Study completed in 2017, the Rail Construction Program has proposed additional measures to better connect stations with the surrounding community. Staff has consulted residents on how they will get to their Stage 2 station. Public consultation was rolled out in three phases focusing on O-Train East, South, and West stations. In each phase of public consultation, connectivity enhancements were presented via Zoom to Public Advisory Committees (PACs) comprised of local community associations, ward Councillors, business improvement areas, and special interest groups. In total, the Rail Construction Program coordinated nine PACs which included a total of 133 participants from 35 organizations. Feedback from each phase of public consultation will be consolidated and published to ottawa.ca/stage2.

The Rail Construction Program hosted an information meeting on the future Rideau River pedestrian bridge that will connect Vincent Massey Park and Carleton University. Staff presented preliminary design details via Teams to numerous online participants and answered questions in real time. Information regarding the Rideau River Pedestrian Bridge has been posted to ottawa.ca/stage2 along with a survey allowing residents to provide feedback and ask questions.

The Rail Construction Program continues to encourage residents to subscribe to the Stage 2 LRT newsletter to receive monthly progress updates, construction photos and video and area specific notifications regarding upcoming works. Residents can subscribe to the electronic newsletters by visiting ottawa.ca/stage2 or by emailing stage2@ottawa.ca. 

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is conducting a class 3 investigation after cracks were found on a total of four wheels on three separate Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) vehicles during maintenance and inspection activities.

See investigation page for more information.

Source : Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Rolling stock damage without derailment

Ottawa Light Rail Transit
2 July 2020

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) is conducting an investigation after cracks were found on a total of four wheels on three separate Ottawa Light Rail Transit (OLRT) vehicles during maintenance and inspection activities in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec.

On 02 July 2020, during maintenance activities, cracks were found in the area of two wheels that were secured to the axle by bolts in both wheels of a wheelset of Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) 1113 (R20H0079).

On 03 July 2020, two additional wheels with similar cracks were identified, one cracked wheel on LRV 1108 (R20H0080) and one cracked wheel on LRV 1133 (R20H0081). The affected LRVs were taken out of service for bogie replacement.

To date, OLRT fleet inspections have identified cracks on a total of four wheels from three different LRVs.

Following the detection of the cracks, half of the OLRT vehicles fleet has been taken out of service. 

Please find attached a memo regarding the notification of Transportation Safety Board investigation into Confederation Line wheel cracks. 

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 

10 months later and rewritten from scratch, the brand new version of the O-Train Fans system map is now available! You can view it here : map.otrainfans.ca

A more intuitive interface, updated data for Stage 2 and also the addition of the proposed alignments for the Barrhaven extension! 

Here is some highlights of the new features and improvements to the System Map.

As always, the source code for this project is available on GitHub: https://github.com/OTrainFans/OTrainMap

I've actually learned about web development in the last 10 months so now this project is actually written like a modern web project!

Follow Derek Ellis on Twitter : @deellisd

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

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

----

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.

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 

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

Rideau Transit Group's (RTG) mission is to deliver world-class transit service for the City of Ottawa. Our team has been structured for that purpose and it is that goal that continues to drive us forward.

RTG's CEO, Peter Lauch accepted the leadership of RTG in 2018, following five years as part of the RTG senior project management team constructing Ottawa's light rail transit system. In November of 2019 he accepted the additional role as CEO of Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTG's maintenance partner).

It is with sincere gratitude to Peter that we announced today his plans to step down as CEO, effective 10 July 2020. Peter's tireless dedication to the project and his forthright transparency with all stakeholders have been hallmarks of his tenure. It is with this sense of appreciation that the Board of RTG and its principal partners, ACS Infrastructure, Ellis-Don and SNC-Lavalin have reluctantly accepted Mr. Lauch's decision.

The City of Ottawa and OC Transpo have been advised of this management decision, and a transition plan will be announced in the coming days.

The RTG Partners want to thank Peter for his full commitment and dedication to the Confederation Line, his exceptional professionalism and leadership, and we wish him the best of luck in his next endeavors.

"When I accepted the challenge to head up RTG, my primary objective was to oversee the transition into revenue service. The RTM role was taken to quarterback the restructuring of Rideau Transit Maintenance. It was always my intention to stay on for the time necessary to complete those undertakings," said Lauch.

In announcing today's news, the Board and principal partners commend Mr. Lauch for his instrumental role in developing and executing on a workplan that is focused on consistently delivering system improvements.

Mr. Lauch remains fully engaged in day to day operations and supporting the transition plans until his departure.

Rideau Transit Group (RTG) is a consortium of Canadian and international companies with a proven track record for delivering global transportation projects. We are a Public-Private General Partnership between ACS Infrastructure Canada, EllisDon, and SNC-Lavalin.

Source : Rideau Transit Group

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.

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

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.

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)

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

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 

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

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

Ottawa City Council received an update today on Rideau Transit Group's (RTG) Remediation Plan for O-Train Line 1.

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 

On Sunday, April 26, Rideau Street will close between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street until the end of 2020. This closure is needed to renew Rideau and William streets. Work on Rideau Street includes improved sidewalks, cycling and transit facilities, benches, bicycle parking, pedestrian lighting, landscaping and more. Work on William Street includes an improved pedestrian experience, with seating, trees, lighting and bicycle parking.

Work on William Street between George and Rideau streets will start in early fall. The project will be completed by the end of 2020.

Pedestrian crossings will be maintained through the work and signed detours will be in place.

Transit service detours

• During the closure of Rideau Street, OC Transpo bus routes will be detoured to serve stops nearby.
• Routes 5, 12, 14, 16, 17, 18 and 114 will serve bus stops on Mackenzie King Bridge.
• Routes 6 and 7 will serve bus stops on Daly Avenue at Nicholas Street.
• Overnight service on Routes N39, N45, N57, N61, N75 and N97 will be available at bus stops on Rideau Street at Dalhousie Street, and overnight Routes N57, N61 and N75 will also stop on Mackenzie King Bridge.
• O-Train Line 1 and Rideau Station will remain open.
• Visit octranspo.com for more information.
• For information on STO services, information is available at sto.ca.

Stay informed

• Visit ottawa.ca/rideaustreet.
• Sign up for the Rideau-William renewal e-newsletter.

• Follow the City on social media:
  • Twitter: @ottawacity
  • Instagram: @cityofottawa
  • Facebook: City of Ottawa / @cityofottawa

• Listen to traffic reports from local news media.

Thank you to residents and businesses for your continued support and patience during this construction project.

Source : City of Ottawa 

Work is well underway to extend the Confederation Line from Blair Station to Trim Road. The Confederation Line East extension will see LRT continue from Blair Station to Trim Road, adding 12 kilometres of rail and 5 new stations to the O-Train network at Montreal Road, Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard, Orleans Boulevard, Place d'Orleans, and Trim Road.

The Confederation Line East will travel predominantly within the median of Highway 174 between Blair Road and Trim Road, providing stations that are equal distance from communities on either side. In 2020, crews will be focusing on relocating Highway 174 lanes to create enough space in the median for the stations and track.

The City of Ottawa's Rail Construction Program is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and is in contact with the constructors about adhering to guidance provided by Ottawa Public Health and the Province of Ontario. Construction schedules and sequencing are subject to change as work progresses, at the discretion of the project contractor. Should there be any significant changes to this information, and as additional construction activities are scheduled through 2020, the public will be updated via electronic updates. Please sign-up for Stage 2 e-newsletter updates, specifying the extensions and stations of interest, to receive updates targeted for those areas.

Here is what construction you can expect to begin or occur in 2020:

In 2020, a critical component of the Confederation Line East work will be constructing two new bridges at the Highway 174 Montreal Interchange.

Montreal Station will be located above Montreal Road within the median of Highway 174. This requires two new Highway 174 bridges and a reconfiguration of the interchange to shift ramps, traffic, utilities and multi-use pathways away from where the future station will be located.

Work in the Montreal Interchange can be broken down in phases:

Crews have relocated the existing ramps and completed installing excavation support on both sides of the highway.

Crews are building the retaining wall in the interchange. Further to this, work on the drill shafts and additional utility relocations will take place. The new Montreal bridge substructures and deck works begin.

The north side lanes of Montreal Road in this immediate area will be closed to accommodate the work zone, and south side lanes will be used to accommodate bi-directional traffic until Labour Day 2020 or before.

Traffic impacts on Montreal Road - April 10th through summer (up to Labour Day) 2020

Northside vehicular lanes under the highway overpass will be closed, and south side lanes will be repurposed to accommodate bi-directional traffic. As a result, vehicular lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction in order to construct the new centre bridge piers. One left turning lane from the Highway 174 eastbound off ramp will be closed, and the other will remain open. All on and off ramp movements will remain available, although moderate delays are expected at peak times.

All pedestrians and cycling movements will be maintained via the newly improved multi-use pathway on the south side of Montreal Road. The multi-use pathway on the north side will be closed.

Once the centre pier work is complete, various widenings and realignments of the ramps will continue, along with the work on the second bridge abutments, deck works, and finishing works. Once the two new bridges have been completed, traffic will be shifted during overnight hours, and demolition of the existing bridges will begin in preparation for station construction in the median.

East Flyover Rail Bridge footprint

Later this summer, Highway 174 between Blair Station and Montreal Road will be temporarily shifted south to allow for the construction of the new rail bridge and demolition of the existing BRT bridge. Crews will be commencing construction of the new lanes on the south side of Highway 174 this spring.

Once traffic has shifted, work will begin on constructing the East Flyover's foundation and bridge columns. When complete, precast girders will be laid on top of the columns allowing for the track to span over the westbound Highway 174 lanes. Once installed, a concrete deck will lifted into place.

This purpose of this memo is to provide an update on two significant OC Transpo transit service detours that will begin this spring, which were originally intended to be presented at the March 18 Transit Commission meeting. 

Rideau and William Street Renewal Project 

On Sunday, April 19, Rideau Street, between Sussex Drive and Dalhousie Street, will temporarily close to allow for the construction of the final phase of the Rideau Street and William Street renewal project. During construction, OC Transpo routes that currently serve this section of Rideau Street will be detoured. Rideau Street will reopen when construction is complete, expected by the end of 2020. 

Stage 2 O-Train Expansion 

As of Sunday, May 3, O-Train Line 2 will temporarily close to allow for the construction of the Stage 2 O-Train expansion. During the closure, bus replacement service will run along the entire line, stopping at all stations. Line 2 will reopen when construction is complete.Please find attached a PowerPoint presentation and key messages, which contain details about both detours.

​Source : City of Ottawa

​In this video interview with Pat Scrimgeour, Director of Transit Customer Systems and Planning, we discuss and get some context on the service being offered, improvements that have occurred and are planned, the arrival of Happy Goat Coffee Co., busking program, next bus arrival times, and Stage 2 LRT.

Please note, this interview was conducted earlier in the month of March.

​Please find attached a memo regarding OC Transpo – Changes to Service Levels

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a memo regarding OC Transpo response to COVID-19.

As you know, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing rapidly. Ottawa Public Health (OPH) recommended that Ottawans strengthen their social distancing measures and avoid gatherings of all sizes and non-essential travel outside the home. At the same time, OPH acknowledges that there are essential services – including public transit – that must continue to allow the city to function.

OC Transpo is implementing a number of steps to help protect the health and safety of staff, customers and residents.

Our customers

OC Transpo is asking all transit customers to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Ottawa.

• Do not use public transit if:
  • You have a fever and/or new onset of cough or difficulty breathing; or
  • You have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19.
• While you are in stations or riding buses or trains:
  • Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand;
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and,
• When possible, consider social distancing (ideally 2 metres).
• Rear-door boarding: For the health and safety of our operators, and to keep our service running, customers are asked to board and exit using the back doors only.
  
• • Customers with accessibility and Cooperative Seating requirements can still board at the front;
  • Please do not approach operators;
  • We will not be accepting cash fares or paper transfers from customers boarding at the rear of the bus; and,
  • Due to the configuration of some of the buses in our fleet, some customers will not be able to tap their Presto cards when they board.
• Practice social distancing (2 metres, when possible) in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
• Stagger your commute times, if possible, to help lessen the volume of passengers during morning and afternoon peak periods.

OC Transpo's enhanced cleaning efforts

Conventional Bus Operations

• Bus operator cabs are being wiped down daily with anti-viral disinfectant. OC Transpo is also providing this disinfectant for users of non-revenue vehicles (Special Constables, OC supervisors, etc.) for start-of-shift wipe downs.
• Cleaning schedules for our conventional bus fleet will include utilizing disinfecting/sanitizing products for operator areas and all common touchpoints within our customer areas.
• Customer areas will receive sanitizing on handrails, stanchion posts including stairwells as per established cleaning schedules.

Rail Operations

• Our contractors for both Line 1 and 2 have brought on additional cleaning staff and are committed to enhanced cleaning of both stations and rail vehicles.
• Every rail vehicle going into service will have had every surface from floor to ceiling cleaned and disinfected, including operator cabs.
• These enhanced teams will be disinfecting every surface nightly. As more resources become available, we will move to performing targeted cleaning of rail vehicles while in service. This will include wipe downs of surfaces that experience regular touching such as stanchions, hand straps and hand holds.
• Cleaning of rail stations on Line 1 will also be enhanced with additional staff both day and night.
• Overnight deep cleaning will focus on disinfecting all touched surfaces, including vending machines, handrails, doorknobs/handles, elevators, escalators, washrooms, glass and floors.
• Additional resources are also being brought in to do daytime cleaning in stations with the target of cleaning high traffic areas in each station every eight hours.

Para Transpo Operations

• For the safety of our customers and our operators, the scheduled cleaning of Para Transpo vehicles will be enhanced to include daily sanitizing of the Operator area and the cleaning of common touch points such as handrails, windowsills, floors and ceilings within our passenger areas.
• OC Transpo has been in contact with Ottawa taxi providers, who have advised that they are taking steps to increase cleaning and sanitizing of their vehicles, including those used to transport Para Transpo customers.

Customer Service Staff

• OC Transpo's Customer Service Centres are being temporarily closed. Customers can use these alternatives:
  • prestocard.ca
  • Ticket machines at O-Train stations
  • Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations (depending on store hours)
  More information about Customer Service Centres closures
• Contact points with customers such as fare vending machines will receive enhanced cleaning with appropriate sanitizer products.

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, OC Transpo will continue working closely with Ottawa Public Health to ensure we are taking the appropriate steps to protect the health and safety of our staff and the public. As information changes, we will keep our customers apprised.

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a memo regarding OC Transpo's response to COVID-19.

Following the successful implementation of rear door boarding on conventional buses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, starting today, we are implementing a similar solution for all Line 1 trains.

• We are installing tape to block the doors and area closest to the operator cab from the rest of the train;
• Prominent signage will be placed on the doors closest to the operator cab at both ends of the train to inform customers of the change;
• Customers will still be able to use Cooperative seating areas in all parts of the train;
• Customers with bicycles should use the next closest door at the front of the train; and,
• We will be adding bicycle stickers to the appropriate door.

​Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a memo and attachment regarding a Notice of Default and Rectification Notice, sent to the Mayor, Members of Council and released to the media.

​Source : City of Ottawa

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The full notices are found below, but here are some quoted sections that provide very clear examples of work needing to be done, defaults that are taking place, and so forth.

Remedy / Rectification Requirements

a) Vehicles

T​he City requires a fully compliant System that includes the requisite number of Vehicles to provide the necessary Service Levels under the PA. RTG committed to providing 15 double Vehicle consists ("Trains") and the City requires a plan and schedule for the provision of 15 operational Trains.

The City has been patient and reasonable in waiting for the full contingent of Vehicles required under the PA. In this regard, the City worked closely with RTG's team to establish a reasonable deadline of December 31, 2019 by which RTG was required to provide additional Vehicles in service, yet this deadline was missed or ignored by RTG with no reasonable plan or schedule brought forward to achieve the PA requirements. The availability of four (4) additional spare Vehicles from the Stage 2 fleet should reasonably allow RTG to meet its obligation for 15 Trains in service. RTG continues to fall short in this regard.

b) Other Requirements

The City requires that RTG take the necessary steps outlined below and that its plan and schedule include measures to address the following items (which list is not exhaustive), of the issues that require RTG's action in order to remedy the Defaults:

1 Vehicle Power Systems — Power Systems: ongoing inductor failures due to an identified defect in the manufactured units appears to be partly mitigated with an insulating cover and modified cover for the inductor units. The City requires that RTG provide full technical details including drawings of the implemented changes to the Vehicle, schedule for replacement of the inductors, and signoff by the Engineer of Record on all completed and planned Vehicle configuration changes.

1. Overhead Catenary System (OCS) — Wire Failures: Immediate technical modifications are required to be undertaken to increase the reliability of the OCS The failure mode wherein "Parafil" support members are causing the catenary wire to drop is a known issue that was encountered during testing and commissioning. As this is a known issue, the City's expectation is that this issue be resolved and actioned quickly. The City requires that RTG provide full technical details on the plan for rectification, schedule dates for installation, and signoff by the Engineer of Record on the modified configuration.
2. Overhead Catenary System (OCS) — Rigid Rail Failures: Immediate technical modifications are required to be undertaken to increase the reliability of the rigid rail system. The recent failure where the catenary wire was ripped out of the rigid rail needs a modification so as to prevent a repeat of this occurrence. As this is a known issue, the City expects that this issue be actioned and resolved quickly. The City requires that RTG provide full technical details on the resolution, plan for installation of the modification, and signoff by the Engineer of Record on this issue.
3. Overhead Catenary System (OCS) — Pantograph Integration: The carbon strips on the Vehicle pantograph have significant groove patterns indicating that the overall design and installation of the OCS including the stagger has not been designed correctly and/or installed correctly and/or maintained correctly. A full survey of the existing system needs to be undertaken to validate that the current configuration of the system meets the design specifications. In addition to the verification of the general arrangements, the City needs confirmation that OCS wire transition sections, section insulators, and transitions from wire to rigid rail are working correctly and not causing undue arcing. The City requires that RTG provide full technical details on the outcomes of this review including results of the survey, details and installation dates for corrections or repairs, and signoff by the Engineer of Record that current condition of the system meets the design criteria. 
4. Traction Power System Integration: Additional onboard unit issues related to power systems including line contactors, auxiliary power units (CVS), and high speed circuit breakers (HSCB) require detailed assessments related to recent failures. For each of these items, the City requires that RTG itemize the failure modes, identify the means to test and repair these units, detail any unintended TOMS or control logic issues related to operation of this equipment, e.g. TCMS prevents a train from moving when one Vehicle has an activated HSCB, confirm that appropriate spares are on site, and confirm any technical changes that are required to improve the reliability of equipment. The City requires that RTG provide full technical assessments on the failure modes, schedule for corrections or repairs, and signoff by the Engineer of Record on the configuration changes.
5. Switch Heater Rectification Plan: The switch heaters on the system appear to have a maximum output of 45kW. By comparison, the switch heaters on the City's existing Trillium Line have a maximum output of close to 120kW. The heating capacity of the existing switch heaters needs to be significantly increased in order to have any opportunity to work correctly in winter. At a minimum, hot air blowers with significantly higher output capacity need to be installed to replace the existing units, heat tracing cables need to be added to the stock rails, and consideration for installation of crib heaters should be undertaken. An integrated solution needs to be implemented in order to bring the solution into compliance with the PSOS, The City requires full technical details on the plan for upgrade, schedule dates for installation, and signoff by the Engineer of Record on this issue.
6. Vehicle HVAC: Despite assurances that the heating on the system works correctly, supplementary heating had to be added to the vehicles to improve the interior driver cab temperatures this past winter. Similarly, the cooling system needs to be corrected to ensure that Vehicle and Vehicle driver cabs are cooled correctly during hot summer temperatures. As this is a known issue, our expectations are that this issue is actioned and resolved quickly. The City requires that RTG provide full technical details on the upgrade to bring the HVAC and supporting systems into compliance with the PSOS, schedule dates for the upgrade, and signoff by the Engineer of Record on the planned changes.
7. Vehicle Braking Systems — Integration Issues: A series of different scenarios appear to be contributing to a high incidence of wheel flats on the fleet. The braking system appears to be suffering from a series of specific issues and contributing factors which are leading to wheel flats on the trailing and other bogies. The City requires that RTG provide a root cause analysis of the cause of the failure modes, action plan and schedule for rectification, and signoff by the Engineer of Record. As the City understands this issue, based on information provided by RTG, a partial list of causes for these wheel flats is as follows: 

1. Faulty valve(s) in the braking units;
2. Overly aggressive emergency brake rate for the vehicle;
3. Overspeed conditions triggered vehicle-signal integration issues;
4. Sanding systems not working correctly due moisture and icing conditions;
5. False positive activations of the guideway intrusion detection system (GI DS);
6. Incorrectly configured and calibrated brake - load weight management system;
7. Overly aggressive emergency brake rate application for the trailing bogie;
8. Operation of the vehicle in ATPM triggering overspeed conditions; and
9. Limited effectiveness of the of the slip-slide control system.

8. Vehicle Door Performance: Based on the performance of the doors in the first four months of service, it was evident that the design of the doors did not meet the requirements of the Project Agreement. The City requires confirmation that the planned software to correct the motor overcurrent failure mode "H-bridge" solution has been safety certified and installed on the fleet of vehicles. Further, the City requires that RTG provide a root cause analysis and action plan to eliminate the incidents where the doors on a trailing vehicle do not open automatically. The mechanical isolation process of faulted doors needs to be evaluated and revised as it has proven to be undependable. The City requires confirmation that the door mechanisms that are currently preventing front-line staff from successfully isolating a door in fault has been rectified and modified door mechanisms are installed on the fleet. Lastly, the City requires that RTG provide an updated door isolation procedure to be in place that allows an ERO to quickly and easily isolate the doors and remove a Vehicle from service without cutting out the VOBC.

9. RTG/RTM Performance Reporting — IMIRS: The process for recording, capturing, and reporting on quality failures and other required reporting elements including importantly Schedule 20 performance adjustments remains flawed and requires significant manual intervention. On January 8, 2020, the City provided a full detailed assessment of its observations to date on the shortcomings of this system (OTT-RTG­LET-0296). It is untenable to rely on the current IMIRS solution for the remaining 28.5 years of the Maintenance Term. The City requires that RTG provide a full technical details on the plan for upgrade, schedule dates for installation, and plan to test and commission the new system. Additionally, there are numerous required reports that RTG is to submit to the City that remain outstanding as outlined in Schedule 15-3, including but not limited to custodial maintenance plans, preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, and monthly reliability and maintainability reports, etc.

10. ​​Guideway Intrusion Detection System (GIDS): The City continue to experience emergency brake activations on trains due to GIDS intrusions where there is no observable cause or intrusion, i.e. false positives. These scenarios were occurring prior to the winter season and have continued to occur after weather events even when there is no snow accumulation and/or blowing snow. The reliability of this system is so poor that this equipment is routinely disabled at the request of RTG as a preventive measure against false EB's. The City requires that RTG provide a root cause analysis of the failure modes, action plan and schedule for rectification of the issues, and signoff by the Engineer of Record.

11. Additional Vehicle Issues: A series of additional incomplete or required modifications program have been noted by our operations team which required resolution in order to ensure the success of RTG's maintenance team moving forward. The City requires corrective action plans to bring them to resolution:

1. VOBC Reliability: The operation of double car Trains has the benefit of having redundant VOBCs which has masked reliability issues with the performance of the individual units. Additional analysis and demonstration of the reliability of these units is required in order to demonstrate the capability to provide weekend service using single car operations.
2. Sanding Systems: Open questions remain about the performance of the sanding units on the Train, selection of the appropriate sand type, and the maintenance practices around servicing the Vehicles. Details of the issues noted to date are required along with a plan for any retrofits or modifications to this subsystem.
3. Compressor Performance: Recent concerns regarding level boarding at the platforms and general reliability issues with the compressor issues need to be addressed. Details of any planned improvements to the compressor system are required. RTG's previous proposal to remove every other compressor shall not be progressed until the reliability of the compressors improves. This issue is particularly concerning as it is our understanding that the Stage 2 fleet Vehicles have been modified in that there is no longer a redundant compressor in each Vehicle, and as such any compressor failures on the Stage 2 fleet will directly result in an immediate service impact.
4. Bogie System — Retrofit: The City understands that a retrofit program is underway to add a greasing point on the bogie and that this work is required across the fleet. Details of the modification are required along with a schedule to complete the fleet.
5. Driver Cab — Door Program: The City previously agreed to a temporary replacement for the driver cab door until such time that a permanent fix could be implemented. Details of the planned modification are required along with a schedule to complete the fleet must be provided as the interim Acrylic Doors are not an acceptable long term fix.
6. Spare Part Stocking Levels: Based on recent experience, due to reliability issues or other reasons, we have witnessed a number of Vehicles being cannibalized for spare parts. To the extent that there are material shortages, the City requires that RTG provide a plan and schedule to restore the full fleet to service and to understand what additional investment will be made to ensure stocking levels are appropriate.

12. Staffing Levels: Based on recent experience, due to reliability or other reasons, we understand that a shortage of qualified technical staff is hampering RTG's ability to deliver the required number of vehicles to service. The City requires a plan and schedule to level set the staffing to properly accommodate the ongoing inspection requirements and backlog of deficiencies, modifications, and repair work to the vehicle fleet.

13. Additional System Issues: A series of additional incomplete technical issues related to systems have been noted by our operations and planning teams which require resolution in order to ensure the success of the maintenance team moving forward. The City requires that RTG provide corrective action plans and schedules to bring them to resolution:

1. Signal Systems: A series of technical issues exist which require an update to the Thales software systems. A detailed rollout plan is required in order to advance the implementation of the updated software.
2. CCTV Wayside-Onboard Vehicle: The current system that provides the operator with a view of the platform edge remains unreliable and unproven. The centralized software systems that manage the distribution of video to the vehicles is still not working and it is unclear that the current architecture will ever work. It may be required to implement a localized, station-based control system in order to simplify the solution and make it more robust.
3. Public Address and Passenger Information System: There is an outstanding task to test and demonstrate that the onboard public address and passenger information systems work reliably in normal service operations and in diversion scenarios.
4. Next Train Arrival Messages: The reliability of the countdown messages on the platforms is still unreliable and the related provision of this same information through a real-time data feed to the City appears incomplete.
5. Passenger Counting: RTG has not provided the required daily summary reports of passenger counts through a real-time data feed to the City.

14. Additional Infrastructure Issues: A series of additional technical and organizational issues related to infrastructure and infrastructure maintenance have been noted by our operations team which require resolution in order to ensure the success of the maintenance team moving forward. The City requires that RTG provide an action plan and schedule to bring these issues to resolution:

1. Maintenance Facility — LMB: For a low floor Vehicle with the majority of critical equipment located on the roof of the Vehicle, it is imperative that maintenance staff have simple and safe access to the roof of the Vehicles. This access requires the appropriate safety controls in place for electrical lockouts in order to undertake appropriate maintenance. Despite having been in service for over six months, we understand that there are ongoing technical issues and operating procedure issues in order to deal with electrical safety. A plan to repair the existing electrical controls is required and updates to the procedures are required.
2. Maintenance Facility — Yard: There has been a number of TSB reportable rail occurrences in the yard which is concerning and needs to be addressed in a permanent fashion. A plan for UTO operations in the yard may help to reduce these occurrences.
3. Track Maintenance — Noise & Vibration: The level of noise and vibration that is felt by Trains traveling through the Hurdman S-curves appears to have been left unchecked by maintenance staff. The noise and vibration in this area need to be assessed by RTG in order to reasonably confirm compliance with the Project noise and vibration limits.
4. Track Maintenance — Neutral Temperature: RTG's long term plan for management of the rail neutral temperature needs to be revisited. We have encountered rail breaks and an ongoing need to adjust the neutral temperature of the rail. An update on the long-term strategy in this area is required.
5. Winter Operations — Staffing: Despite countless meetings and workshops on this issue, there is still an ongoing concern that RTG is not staffing appropriately to deal with winter events and simply reallocates staff within the organization to meet expectations. The strategy to reallocate staff rather than increase staffing levels for major events has not been effective.
6. Stations — Cleanliness: It is unclear that appropriate cleaning and janitorial plans are in place to keep the stations in a state of cleanliness. The lack of janitorial maintenance is apparent and has been noted by many of our visitors from other systems.
7. Tunnel and Underground Stations — Leaking: A series of tunnel locations
   continue to have water infiltration and there has already been one interruption to service this year due to ice buildup on the catenary rail. These areas need to be reviewed and modifications undertaken.
8. Above Ground Stations — Roof Design: Many instances of snow and ice falling
   from rooflines onto public areas is non-compliant with Project Agreement requirements and is a major safety concern for our customers. These areas need to be reviewed and modifications undertaken.
9. Above Ground Stations — Platform Heat Trace: Heated areas are continually tripping out due to fault and the final implementation of heat trace locations does not match the design in many places. These areas need to be reviewed and modifications completed.

As noted above, the aforementioned list of issues is not exhaustive. Rather, the list is intended to illustrate examples of significant issues impacting its ability to provide the contracted for level of service to the City's customers and to ensure the availability of the System to System Users. The City requires that RIG comply with the PA in preparing its remedial plan and schedule to remedy RTG's Defaults pursuant to s.45 of the PA.

For clarity, this list does not capture all the items in the remaining Minor Deficiency List items, Non-Conformance Reports, vehicle modification programs, Vehicle deficiency lists, warranty items, and other issues that were noted at the time of Revenue Service Availability that have caused or contributed to issues with RTG's ability to perform its obligations under the PA. The City expects that RTG, in its delivery of its remedial plan and schedule, will identify and disclose any other known issues that it is actively working on to improve the performance of the System and to remedy the Defaults.

The list of issues itemized herein is lengthy, however, none of these issues should be a surprise to RTG and resolution on all of these items should be actively underway.

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​City Manager Memo

 Notice of Default

 Rectification Notice

The City of Ottawa today issued a Notice of Default to Rideau Transit Group, the partnership responsible for maintaining the Confederation Line.

"Members of Council are united in their resolve to compel RTG to deliver the improved LRT service our transit passengers expect, and that the City has paid for," said Mayor Jim Watson. "Through this unanimous decision, we are sending a clear message to RTG."

Rideau Transit Group is a general partnership formed by ACS RTG Partner Inc., SNC RTG Partner Inc. and Ellis Don RTG Partner Inc. Under the Project Agreement, Rideau Transit Group is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the Confederation Line, including the vehicles and stations, and the performance of its sub-contractors. The City is also asking Rideau Transit Group to take a much more active role in compelling its key sub-contractors – including Alstom – to improve their performance on an urgent basis.

"We need RTG to step up their efforts to improve LRT service for our transit customers," said Councillor Allan Hubley, Chair of the Transit Commission. "Taking this unprecedented step is part of our commitment to make sure residents are getting the level of service they deserve and that we expect from a world-class consortium."

The Notice of Default is a contractual notice advising Rideau Transit Group that it is not fulfilling its obligations under its contract with the City. This escalation of the City's legal rights is in response to Rideau Transit Group's failure to provide reliable service with the vehicles, stations and across the system since service started last September. Rideau Transit Group will now have a duty to produce a plan and schedule to remedy these failures. There will be no interruption to rail service.

"We are not receiving the service that we contracted. This is an escalation in the Project Agreement and the first step to terminate the contract should RTG not remedy the issues," said City Manager Steve Kanellakos. "We will bring their plan to Council with our assessment on how they intend to fix the ongoing problems and ensure they meet their obligations under the contract in a timely manner."

On Monday, March 9,Council directed staff to prepare and deliver a Notice of Default to Rideau Transit Group, requiring Rideau Transit Group to provide a plan and schedule by Tuesday, March 31, 2020, for how it intends to fix these ongoing issues. Council also delegated authority to the City Manager to take any other actions required under the Project Agreement to give effect to Council's decision. Staff will report back to Council at its meeting on Wednesday, April 8.

​Source : City of Ottawa 

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For more information and audio recording of these debates, please follow the link below and see the first portion of the post.

The City Council and 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--

Council takes unprecedented action to address LRT issues

The City of Ottawa will issue, within 24 hours, a Notice of Default to Rideau Transit Group, the company responsible for maintaining the Confederation Line, following direction from City Council. This escalation of the City's legal rights is in response to Rideau Transit Group's failure to address significant issues with train and station availability, and the multiple failures that have continued across the light-rail transit system since the start of the service. There will be no interruption to rail service, and the City and municipal taxpayers are protected under the Project Agreement.

A Notice of Default is a contractual notice advising Rideau Transit Group that it is in default of its obligations under the contract. Rideau Transit Group then has an opportunity to remedy those defaults. This is a strong tool in the contract available to the City.

"This is a strong escalation of the City's legal rights under the Project Agreement," said Mayor Jim Watson. "We signed a contract for a reliable system to support our City's high transit ridership of 10,000 people per hour per direction – and to support our future ridership growth. The acceptable levels of service and reliability are detailed in our contract with RTG, but they are not being met."

Rideau Transit Group is a general partnership formed by ACS RTG Partner Inc., SNC RTG Partner Inc. and Ellis Don RTG Partner Inc. Under the Project Agreement, Rideau Transit Group is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the Confederation Line, including the vehicles and stations.

The City is also asking RTG to take a much more active role in compelling its key sub-contractors – including Alstom – to improve their performance on an urgent basis.

"I firmly support the City's decision to use every tool available in a very solid Project Agreement to secure better LRT service for our transit customers," said Councillor Allan Hubley, Chair of the Transit Commission.

Since the system was launched in September 2019, there have been considerable failures on the Confederation Line. In response, the City has taken numerous actions to push Rideau Transit Group to address the issues that lead to these continued failures:

• The City has not paid the monthly service payment since October 2019.
• The City brought in British rail consulting firm JBA Corporation to increase monitoring given Rideau Transit Group's poor performance and the need for a higher level of technical expertise. Rideau Transit Group then retained JBA Corporation directly.
• The City and the City's consultants have been actively participating in the technical reviews with RTG in order to provide them with operational support and feedback to resolve their issues.
• The City has placed RTG on notice regarding exercising remedial rights due to persistent performance failures on the system.
• A working group has had several meetings and discussions about the problems with Rideau Transit Group's system for tracking performance metrics.
• The City has delivered contractual notices in relation to these performance metrics, the lack of availability of the system, and the compromise to the reputation of the City and the project.

"We have been taking actions against RTG for months in an effort to have them resolve the issues on the Confederation Line," said City Manager Steve Kanellakos. "We are not seeing the improvements that we expect to see six months after the launch of this system. Through Council's direction, we will use this Notice of Default to ensure they resolve the issues that have significantly affected residents."

Council directed staff to prepare and deliver a Notice of Default to Rideau Transit Group that will require Rideau Transit Group to provide a plan and schedule by March 31, 2020 that will set out how Rideau Transit Group intends to fix these ongoing issues. Council also delegated authority to the City Manager to take any other actions required under the Project Agreement to give effect to Council's decision. Staff will report back to Council at its meeting on Wednesday, April 8.

Source : City of Ottawa

Audio Recording of City Council introducing and voting on a motion to issue a Notice of Default to RTG.

WHEREAS, having been briefed by external legal counsel on a privileged and confidential basis, Members of Council in attendance believe that it is in the City of Ottawa's best interest to issue a formal Notice of Default to RTG under the Project Agreement, and asking RTG to provide a remedial plan and schedule for remediation of its defaults and rectification to the City by March 31, 2020;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that City Council direct the Director, Rail Construction Program, to issue a Notice of Default to Rideau Transit Group in accordance with the Project Agreement, and to ask Rideau Transit Group to provide to the Director, Rail Construction Program, a remedial plan and schedule for remediation of its defaults and rectifications by March 31, 2020, and delegate the authority to the City Manager to take any other actions required under the Project Agreement to give effect to Council's decision, and report back to City Council on the results of these actions at its meeting of April 8, 2020.

The presentation slideshow and audio of the Stage 2 LRT update and Trillium Line Procurement.

Presentations on Stage 2 Trillium Line Procurement.

​Stage 2 Light Rail Transit - Trillium Line Project - Procurement Documents.

P3 Advisors - Trillium Line Extension Project - Fairness Commissioner - March 9th, 2020

(2:51pm) 12 trains are currently on the line.

After the end of peak service this morning, at approximately 10 am, Electric Rail Operators reported issues with the Closed-Circuit Television Camera (CCTV) system. The CCTV cameras allow Operators to view the platform when departing from a station and is part of a multi-layered safety process to protect platform operations.

OC Transpo has established protocols to ensure safe operations if cameras are not operational. When an operator does not have access to CCTV cameras, a qualified spotter on the platform can signal to the operator that the platform is clear and that the train can safely depart. These spotters have been in place since the launch of the system as an additional layer of protection. If no spotter is available, the operator contacts the Transit Operations Control Centre, who can use their cameras to provide an all clear. Under no circumstances do trains depart without a clearance signal.

Today, RTM did not have the required spotters on the platforms at all locations, as they are required to be. I immediately contacted Peter Lauch, the CEO of RTG, and ordered that all resources be redeployed immediately. I have ordered RTG to have spotters present on all platforms until further notice.

Operators followed all established protocolsduring this loss of CCTV service. OC Transpo staff were deployed to act as spotters, to augment platform monitoring and support safe operations. RTG continues to work to restore CCTV functionality and they have redeployed spotters to platforms shortly before 2 pm.

Service continues to run with no delays to customers. 

​Source : City of Ottawa

Addressed to Mayor and Members of Council by the city manager and released to the media:

On February 12, 2020, City Council directed me to release the Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Trillium Line Project Procurement documents, including the technical compliance scores, the technical evaluations and the specific bid amendments made to the contract to ensure that Council's criteria for the project are going to be met, to City Council and the public as soon as possible and in advance of the March Finance and Economic Development Committee meeting.

The documents are now ready and have been uploaded to two shared drives – one for Members of Council and one for public access. The suite of documents released covers the full spectrum of the Stage 2 Trillium Line Procurement, from the Request for Qualification phase to the completion of the Project Agreement.

These documents, when reviewed in their entirety, show that the complex, lengthy and fully documented procurement process was conducted in the fair, open and transparent manner confirmed by both the Fairness Commissioner and the City's independent Auditor General. They will show that TransitNEXT was the only bid that met the City's affordability threshold – on a net present value basis, the other two bids were approximately $100 million and several hundred million dollars more – money that would have had to come exclusively from the City of Ottawa taxpayer.

The documents will also confirm answers previously provided to some of the most common questions raised about the procurement related to the Technical Evaluation scores and how they relate both to the bid process, and then to the final, negotiated Project Agreement. Specifically, they demonstrate to Council and the public that:

• The Technical Conformance Review established that the Technical Submissions by all three (3) Proponents, including TransitNext, contained no Material Deviations—meaning they all passed the 'go/no go' technical threshold for consideration that was expressly set out in the RFP;
• Any individual poor quality responses for specific elements of the Project Agreement from all of the Proponents in the Technical Evaluation phase do not reduce each of the Proponent's obligations to meet the project design, construction, maintenance, operations and financing of the Project Agreement should they be selected as the Preferred Proponent – as these are expressly addressed as part of the negotiations phase;
• The discretion exercised by the Executive Steering Committee with respect to the technical scoring was blind – no member of the Committee knew which firm had which score. The discretion used was based on advice from Legal Counsel and the Fairness Commissioner, and was exercised without any knowledge of the Financial Submission as well;
• Contract negotiations addressed all of the deficiencies in TransitNext's RFP Submission before they were recommended as the Preferred Proponent to City Council in the report that was considered and approved on March 6, 2019; and
• The executed Project Agreements require TransitNEXT to meet Council's criteria for the project design, construction, maintenance, operations and financing for the Stage 2 LRT Trillium Extension.

It should also be understood that the binding bid pricing from the other two proponents expired March 20, 2019 at the time Council considered the contract award to TransitNEXT, making it virtually impossible to successfully close with either of those proponents in that timeframe should Council have voted no to the contract award at its on March 6, 2019 meeting. This would have likely then resulted in a failed procurement with its resultant and unavoidable increased costs and possible jeopardy of the federal and provincial funding.

To help Members of Council and the public navigate all of the information in the shared drive, staff has prepared an index that shows where each document fits in the context of the overall procurement process, identifies the rationale for the required redactions in a few of the documents, and provides other information that staff believe will be helpful. The index and the related Information Previously Distributed report are attached to this email.

As well, my office has arranged for the City's experts on this file, specifically Michael Morgan, Isabelle Jasmin, Geoff Gilbert (Norton Rose Fulbright), Remo Bucci (Deloitte), and Louise Panneton (P3 Advisors) to be available to meet Members of Council in small groups at various points in time on Wednesday and Thursday to answer any preliminary technical questions you might have. My office will be calling each of your offices to schedule times, being mindful of the size of the groups and avoiding any potential quorum issues. They will also ask if you wish to receive a hard copy of the documents. There are at least a thousand pages, so we will only be printing them for Members (one per office) upon request.

All of these same experts will be appearing with me before you at the Special Meeting of the Finance and Economic Development Committee on March 9, 2020. At that time, you will be able to ask any questions of them related to the Stage 2 Procurement documents and the Responses to the Inquiries listed on the agenda.

Finally, in response to an information question by Councillor McKenney and as has been noted a number of times to Council, Norton Rose Fulbright was procured through a competitive process overseen by the City's Supply Services in early 2016. Throughout the Stage 2 procurement process, Norton Rose Fulbright, along with all other participants, were required to disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest; the relationship to bidders was disclosed by Norton Rose Fulbright; and all disclosures were reviewed and subsequently cleared by the Fairness Commissioner. All major law firms (as well as other experts, such as accounting firms) who advise on large infrastructure projects may advise a number of bidders or authorities on other unrelated matters/projects. This is known to the City, and it is understood in such procurements that, when a firm has previously done work for another client that is in some way later involved with the City, it does not generally give rise to a professional conflict.

In closing, please contact me directly should you have any additional questions about the above approach.

Steve Kanellakos

​Source : City of Ottawa

Memo 

Document release index 

(9:28pm Sunday) RTG has advised us that we will have 12 trains for Monday morning, with trains running every 4 to 5 minutes.

The R1 and S1 supplementary bus services will be in place for the Monday morning commute.

S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations until noon. At noon, S1 service will switch to run from Albert Street downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.

A small number of R1 buses will be running to augment rail service from Tunney's Pasture to Blair Station, serving all stations. Trains will be serving all stations along Line 1 and these buses will provide some additional capacity along the line.

We continue to press RTG to restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible and are monitoring the situation closely. On Monday, I will provide you with a further update on the situation and on our service plans going forward.

Customers should visit octranspo.com or follow @OC_Transpo on Twitter for service updates. 

(7:11am Monday) 12 trains out on the line.

(2:58pm) 12 trains out on the line.

​Source : City of Ottawa.

(8:45pm Thursday) RTG has advised that they plan to provide 8 trains for tomorrow's service. Accordingly, for Friday, we will continue the additional bus service that ran today:

Extended S1 Service

S1 supplemental bus service will run throughout Friday, matching the rail service hours. S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations until noon. At noon, S1 service will switch to run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.

Proactive R1 Service

We will continue to run a number of buses to augment, not replace, rail service from Tunney's Pasture to Blair Station, serving all stations. Although trains will be serving all stations along Line 1, these buses will provide additional capacity along the line throughout Friday during the day and evening, matching rail service hours.

We continue to work with RTG to restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible.

​(6:54am Friday) ​8 trains launched and supplemental bus service is in place.

(7:22am) 9 trains launched. RTG has provided an additional vehicle. Some of you have asked about the air fresheners at Parliament Station. I have ordered that they be removed immediately. RTG will remove them. (John Manconi)

(3:14pm) This morning, service ran with 9 trains on the line. There were no delays or incidents affecting rail service during the morning peak. Trains, along with the augmented S1/R1 bus service, were able to accommodate customer volumes as Friday volumes are lower than other weekdays.

Friday

Service is currently running with 9 trains, arriving approximately every 6 minutes.

S1 supplemental bus service will continue to run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations until noon. At noon, S1 service will switch to run from Albert Street downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.

We will also continue to run a number of buses to augment, not replace, rail service from Tunney's Pasture to Blair Station, serving all stations. Although trains will be serving all stations along Line 1, these buses will provide some additional capacity along the line

Both the S1 and R1 supplementary bus services will run from 5:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m., to match the hours of service on Line 1.

This weekend

This weekend we anticipate that RTG will provide 9 trains for service. That will mean that trains will be arriving approximately every 7 minutes, as opposed to the regular weekend schedule of every 5 minutes.

This number of trains will be sufficient to carry the normal volume of weekend customers. As a result, the supplementary R1/S1 service that is running today will not be required over the weekend. We will respond as necessary to deploy R1 service if there is a service interruption on the line.

Monday

We continue to press RTG to restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible. At this point, we are anticipating that Monday's commute will run with a reduced number of trains. The R1 and S1 supplementary bus services will be in place for the Monday morning commute.

We are monitoring the situation very closely, including the weather, available numbers of buses, trains and operators and RTM's progress to restore vehicles to service. We will continue to assess the need for the augmented bus service and will respond as required to provide the best possible service to our customers. On Monday, I will provide you with an update on the situation and on our service plans going forward.

Customers should visit octranspo.com or follow @OC_Transpo on Twitter for service updates.

​Source : City of Ottawa

The Chair of the Finance and Economic Development Committee (FEDC) has called a Special Meeting of FEDC one hour following the regularly scheduled FEDC meeting, already scheduled to start ​at 9 ​am on Monday, March 9, 2020.

The purpose of the special meeting is to consider matters related to the following items:

• Stage 2 LRT quarterly update presentation
• Information Previously Distributed - Memorandum from the City Manager with respect to the release of the Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Trillium Line Project Procurement documents, as directed by City Council Motion 27/6 of February 12, 2020
• Responses to the following City Council Inquiries:
  • Response to City Council Inquiry OCC 20-02 (Councillor Menard, January 29, 2020) re: LRT Stage 1 Project Agreement Termination
  • Response to City Council Inquiry OCC 20-03 (Councillor Menard, January 29, 2020) re: LRT Stage 2 Public Review
  • Response to City Council Inquiry OCC 20-04 (Councillor Fleury, January 29, 2020) re: LRT Stage 2 LRT RFP
  • Response to City Council Inquiry OCC 20-08 (Councillor Meehan, February 12, 2020) re: LRT Stage 2 Transparency
• The Stage 2 Procurement Lessons Learned Scope of Work, as directed by City Council Motion 27/6 of February 12, 2020

The Special meeting will convene in Andrew S. Haydon Hall and will commence one hour after adjournment of the regularly scheduled FEDC meeting.

​Source : City of Ottawa

(6:27am) RTM launched 7 trains - train immobilized at Rideau 

(6:56am) We have another immobilized train at Tremblay.

(7:20am) There are two immobilized trains, one at Rideau Station and an additional one at Tremblay Station due to vehicle power issues. They are being removed from the line. There are currently 7 trains operating on the system, with headways of approximately 8 minutes. Service is continuing around the immobilized trains.

(8:05am) Immobilized trains are off the line. Full service end to end with varying headways as the system recovers. 7 trains in service.

(11:15am) Recognising the impacts to O-Train service yesterday and the current weather event, here is an update on service today and our plan to support service to our customers today and tomorrow.

Update on O-Train Line 1 service

Repairs to the overhead catenary system were completed by 12:30 am this morning. At approximately 2 am, we experienced power outages in the maintenance yard. Power was restored within 30 minutes and did not delay the launch of service. RTG was able to provide 9 trains for service launch this morning. Between 6 am and 8 am, we experienced two immobilized trains at Rideau and at Tremblay Station, reducing the number in service to 7. Both trains were stopped due to vehicle power issues. The train at Rideau Station stopped just east of the platform, and passengers were escorted back to the station. Technicians were dispatched and both trains have been removed from the line. Service was restored by 8 am.

We are currently providing service approximately every 8 minutes to all stations on the line with 7 trains. RTG is anticipating that we will have 8 trains available for afternoon peak service. Given the weather and the issues we have been experiencing, and to ensure continuity of service for our customers, we are introducing two additional measures today:

Extended S1 Service

Today, we will be running our S1 supplemental bus service throughout the day and evening matching the rail service hours. To date, S1 supplemental service has only run during peak periods. S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations until noon. At noon, S1 service will switch to run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.

Proactive R1 Service

In addition to the S1 supplemental service, we will be running a number of buses to augment, not replace, rail service from Tunney's Pasture to Blair Station, serving all stations. We are implementing R1 service proactively, to provide additional capacity along the line throughout the day and evening again matching rail service hours.

With the lower number of people travelling today, it appears that the reduced capacity of the train service plus the augmented bus services will be enough to carry everyone home this afternoon. If there are short delays there may be cases where some customers will have to wait for the next train or bus. We continue to work with RTG to restore full levels of service. We are planning to continue to provide the extended S1 service and proactive R1 service to support service on Friday.

Customers should visit octranspo.com or follow @OC_Transpo on Twitter for service updates.

(3:03pm) The S1 bus service and R1 bus service announced today is in place and operating. Currently 6 trains on the line. RTG is attempting to launch a 7th train. 

(3:18pm) 7th train has been launched.

(8:45pm) Afternoon service ran with 7 trains and the S1 supplemental and augmented R1 bus service. We were able to manage customer volumes.

RTG has advised that they plan to provide 8 trains for tomorrow's service. Accordingly, for Friday, we will continue the additional bus service that ran today:

Extended S1 Service

S1 supplemental bus service will run throughout Friday, matching the rail service hours. S1 supplemental bus service will run directly to downtown from Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations until noon. At noon, S1 service will switch to run from downtown to Tunney's Pasture, Hurdman, and Blair stations.

Proactive R1 Service

We will continue to run a number of buses to augment, not replace, rail service from Tunney's Pasture to Blair Station, serving all stations. Although trains will be serving all stations along Line 1, these buses will provide additional capacity along the line throughout Friday during the day and evening, matching rail service hours.

We continue to work with RTG to restore normal levels of service as quickly as possible.

​Source : City of Ottawa

In preparation for the winter storm forecasted by Environment Canada, OC Transpo has initiated our Severe Weather Plan which includes:

• Activation of our Service Command Centre;
• Enhanced communications to customers;
• Increased staffing levels;
• Implementing various mitigation measures on Line 1 such as brake rate adjustments, which results in more gradual braking and acceleration when entering or leaving stations;
• Should it be required to operate trains overnight, RTM will do so in conjunction with their snow clearing operations. If warranted, we have staff available to run trains overnight; and,
• Bringing in third party resources to supplement City equipment or operations as required.

RTM and their contractors will be clearing snow throughout the weather event. They have provided us with a detailed plan outlining their preparations to ensure the winter readiness of the train fleet, snow clearing and salting in stations and along the line and maintenance of all rail infrastructure. That plan includes:

• Specialized snow clearing equipment will be deployed throughout Line 1;
• Proactive clearing and testing of track switches;
• Specialized technical staff who will be deployed throughout to monitor stations, vehicles and rail infrastructure; and,
• Dedicated snow clearing staff at all above-ground stations and additional staff to maintain stairs in the underground stations.

Service is being actively monitored, and adjustments will be made, when and if required.

S1 bus service will continue to operate from downtown to Hurdman, Blair and Tunney's Pasture stations as planned this afternoon. In the event that we need to implement R1 service, for example, due to a stopped train on the line, S1 service would be cancelled and those buses would be redeployed to provide R1 service.

In the event of service delays due to uncontrollable factors, we will communicate the impacts to our customers as they happen through various communications channels, including: octranspo.com; on Twitter (@OC_Transpo and @OCTranspoLive), the OC Transpo iPhone app, subscription-based alert notifications (both SMS and e-mail formats) and on transit screens at stations.

As with any significant storm event, we anticipate longer travel times for road users throughout the entire transportation network.

We thank our customers for their patience and encourage all Ottawa residents to plan ahead and give themselves extra time to get to their destinations tomorrow.

​Source : City of Ottawa

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**FURTHER UPDATES WILL BE POSTED BELOW**

(4:36pm) One of the components on the overhead catenary system has become loose east of St. Laurent Station. As a result, trains are unable to proceed. One train is being held to asses if we can move passengers to station or evacuate. Crews have been dispatched to investigate and assess the work required to make repairs. Trains are running in from St. Laurent to Tunney's Pasture Station. R1 bus service is running from St. Laurent to Blair. We are providing information to customers on all channels, as well as making announcements in stations and on trains. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

​(4:45pm) Passengers are being evacuated from the train to the buses that are there to accommodate them.

(5:26pm) Related to the ongoing situation, another vehicle has been stopped east of Tremblay Station. Customers will exit the stopped vehicle, and be transported on another train to the next station. This operation will take place in a few moments. One of the customers onboard is requesting medical assistance, not related to the incident. Paramedics are responding. Trains continue to run between Tunney's Pasture and Hurdman Station. Bus service is running from Hurdman to Blair.

RTM has confirmed that they have the parts to make repairs, and will begin work shortly after rush hour. Subject to those repairs being completed satisfactorily, service in the affected area will recommence.

(5:48pm) Second train evacuated medical situation dealt with.

(6:53pm) Repairs are about to begin on the overhead catenary system. Train service continues to run from Tunney's to Hurdman Station. Bus service continues to run between Hurdman and Blair Station.

As soon as repairs and testing is complete, train service will resume along the full length of the line.

(9:20pm) Repairs are continuing to the overhead catenary system, and as soon as service is restored, we will advise.

There is a stalled train at uOttawa due to an arcing issue.

Service continues to operate with trains running between Tunney's Pasture and Hurdman Station and bus service provided from Hurdman to Blair Station.

We will advise when train service has resumed across the system.

(10:40pm) Repairs to the overhead catenary system are being finalized and testing will occur shortly. Once complete, service across the full line will resume.

We are working with RTM to prepare trains for tomorrow morning's service.

(5:31am Thursday) Full service was restored at 12:20 am.

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.

The City of Ottawa has released a memo detailing the next steps for the O-Train Line 1 Station Busking Program.

​Source : City of Ottawa

The Transit Commission received an update on the O-Train Line 1: Confederation Line, Para Transpo, Bus Service and other related items today. 

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;
• Emergency braking and wheel flats; and,
• Power systems and Inductors.

An update was also provided on work to improve the accuracy of Passenger Information Display Systems in stations and the work to manage odours in Rideau and Parliament Stations.

Press Release from the Transit Commission.

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OC Transpo identifies 12 priority projects in 2020 Business Plan

The City's Transit Commission today received a 2020 Business Plan report that identifies 12 priority projects and initiatives that OC Transpo will focus on for the remainder of the year.

The 12 projects align with Council's priorities, the 2020 budget, customer feedback and directions received through the Transit Commission. They include:

• Customer Service Improvement – All Channels
• Para Transpo Online Services
• Presto Enhancements for Customers
• First Regulatory Monitor and Compliance Officer Report – Line 1
• New OC Transpo Performance Measurement and Reporting System
• Marketing and Advertising to Build Ridership
• Roll-out of Retail
• Alternative Fuels Program for OC Transpo Fleet
• Review of Advertising – Line 1
• Interprovincial Transit Service
• Promoting Respect and Inclusivity in the Workplace
• Stage 2 Preparations

An update regarding Para Transpo online services and Presto capabilities was provided at today's meeting. The Para Transpo interim trip reservation and cancellation web forms will be made available on octranspo.com for all customers to test starting on Friday, February 21, and the full suite of online services will be rolled out by the end of 2020. Staff are working on an interim process that will streamline the use of Presto monthly passes on Para Transpo, and shorten the boarding times for customers. Staff are also working with Metrolinx to assess a solution that will enable customers to tap their Presto card when boarding Para Transpo vehicles. Further details, including timelines, will be provided to Transit Commission and Council once confirmed.

In 2018, the City appointed a Regulatory Monitor and Compliance Officer (RMCO) to perform regulatory compliance monitoring for the Confederation Line following revenue service launch. Today's meeting saw the first RMCO Report presented, which focused on the initial regulatory area: training and certification of employees involved in the movement of trains and light rail vehicles for OC Transpo, as well as Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) and its contractors. The overall results were positive, with OC Transpo demonstrating full compliance in all nine areas that were monitored. The RMCO noted one area that could be improved by RTM, which was to further strengthen their already established process for ensuring employees absent for an extended period obtain required training upon returning to work. The RMCO identified two areas that Alstom could improve, which, similar to RTM's feedback, included developing a process to ensure employees absent for an extended timeframe are trained upon returning to work, and also setting up a monitoring process to ensure the process is consistently followed.

Transit Commission members also received an update on O-Train Line 1 and bus service. Peter Lauch, CEO of Rideau Transit Group (RTG), provided information on recent O-Train Line 1 issues that have impacted transit service. OC Transpo and RTG continue to work together to address issues as they arise, and to work collaboratively on long-term solutions.

​Source : City of Ottawa

Audio Recording of Meeting.

Below is the meeting starting from the Confederation Line and Bus Service update to the end.

The presentation slideshows that were shown at the meeting.

Para Transpo Service Update

Confederation Line - RMCO Annual Compliance Report - Summary

Transit Services 2020 Business Plan

This morning during peak period service, as a result of debris on the track between Tunney's Pasture and Bayview Stations, damage was caused to 4 transponders. As trains pass over the transponders, the location of the trains is communicated to the control centre. When a loss of communication occurs, trains stop and must be given authorization from the control centre to proceed. The safety systems functioned as designed and as trains experienced this loss of communication (train position location not communicated to the control centre), the trains came to a stop. Furthermore, flats spots on the wheels of 4 trains which experienced the loss of communication and braking had to be removed from service. Service was able to continue along the entire line however at a reduced speed between Tunney's Pasture and Bayview Stations.

RTG is undertaking immediate repairs to correct this issue prior to the PM peak period and a modified service plan has been temporarily implemented. During this time service will continue over the entire line, and customers travelling between Tunney's Pasture and Lyon Stations may experience longer wait times and an additional train transfer.

As a result, RTG has advised that this afternoon there will be 10 trains available for peak period service. Further updates will be provided.

Regards,

John Manconi

General Manager, Transportation Services Department

​Source : City of Ottawa

(2:16pm) Here is the update for this afternoon's service:

• Repairs to the transponders have been completed and full Service on both trains has been restored Tunney's to Blair
• RTM has confirmed they will be providing 10 trains for this afternoon`s commute
• To supplement the reduced Rail Fleet we will be deploying our 20 R1 buses running the supplemental service and adding 10 additional buses which will be pulled from high frequency routes.
• The bus plan is based on lower usual Friday ridership, a PD day for students and a Friday before the long weekend
• The transponder damage was on the west-bound track
• The debris issue and the cause of the damage to the transponders is being investigated
• Messaging on all channels is going out to our customers

(4:15pm) We have 8 trains in operation one train had to be pulled no ETA yet on when we get to 9 or 10 trains.

Please find attached a Memo to Council regarding the Project Agreement Provisions for payments to Rideau Transit Group.

​Source : City of Ottawa

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​MEMO : Project Agreement Provisions for Payments to Rideau Transit Group

Further to the February 8, 2020 memo ("Payment Memo"), the following memo provides the Mayor and Members of Council and Transit Commission with the specific provisions of the Project Agreement ("PA") that require the City to make payments to Rideau Transit Group (RTG) in accordance with its contractual obligations, and the City's rationale for providing payments to RTG in both August and September of 2019.

As described previously, the City is bound by the terms of the PA for all contractual matters with RTG. As such, for each contract month during the maintenance term, the City is obligated under the PA to to pay a Monthly Service Payment to RTG. Schedule 20, Part B, Section 1.1 of the PA provides that "the Monthly Service Payment shall be payable in respect of each Contract Month during the Maintenance Term". Under Schedule 20, Part A, Section 1.8 of the PA a "Contract Month" is defined as a calendar month. For each Contract Month, RTG issues an invoice for the Monthly Service Payment to the City.

When RTG experiences issues that give rise to various operational failures, under the PA the City is entitled to deductions for those failures. The payment deductions are recorded in a Payment Adjustment Report based on the performance of the system during the Contract Month period. A Payment Adjustment Report is defined under Section 34.6(i) of the PA as a report setting out "any adjustments required between the actual Monthly Service Payments determined by [RTG] to be owing by the City to [RTG] in respect of the Contract Month just ended and the amount that was paid by the City during such Contract Month". As noted in the Payment Memo, these deductions are designed to be applied one month in arrears.

As per the PA, the maintenance term starts the day after Revenue Service Availability is achieved, which was August 30, 2019. Therefore, the first Contract Month with RTG was August 2019. Under Schedule 20, Part A, Section 1.8 of PA, the first Contract Month is defined as follows:

"The first Contract Month of the Maintenance Term, which runs from the Revenue Service Commencement Date until the end of the calendar month in which such day falls; (and for the avoidance of doubt this shall be Contract Month 1, and all other Contract Months shall be numbered sequentially from this)."

Therefore, the first contract month consisted of one day, August 31, 2019. As there was no previous Contract Month, the first invoice could not include a Payment Adjustment Report. As noted above, the City's entitlement to make deductions is tied to a Payment Adjustment Report. As August was the first Contract Month, RTG was not required to deliver a Payment Adjustment Report with its first invoice. Therefore, the City had no entitlement to make deductions from the invoice under the PA. As a result, the City was required to make a full monthly service payment for August 2019.

When the City received an invoice for the second Contract Month (i.e. September 2019), it received the first Payment Adjustment Report which addressed adjustments and deductions to be made for the previous Contract Month (i.e. August 2019). As the System had only been in operation for a single day in August, there were limited deductions to be made.

As a result, in order to ensure that the City complied with its obligations under the PA, the City made a single payment of $5,155,164.33 for Maintenance Services to RTG on November 15, 2019 for the following:

1. Monthly Service Payment for August 2019 (based on RTG's pro-rated entitlement for a single day of service because Revenue Service Availability was achieved on August 30, 2019, i.e. August 31, 2019) in the amount of $165,661.65 inclusive of HST; and,
2. Monthly Service Payment for September 2019 of $5,003,695.82 less deductions in the amount of $14,193.14 on the basis of the Maintenance Services performed in August 2019. The total amount paid for September was $4,989,502.68 inclusive of HST.

If the City does not make payments that it is obligated to make under the PA, RTG may allege that there is a payment default by the City which can lead to serious consequences, including suspension of the performance of the Maintenance Services by RTG. As the City is requiring RTG to comply with its obligations under the PA, the City in turn must also comply with its obligations including the payment provisions.

Outside of the monthly service payments, the City also makes maintenance term payments to RTG for costs unrelated to the maintenance services that cannot be offset by the performance adjustments or deductions mentioned above. These contractual expenditures assumed by the City include the following, for example:

• Operation and Maintenance Insurance Premiums;
• Graffiti Removal Costs; and,
• Station Hydro Costs for the period following Revenue Service Availability.

The City has only made those maintenance payments that it was obligated to do and as noted in the Payment Memo, the City will continue to exercise its rights under the PA to make payment deductions to the fullest extent. The City will continue to hold RTG accountable for its performance failures, in accordance with the PA. Going forward, the City will provide status updates on the maintenance service payments made to RTG as part of the quarterly updates.

Outside of the monthly maintenance service payments, the City has been making payments to RTG for various outstanding capital and cash allowance works, Stage 2 vehicle costs and interface management services, and other costs that are unrelated to the monthly maintenance services. Reporting on these costs is already included in the quarterly updates.

RTG has confirmed that they will be providing 12 trains for rail service Monday morning.

S1 service will be provided from Tunney's Pasture, Blair and Hurdman Stations to downtown.

General Manager, Transportation Services Department

​Source : City of Ottawa

(7:46am) Twelfth vehicle being launched. One vehicle needs to be swapped out. 5 min headways.

(2:41pm) RTG has advised they will be launching 11 vehicles. No ETA on when and if 2 remaining vehicles will be available for PM rush hour. 

(4:18pm) 12 trains on the line.

Mr. Kanellakos,

As you know, there has been some confusion recently around payments made and owing to RTG by the City of Ottawa.

To ensure that all Members of Council and the Transit Commission are updated on this issue on a timely basis, I would ask that you provide an update on payments made to RTG on a quarterly basis as part of the Quarterly Confederation Line update.

Also, I would ask that you provide Members of Council and the Transit Commission with a comprehensive overview of the City's rationale for providing payments to RTG in both August and September of 2019. It would be beneficial for Members and Commissioners to have a clear understanding of what in the Project Agreement made these payments necessary. This comprehensive update should be provided to Members of Council and of the Transit Commission before the end of the week.

Sincerely,

Jim Watson
Mayor
City of Ottawa

​​Source : City of Ottawa

The purpose of this memo is to provide you with information pertaining to the monthly service payments to Rideau Transit Group (RTG) that have not been made by the City of Ottawa, as you may be asked for clarification from your residents.

The City of Ottawa has applied all performance adjustments to RTG payments that are permitted under the Project Agreement. Using the Project Agreement, the City was able to start significant deductions in October 2019. As a result of the deductions, these monthly payments, which equate to approximately $4-5 million per month, have not been made by the City of Ottawa.

In the past, members of the news media have asked for clarification on this. Following the December 3 FEDCO meeting, John Manconi stated that RTG has received some payments during a media scrum with municipal beat reporters.

Reporter: How many times have you withheld the payment to RTG...?

GM, John Manconi: So the concession just started. They're not going to get October. They're not going to get November. And now we're into December. They had a payment for I believe for the tail-end of September, which that's the way the payment mechanism works and then you adjust from that point on.

As noted publicly on numerous occasions, for all contractual matters with RTG, the City is following the Project Agreement requirements to ensure that the City's rights and interests are preserved. The Project Agreement is highly prescriptive in terms of the application of performance adjustments made against RTG for maintenance services provided during the maintenance period.

Per the Project Agreement, a monthly service payment is payable for each contract month during the maintenance period. If at any time during the maintenance period a performance failure occurs, the City shall be entitled to make a deduction or deductions from the relevant monthly service payment for the performance failure(s). Following the end of the month, an invoice for the monthly service payment is made with adjustments for performance failures that occurred in the previous month [emphasis added]. As required by the Project Agreement, a monthly service payment is made with adjustments for the previous month, e.g. the October invoice includes the September performance deductions.

RTG achieved Revenue Service Availability on August 30, 2019 and was eligible for a pro-rated monthly service payment for a single day of service on August 31, 2019. The performance deductions that accumulated for this single day of service were applied to the September payment. The administrative processes detailed in the Project Agreement effectively required the City to pay the full amount for the first contract month of service irrespective of the contractor's performance during that month.

To meet the City's obligations for RTG's September invoice, a payment was made in November 2019. The amount was effectively for the full monthly service payment for September 2019, as was required by the Project Agreement. Service payments are not made during the month of service. They are made after the City receives the invoice and after the invoice is appropriately reviewed.

Subsequent to the September invoice, the October invoice included performance deductions that accumulated during the month of September and the November invoice included performance deductions that accumulated during the month of October. To date, the October and November invoices have not been paid due to the accumulation of performance deductions in September and October. The performance deductions for November (affecting December's invoice) and December (affecting January's invoice) are still under review.

As the performance deductions lag the invoice period by a month, RTG is effectively a month behind in its eligible payments and will be required to sustain a high level of performance for at least a month to eliminate this backlog of accumulated deductions.

Therefore, the City is maintaining its position that it will continue to enforce the provisions of the contract and that RTG is required to meet the service requirements outlined in the Project Agreement. In every opportunity that the City has had under the Project Agreement to not pay RTG to date, the City has used its authority to not provide payment.