Please note that Rideau Transit Group (RTG) has requested access to O-Train Line 1 to allow them the opportunity to complete maintenance activities and work relating to issues that have impacted service.
City Staff have advised that an update on RTG’s rectification plan will be provided at the upcoming Council meeting in May. As part of that plan, RTG and the City have agreed that this period of low ridership provides an opportunity to undertake work relating to initiatives that are part of that plan and will improve system performance.
The City has granted permission to RTG to complete this work during this time due to the current low ridership levels caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several maintenance and repair activities have been scheduled during two periods, in order to take full advantage of access to the stations, the systems and the track.
O-Train Line 1 will temporarily close on the following dates:
- Saturday, May 2 to Sunday, May 3 and reopening on Monday May 4; and,
- Saturday May 9 through to Wednesday May 13 inclusively and reopening on Thursday, May 14.
R1 replacement bus service will run during both of these periods.
During the May 2 and May 3 closure, one of the primary tasks will be work related to the train control software. This two-day closure is required to allow RTG to undertake various software upgrades and monitoring. Customers and residents will still see trains running, but they will not be available for use by customers.
During the May 9 to May 13 closure, repair activities will focus on infrastructure work on the track and the overhead catenary power supply system. Customers will see a variety of high rail track equipment working in various locations on the track, undertaking inspections and adjustments. In parallel with the repair work, seasonal maintenance at stations will be completed, including cleaning of the glass panels, as well as pressure washing the floors, stairwells and platforms. Other maintenance activities relating to rail and station infrastructure may also be performed during this time, where operationally feasible.
The 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.
R1 bus service will be operating frequently in order to ensure that there is space to allow customers to follow physical distancing measures. As a reminder, as recommended by Ottawa Public Health, transit service should only be used for essential travel.
Customers can visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance or call 613-741-4390. Schedules are available by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560 plus the bus stop number.
As RTG executes this work and identifies additional technical enhancements, there may be a need for future access to Line 1 during the summer. An update to Council will be provided, should additional access be granted to RTG for any additional work. This information will be shared with Bay Ward residents.
Also, as a reminder, starting on Sunday, May 3, O-Train Line 2 will temporarily close for two years to allow for the construction of the Stage 2 O-Train South expansion. Customers will still have access to Bayview Station for Line 2 service on Saturday, May 2. From Sunday, May 3, and throughout the Line 2 closure, replacement bus service will run along the entire line, stopping at all stations. Line 2 will reopen when construction is complete.
