There will be a planned, full O-Train Line 1 closure on Saturday, November 19. This closure is required to allow Rideau Transit Group (RTG) to perform vehicle and system testing. R1 replacement bus service will be provided to customers and will match Line 1 service frequency. This work is scheduled on a Saturday, when ridership is lower, to minimize customer impacts.
This testing is required as part of the ongoing root cause investigation of the light rail vehicle axle hub issue. As communicated in previous memos on July 23 and August 18, Rideau Transit Maintenance and Alstom inspected and proactively replaced axle hubs in all train cars with more than 175,000 service kilometres. Temporary speed restrictions and an enhanced inspection regime remain in place to ensure the continued safe operation of the system as RTG continues their work to identify the root cause.
Starting at 6 am on November 19, R1 replacement bus service will run at a frequency that matches Line 1 service. Full O-Train Line 1 service will resume on Sunday, November 20 at 8 am. Additional testing will occur between now and November 24, during off-peak and overnight engineering hours, that will not impact revenue service. Customers may notice out-of-service trains clearly marked for testing purposes running along the line.
Information will be communicated to customers through all of OC Transpo’s information channels, including a Public Service Announcement, customer alerts, social media updates, signage at Line 1 stations, and octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000. Schedules are available by calling 613-560-5000 or texting 560560 plus the bus stop number. OC Transpo red vest staff will be present across the system and stationed at key areas to assist customers.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation is also underway. Full details will be provided, once the root cause analysis is complete.
