On Tuesday, September 28, the City had re-launched a global search to secure an objective and impartial firm with significant professional rail safety expertise to review the RTG return-to-service plan. After consulting with Sam Berrada, Regulatory Monitor and Compliance Officer, and conducting a review of qualified and available professional firms, the CIty has hired TRA Inc. to undertake the review.
TRA, formed in 1990 and based in Philadelphia, PA, is an industry leader in rail safety. They provide transportation consulting services and have substantial experience with rail authorities across North America. This firm has expertise in the areas of rail transit and railroad, rail operations, maintenance, security and transit safety. TRA has no previous dealings with RTG nor their parent companies, SNC Lavalin, Ellis Don, ACS Infrastructure Canada (Dragados). TRA also has not previously done work for the City of Ottawa.
TRA was engaged on Friday, October 1 and was on site, Monday, October 4, to begin their preliminary assessment.
Public confidence and integrity of the safety of our Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is of utmost priority. The City will not accept the return to service for the O-Train Confederation Line 1 until TRA completes their review and provides its recommendation to the City for consideration and acceptance.
Once TRA is on site and undertakes a preliminary assessment, Members of Council and the Transit Commission (and the public) will be provided with an overview of TRA’s work plan and anticipated timelines for the completion of the independent third-party safety review.
