Commitment to transparency

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with information on the proactive winter readiness activities on O-Train Line 1 and new procedures to respond to severe winter weather events.

As detailed at the Transit Commission meeting on December 14, OC Transpo started working with its maintainer, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM), to implement its light rail winter readiness plan early in the fall. The focus is on making proactive enhancements to maintain rail service, implement lessons learned and build upon the successes from previous winters. Enhancements include:

• Improved process for communications, planning and coordination with RTM
• Enhanced weather monitoring and forecasting to provide additional lead time for operational teams
• Additional staff deployed to monitor in-service conditions and remote monitoring for electrical anomalies
• Application of anti-icing solution to the overhead catenary wires
• Procurement of a diesel-powered tow vehicle by RTM
• Increasing the number of winter carbon strips installed on trains

Based on lessons learned, the severe winter weather procedure for Line 1 has been updated. Under this procedure, staff will monitor key areas of the line for ice buildup during a freezing rain event both in the field and by camera from the Transit Operations Control Centre. Additionally, RTM will be monitoring train diagnostics and system power for indications that service adjustments may be required to avoid a full disruption to Line 1 or damage to tracks or vehicles.

When the forecast calls for extreme winter weather, service adjustments to Line 1 will be considered. This may include running trains overnight to keep tracks clear, temporary speed restrictions, reducing train frequency or the suspension of service in specific segments or all of Line 1. These actions are to ensure the safety of staff and customers, the protection of track infrastructure and vehicles, and will allow service to resume more quickly.

This procedure will follow a similar process as the bus Severe Storm Schedule and will only be implemented during the most severe weather conditions. It is not anticipated that it will be implemented frequently. OC Transpo is responding to lessons learned from previous winter events to ensure plans are in place to provide safe and reliable light rail service to its customers.

Information for customers during weather events will be shared on all communications channels. This will include frequent service alerts, updates to OC Transpo’s website, signage at bus stops, and public service announcements.

OC Transpo is committed to continuous improvement and will continue to review and implement changes to operational procedures based on lessons learned and best practices.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Troy Charter, Director of Service Delivery and Rail Operations at extension 52160.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s winter service changes, effective Sunday, December 24, 2023. Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

The winter service change includes several types of changes:

• Service adjustments and improvements
• Service adjustments for construction
• Seasonal service changes

Service Adjustments and Improvements

• Routes 261 and 263 will be changed to operate via Palladium Drive to Highway 417 to improve service to the community surrounding Derreen Avenue. As part of this change, these routes will be removed from stops on Huntmar Drive between Palladium Drive and Cyclone Taylor Boulevard, and from the Canadian Tire Centre bus loop. Service to the Canadian Tire Centre and the Park & Ride lot there will be maintained on Routes 62 and 162.
• As part of the regular review of schedules to improve on-time performance and service reliability for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to Routes 5, 12, 15, 50, 51, 56, 62, 82, and 110 on weekdays, and Routes 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 30, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 42, 44, 45, 51, 55, 57, 61, 62, 63, 74, 75, 80, 81, 82, 85, 87, 97, 131, 138 and 170 on Saturdays and Sundays.The same number of trips will still provide the same capacity as today.

Service Adjustments for Construction

• Several road reconstruction and infrastructure projects will be suspended temporarily for the winter and minor service reliability improvements are anticipated as a result. Suspended projects are planned to be reinitiated in the spring.
• To accommodate ongoing construction activity related to the Stage 2 O-Train extension project, Transitway service between Westboro Station and Lincoln Fields Station will continue to be detoured nightly from 11:30 pm to 6 am.

Seasonal Service Changes

Severe Storm Schedule for Buses

• OC Transpo will implement a Severe Storm Schedule for buses on weekdays when 31 cm or more of snow is predicted to fall or under other severe weather conditions.
• When a Severe Storm Schedule is in effect, bus service will follow a reduced schedule in order to provide a safer and more reliable service during major storms.
• Customers will be able to use OC Transpo’s Travel Planner to see how their trip may change when the Severe Storm Schedule is in effect.
• Many articulated buses will be replaced with 40-foot and double decker buses to improve service reliability.
• Para Transpo and O-Train service levels will not be reduced, but customers should still plan ahead and expect delays.
• When a severe storm is forecast for a Saturday or Sunday, the Severe Storm Schedule will not be implemented but some articulated buses will be replaced with 40-foot and double-decker buses to improve service reliability.
• OC Transpo will implement a robust communications plan to inform customers in advance of any bus schedule changes due to severe weather. We will communicate through octranspo.com, text alerts, a public service announcement, social media posts, and transit information screens at stations.
• For more information on OC Transpo’s Severe Storm Schedule, customers can visit octranspo.com.

Year-round Rack & Roll

• The Rack & Roll program is now permanently year-round, so it will again be offered through the winter on the entire bus fleet. This is great news for all-season cyclists. Whether travelling to work, school, or just out enjoying Ottawa’s winter weather, we encourage customers to consider combining biking and transit with ease through OC Transpo’s Rack & Roll year-round program.

School Services

• Select school trips on 600-series school routes may be shifted by up to 15 minutes earlier in the morning or up to 15 minutes later in the afternoon, to allow more reliable service system-wide. Information will be provided to customers on these routes through the school boards and customers will be encouraged to check the Travel Planner to confirm any changes to their trip times.
• Other changes to school service have been made based on observed ridership levels and in consultation with school boards and their student transportation agencies. Full details will be available at octranspo.com.

Holidays

• Christmas Eve – Sunday, December 24, 2023 – There will be no changes to bus and O-Train Service, which will operate on a Sunday schedule.
• Christmas Day – Monday, December 25, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:15 am to 11 pm. The Shopper Route 301 will not operate.
• Boxing Day – Tuesday, December 26, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule, with additional resources available to supplement busy routes as required. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.
• Christmas Week – Wednesday, December 27 to Friday, December 29, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am (2 am on Friday), with peak period frequency reduced to every five minutes. Line 2 bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. School service including 600-series routes will not operate as schools will be closed on these days.
• New Year’s Eve – Sunday, December 31, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule, with additional resources available in the evening to supplement busy routes as required. O-Train Line 1 will operate on an extended Sunday schedule from 8 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on an extended Sunday schedule from 7:15 am to 1 am. Para Transpo will operate until 3 am. Free transit service will be provided after 6 pm on buses, O-Train Line 1 and Para Transpo courtesy of Safer Roads Ottawa and MADD.
• New Year’s Day – Monday, January 1, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:15 am to 11 pm.
• New Year’s Week – Tuesday, January 2 to Friday, January 5, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am (2 am on Friday), with peak period frequency reduced to every five minutes. Line 2 bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. School service including 600-series routes will not operate as schools will be closed on these days.
• Family Day – Monday, February 19, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a normal weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a normal weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a normal weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. Service on the 600-series routes will be suspended, however school trips on regular routes will operate.
• March Break – Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am (2 am on Friday), with peak period frequency reduced to every five minutes. Line 2 bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. School service including 600-series routes will not operate as schools will be closed on these days.
• Good Friday – Friday, March 29, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:15 am to 11 pm.
• Easter Monday – Monday, April 1, 2024 – Bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am, with peak period frequency reduced to every five minutes. Line 2 bus service will operate on a reduced weekday schedule from 5:45 am to midnight. As schools will be closed, school service including the 600-series routes will not operate.

Customer Information

Full details of these service changes will be communicated to customers throughout December. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading the Transit app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, as well as visiting octranspo.com. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

Once the winter service changes begin on December 24, customers can find up-to-date schedules and real-time information by using these applications and tools. Customers can visit octranspo.com or contact the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (613-560-5000) for more information.

These winter service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership and operational data measurements. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service for customers as their travel needs change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to inform the Mayor and Members of Council that the repairs to the temporary Roosevelt Bridge near Dominion Station are almost complete, and normal bus operations will resume on Monday, November 27.

Transit Services

Buses travelling between Westboro and Lincoln Fields stations will continue to be on detour via Churchill Street, Richmond Road and Carling Avenue until the end of service day today, Sunday, November 26. The detour will be lifted prior to the start of service on Monday, November 27, and buses will go back to operating on the Roosevelt Bridge.

OC Transpo appreciates the assistance of Traffic and By-law Services to prioritize transit trips while the on-street detour has been in place.

Bridge repair works

The contractor expects repairs to the bridge will conclude this evening with the pouring of cold weather concrete. Upon completion, the repairs will be thoroughly inspected. The bridge will undergo regular inspections to ensure its continued safe operation.

Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates, signage at stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com or use the Transit app for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.

OC Transpo recognizes the impact this detour has had on travel times and thanks customers for their patience while we worked to return to normal bus operations.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing repairs to the temporary Roosevelt Bridge, at the north end of Roosevelt Avenue near Dominion Station, and the ongoing detour of the Transitway between Westboro and Lincoln Fields stations.

Bridge repair works

Yesterday, the contractor installed a patch at the expansion joint between the bridge deck and road surface. After reviewing and testing this patch, it was determined a higher quality repair would be required to withstand frequent bus traffic. The bridge will remain closed while this repair is completed over the weekend.

Today, the contractor will continue to work on a robust, technical repair. This will include the removal of the plate and an angle bracket at the expansion joint, concrete work, installation of new bolts for bracket attachments and reinstatement of both the concrete and the bracket. The goal is to have the repair completed by Monday morning, which may require overnight work this weekend. While overnight work is generally avoided to reduce impacts on area residents, sufficient time is needed to be able to pour cold-weather concrete and ensure it has enough time to cure properly prior to opening. It is anticipated that these repairs will allow buses to safely resume operation on the bridge.

Work will continue throughout the day and this weekend to complete this additional work. Further updates on the repairs and the re-opening of the bridge to buses will be provided by Sunday, November 26.

Transit Services

Buses continue to be on detour via Churchill Street, Richmond Road and Carling Avenue. This morning, the detour route ran well, and lower traffic volumes were observed. The Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC) and the Traffic Control Centre are working together to monitor traffic volumes and make adjustments as required. Transit staff will be at key locations during the afternoon peak period to support customers during their trips.

OC Transpo recognizes that this longer route is causing delays to customer travel time and increased trip cancellations. We thank customers for their patience as we work to safely restore bus service in this corridor.

A number of measures have been put in place with Traffic Services to prioritize bus service along the detour route, including posting no parking and stopping and adjusting signal timing to assist bus movements at intersections.

Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates, signage at stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com or use the Transit app for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to inform the Mayor and Members of Council that the Transitway is being detoured between Westboro and Lincoln Fields stations as the temporary Roosevelt Bridge, located at the north end of Roosevelt Avenue near the Dominion Station, has been temporarily closed for repairs.

Buses that normally use this bridge are being detoured via Churchill Street, Richmond Road and Carling Avenue in order to continue to connect customers travelling west of Westboro Station with their destinations. Customers can expect that there will be significant delays to their trips, particularly during the rush hour periods this evening and on Friday.

Routes that are impacted include: 57, 61, 62, 63, 64, 66, 67, 73, 74, 75, 82, 87, 252, 256, 257, 258, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 267, 268, 270, 271, 272, 277, 278, 282, 283.

OC Transpo is working with Traffic Services and other City departments to prioritize transit services. A number of measures are being implemented, including:

• Removing parking and stopping from Churchill, between Scott and Richmond, and Richmond, between Churchill and Woodroffe
• No stopping at any time within 50m from the intersections at Churchill and Richmond and Churchill and Woodroffe
• Adjusting signal timing where possible to assist bus movements at intersections

The Roosevelt Bridge is a temporary bridge installed to connect the Transitway between Westboro and Dominion stations while the Stage 2 O-Train West extension is being constructed in the trench through the area. As part of winter preparations, the contractor installed an additional plate, required to cover the interface between the road and the bridge. One of the plates came loose and, during an inspection of the plate, additional damage at this location was discovered. The contractor is working on a technical repair plan. It is expected that the repairs will require the bridge to remain closed for the weekend.

Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates, signage at stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com or use the Transit app for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.

OC Transpo will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update regarding a recent milestone in the ongoing testing and preparations to operate the Stage 2 south O-Train extensions, lines 2 and 4.

TransitNext, the contractor responsible for building, testing, and maintaining the system, has begun demonstrating the ability to safely operate nine trains, the number required for revenue service, on Line 2, between Bayview and Limebank stations, and on Line 4, between South Keys and Airport stations. This is a key milestone in the program, as it tests the integration of the control and signaling systems, vehicles, track infrastructure, operating procedures, and training programs. This allows the project team to increase test running of trains as part of validating consistent and reliable performance ahead of trial running.

As outlined at the Light Rail Sub-Committee on September 29, 2023, this important milestone will also allow for an increase in the training of new diesel rail operators. New operators have been undertaking in-class training, including on simulators, and can now increase the time spent on the vehicles training for real-world, operational scenarios. There are currently ten rail operators who have completed their program that will help support the training of additional rail operators under simulated train operations.

Train testing on the south extension began in winter 2022 and has since extended across the line with a gradual ramp up of both vehicle quantity in use as well as the testing of the signaling and train control systems. OC Transpo continues to work with TransitNext on successfully achieving key milestones in the testing and commissioning program.

Further information on the ongoing testing and commissioning program for Lines 2 and 4 will be shared at the Light Rail Sub-Committee on December 11, 2023.

Should you have any questions, please contact Michael Morgan, Director, Rail Construction

Program at ext. 52718, or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Wendy Stephanson
City Manager

The purpose of this memo is to announce the second cohort of the City of Ottawa’s Associate Director (AD) Program who will begin their year-long development placements effective October 9, 2023.

The senior leadership team (SLT) has invested significantly over the past several years in building a robust succession plan and talent management strategy to ensure the long-term success of the organization. Originally launched in March 2022, the AD program provides experiential learning opportunities to City staff and is a key part of the City’s succession management strategy which aims to retain talent from within, stabilize the workforce and prepare for the future in the face of continued retirements at leadership levels.

A call for applications for the 2023-2024 AD program was launched in April, and the successful candidates are as follows:

• Jason Barney, Manager, Applications, will assume the role of Associate Chief Information Officer, in Finance and Corporate Services, under the leadership of Sandro Carlucci.
• Tyler Hicks, Manager, Design and Construction (ROPEC Project), will assume the role of Associate Director, Water Linear and Customer Services, in Infrastructure and Water Services, under the leadership of Marilyn Journeaux.
• Krista Tanaka, Manager, Traffic Safety and Mobility, will assume the role of Associate Director, Traffic Services, in Public Works, under the leadership of Philippe Landry.
• Rami El Feghali, Manager, Customer Service, will assume the role of Associate Director, Transit Bus Operations and Maintenance, in Transit Services, under the leadership of Jim Greer.

Succession planning continues to be a key strategic priority for SLT to ensure potential successors are equipped with the leadership skills and capabilities required to compete for new career opportunities as they arise. SLT remains committed to the growth and development of our workforce and appreciates your continued support on these important initiatives.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly.

Original signed by Wendy Stephanson
City Manager

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Extended Senior Leadership Team
Nathalie Gougeon, Auditor General
Bryce Conrad, Hydro Ottawa
Sonia Bebbington, Ottawa Public Library
Dr. Vera Etches, Ottawa Public Health
Chief Eric Stubbs, Ottawa Police Service

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide information to Members of Council and the Transit Commission about proactive improvements to service levels on O-Train Line 1.

O-Train Line 1

OC Transpo committed to monitoring and responding to anticipated increases in Line 1 customer volumes as the system continues to operate with single-car trains. We are proactively planning to adjust the service level next week as it is anticipated that customer demand may be higher during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

Beginning on Monday, September 11, OC Transpo will introduce double-car trains as an enhancement to rail service. The number of single-car trains in operation will increase from 13 to 17, with some of these operating in the two-car configuration throughout the day to provide customers with frequent service. Trains will operate approximately every four minutes at the busiest times of the morning and afternoon commute.

OC Transpo anticipates that this service frequency will provide sufficient capacity for customers. The operations team will continue to closely monitor and adjust service as needed.

In addition, the Shuttle Express continues to operate every 10 minutes during weekday morning and afternoon rush hours. Ridership on the shuttle service between Blair Station and downtown has remained steady with about 50 customers per trip. Ridership between Tunney’s Pasture Station and downtown is significantly lower with approximately five to 10 customers per trip.

As a result, the last day of operations for the Shuttle Express service between Tunney’s Pasture and downtown will be today, September 8. The western shuttle will not operate beginning on Monday, September 11. The shuttle service in the east will continue to operate. OC Transpo will continue to monitor ridership levels.

Customers looking for the most up-to-date information about their trips, can use the travel planner, call 613-560-1000 or text 560560 and enter your bus stop number.

Should you have any questions, please contact me via email or at ext. 52111.

Original signed by Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: Acting General Manager
Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s fall service changes, effective Sunday, August 27, 2023. Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

The fall service change includes several types of adjustments:

• Service adjustments
• Service adjustments for construction
• Seasonal service changes

Service Adjustments

• On weekdays, service on O-Train Line 1 during peak periods will operate every five minutes and will be monitored and increased based on observed ridership levels, as outlined in the memo on August 14, 2023. On weekends, service on Line 1 will operate every 10 minutes.
• The Shuttle Express service that began on August 15, 2023, will continue to operate as an alternative to O-Train Line 1.
• On weekdays, a supplemental trip on Route 7 will be added in the evening, from Carleton University to the Rideau Centre, to increase capacity and better accommodate current ridership levels.
• Route 18 will be extended to Parliament Station via Queen Street.
• On weekdays, westbound morning trips on Route 51 will be adjusted to follow the regular routing via Lincoln Heights instead of remaining on Croydon Avenue, to provide consistent and more reliable service.
• On weekends, select trips on Route 61 will be extended between Terry Fox Station and CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn on Shea Road to improve transit connectivity to employment areas, principally on Stittsville Main Street.
• On weekdays, as part of the regular review of schedules to improve service reliability for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to Routes 74 and 75 to improve on-time performance. The same number of trips will still provide the same capacity.
• Route 74 will be extended from Nepean Woods Station to Riverview Station, in preparation for the future further extension to Limebank Station when O-Train Line 2 opens.

• On weekdays, one trip northbound in the morning and one trip southbound in the afternoon on Route 75 will be extended between Barrhaven Centre Station and Cambrian (Minto Recreation Complex), to better reflect ridership levels south of Barrhaven Centre Station.
• On weekdays, new trips on Route 88 will be added between Baseline and Hurdman Stations, to increase capacity and better accommodate current ridership levels.
• On weekdays, the short trips on Route 198 that do not serve Greenboro Station will be withdrawn, due to very low ridership.

Service Adjustments for Construction

As a result of road reconstruction and other infrastructure projects, the following routes may experience delays and additional travel time:

• Routes 10 and 16, due to ongoing road reconstruction along Albert and Slater Streets, between Empress Avenue and Bay Street.
• Routes 11, 16, and 19, due to the ongoing rehabilitation project of the Mackenzie King Bridge.
• Route 16 and Gatineau trips on Routes 57, 61, 63, 66, and 75, due to road reconstruction on Scott Street between Parkdale Avenue and Bayview Road (westbound direction only).
• Transitway service between Westboro Station and Lincoln Fields Station will continue to be detoured every night due to Stage 2 rail construction. Starting on Tuesday, September 5, the detour start time will be set back from 10:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. to accommodate students returning to evening classes. Service is also being detoured on weekends until Monday, October 9, when NCC bike day closures end for the year.

Seasonal Service Changes

Seasonal Adjustments

• Frequency on Line 2 replacement buses serving Carleton University will be increased from summer service levels to accommodate the seasonal return of higher ridership. Peak period service will operate every 10 minutes, and midday and evening service will operate every 12 minutes. Additional trips will operate at major class times where needed to increase capacity.
• Routes 25, 56, and 57 will return to their regular non-summer schedules.

Summer Weekend Service to Seasonal Destinations

• Labour Day, Monday, September 4, will be the last day of operation for the seasonal service on Route 25 to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Route 139 to Petrie Island, and Route 185 to the Canada Agriculture Museum.

School Services

• School service is being increased, in consultation with the school boards and their student transportation agencies. Funding for these increases was approved by Council in the 2023 operating budget:
  • Cedarview Middle School – New school Routes 682 and 683 will be introduced to provide service for students living in the Barrhaven, Jockvale, and Half Moon Bay neighbourhoods.
  • St. Joseph High School – New school Routes 677 and 679 will be introduced to provide service for students living in the Old Barrhaven / Barrhaven West area.
• Other changes to school service have been made based on observed ridership levels and in consultation with school boards and their student transportation agencies. Full details will be available at octranspo.com.

Service to Major Events

• Redblacks Games – Fares to and from the event are integrated with the event ticket. Special 450-series service is provided to bring customers to and from the games.
• Supplementary service for CityFolk, Army Run and the Panda Game will be determined closer to the event dates, in consultation with event organizers. Any supplemental or adjusted service for the events will be communicated to customers through OC Transpo’s usual channels.

Holidays

• Labour Day, Monday, September 4, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:30 am to 11 pm.
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Saturday, September 30, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (observed), Monday, October 2, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a weekday schedule from 5 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a weekday schedule from 5:30 am to midnight.
• Thanksgiving, Monday, October 9, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Sunday schedule from 8 am to 11 pm. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule from 7:30 am to 11 pm.
• Remembrance Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.
• Remembrance Day (observed), Monday, November 13, 2023 – Bus service will operate on a weekday schedule. O-Train Line 1 will operate on a weekday schedule from 5 am to 2 am. Line 2 bus service will operate on a weekday schedule from 5:30 am to midnight.

Customer Information

Full details of these service changes will be communicated to customers throughout the rest of August. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading the Transit app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, as well as visiting octranspo.com. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

Once the fall service changes begin on August 27, customers can find up-to-date schedules and real-time information by using these applications and tools. Please direct customers to octranspo.com or to the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (613-560-5000) for more information.

These fall service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership levels and operational data measurements. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service for customers as their travel needs change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by Michael Morgan

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director,
Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Michael Morgan
Acting General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to inform the Mayor and Members of Council that during enhanced track inspections put in place since O-Train Line 1 service resumed on Monday, August 14, contact was observed between a restraining rail and the wheels of a light rail vehicle between Hurdman Station and the Rideau River Bridge. Out of an abundance of caution O-Train Line 1 is now running on one track between Hurdman and Lees Station to make further track adjustments in this area.

As previously advised, the Safety Note from Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom requires that there can be no contact between the restraining rail and wheels as part of the safe return to service plan. To accommodate further track assessment and make the necessary adjustments, trains are not operating on the section of westbound track between Hurdman and uOttawa stations. No contact has been observed elsewhere on the line, and therefore it is safe to continue rail operations on the remainder of the system.

As a result, Line 1 service continues to operate between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations approximately every 15-minutes, and customers should expect delays as trains travel through the section of single track between uOttawa and Hurdman stations. To supplement rail service during the afternoon peak period, the following service is being implemented:

• Shuttle Express will be enhanced from operating every 10 minutes to every five minutes from 3 to 6 pm between downtown and the terminus stations at Tunney’s Pasture Station and Blair Station.
• Customers travelling to an intermediate station, including Bayview, Pimisi, Lyon, Parliament, Rideau, uOttawa, Lees, Hurdman, Tremblay, St. Laurent, and Cyrville should use Line 1 to go to their destination.
• Para Transpo will take same day requests for trips between Line 1 stations; customers should call 613-560-5000 to book the service.
• Staff will also be present at stations to support customers during their trips.

OC Transpo continues to monitor service and will make adjustments to respond to customer volumes if required.

RTG will be making adjustments to the restraining rail overnight in order to restore service in the affected section of the line. It is currently anticipated that Line 1 will resume normal operations on Friday, August 18, but further investigation and testing will be required before the service plan for Friday is confirmed. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

OC Transpo, RTG and Alstom continues to closely monitor and inspect the track and trains to ensure the ongoing safe operations for our customers and employees.

Customer information is being communicated through various channels, including customer alerts, social media updates, signage at Line 1 stations, and on octranspo.com. Customers can visit octranspo.com and use OC Transpo’s travel planner for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000.

Original signed by,
Michael Morgan

c.c.:    Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to confirm for the Mayor and Members of Council that O-Train Line 1 service between Blair and Tunney’s Pasture stations will safely resume on Monday, August 14, at 5 am.

Safe Resumption of Service

Trial running has been carried out to ensure that all train systems are functioning, and preparatory activities have been done to ensure that all stations are ready to welcome customers.

On Monday, August 14, customers can expect the following service: 

• Line 1 will operate between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations
• During the morning peak period, 11 single-car trains will provide service every five minutes
• During the afternoon peak period, 13 single-car trains will provide service every four minutes
• During the rest of the day and on weekends, nine single-car trains will provide service every 6 minutes
• This level of service will meet customer volumes throughout the day

R1, R1 Express, and R1 Para service will operate for the entire day. Shuttles will continue to run to Lees Station every 30 minutes and to Cyrville Station every 15 minutes. Tomorrow, we will provide additional information about R1 service going forward.

Information on the safe, gradual restart of service is being shared with customers on all platforms and on octranspo.com. Staff will also be at stations to support customers during their trips. Attached are additional communication materials to assist Councillors in sharing information with their communities.

Ongoing Track and Vehicle Work

As previously mentioned, Rideau Transit Group (RTG) completed repositioning of the restraining rails at 16 locations to fulfill the last requirement of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom. Testing was successfully conducted over the weekend to confirm the work and the system’s readiness to safely welcome customers.

OC Transpo, together with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA), have conducted a final review of RTG’s documentation to confirm that the requirements for the restart of full Line 1 service have been met. These documents have been provided to the Interim City Manager, with a recommendation to resume service. The City Manager is satisfied that the regulatory regime is in compliance, and has agreed with the recommendation to resume service on August 14, at 5am.

In parallel to the track infrastructure work, RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 28 trains. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to go into service. 

We will continue to provide updates to Council as they become available. Should you have any questions or comments, please contact me at extension 52111.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

R1, R1 Express, and R1 Para services continue to operate. An update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.

Safe return to service.

Yesterday, partial Line 1 service between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations began. Rail service is running well, with single-car trains operating every five minutes to meet current customer volumes. The Transit Operations Control Centre is monitoring service closely and can launch an additional train if required to accommodate customers. Staff are at stations supporting customers during their trips, and updates continue to be shared on all of OC Transpo’s customer information channels.

OC Transpo continues to anticipate that full Line 1 service will resume on August 14. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Ongoing Investigation

Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to work to adjust the restraining rails to prevent contact between the train wheel and the rail. As previously noted, this is the final requirement of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom that remains to be fulfilled to safely restore service across the entire Line 1 corridor. To date, 12 of the 16 locations have been repositioned.

RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 25 trains. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to go into service.

There will be a special virtual information session today from 2:30 to 4pm to provide an opportunity for Members of Council to ask questions and receive an update. A media availability will follow the session.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

R1, R1 Express, and R1 Para services continue to operate. An update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.

Safe return to service.

Today, Line 1 resumed operation between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations. Single-car trains are running every five minutes. An additional train can be launched during peak periods to accommodate higher customer volumes if required. So far, this service is sufficient to meet customer needs. Staff are at stations supporting customers during their trips, and updates continue to be shared on all of OC Transpo’s channels

OC Transpo anticipates that full Line 1 service will resume on August 14. Service plans continue to be finalized, but it is anticipated that for the rest of August, 11 single-car trains will operate during the morning peak period and 13 single-cars will run in the afternoon peak. For the remainder of the day, nine single-car trains will provide service. This will accommodate current customer demand during the busiest times, without the need for R1 bus service, and allow OC Transpo to sustainably manage fleet availability over the long term.

The service plan for September ridership is still being prepared, and an update will be provided when final.

Ongoing Investigation

As previously noted, adjusting the restraining rails to prevent any contact between the train wheel and the rail is the final requirement of the Safety Note from Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom that remains to be fulfilled to safely restore service across the entire Line 1 corridor.

Since August 3, RTG completed adjustments to the restraining rails between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations. This allowed partial Line 1 service to safely resume today in this section of the line. Work on the remaining restraining rails continues across the rest of the alignment. To date, 10 of 16 locations have been repositioned.

RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 24 trains. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to go into service.

There will be a media availability today at 4pm.

In addition, a virtual Councillor information session will be held on Wednesday, August 9 from 2:30 to 4pm to provide an opportunity for Members of Council to ask questions and receive an update. The regular media availability will follow the session.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the safe, gradual resumption of service on O-Train Line 1. Partial service will be restored between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations on Tuesday, August 8.

As previously noted, adjusting the restraining rails to prevent any contact between the train wheel and the rail is a requirement of the Safety Note from Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom, which must be fulfilled to safely restore service. RTG has been working since Thursday, August 3 to reposition restraining rails across the alignment. The required work between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations is complete, and OC Transpo has conducted trial running in this section to confirm that all train systems are safe and ready for service.

OC Transpo, together with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA), is conducting a final review of RTG’s documentation to confirm that the requirements for partial service have been met. These documents will be provided to the Interim City Manager, who has delegated authority in this matter, with a recommendation to resume service. Based on the information, once the City Manager is satisfied that the regulatory regime is in compliance, and agrees with the recommendation, OC Transpo will proceed with partial service resumption.

Line 1 Service

As it has been deemed safe, OC Transpo is now able to begin gradually restoring service by providing partial Line 1 service in the west beginning on Tuesday, August 8 at 5am. For customers this means:

• Line 1 service will operate between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations
• Five single-car trains will provide service every five minutes
• R1, R1 Express and Para R1 services will continue to operate with no changes
• An additional train can be launched during peak periods to accommodate high customer volumes
• Customers may notice slower train speeds in the tunnel due to a speed restriction as part of safety requirements during the gradual resumption of service
• Staff will be at stations supporting customers during their trips

RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 22 trains. By operating with single-car trains, OC Transpo can accommodate current customer volumes and manage the fleet availability over the long term.

OC Transpo has completed a number of preparatory activities in the west end of the line to provide a positive customer experience.

These Include:

• Trial running between Tunney’s Pasture and uOttawa stations to verify train systems
• Cleaning stations
• Reactivating escalators and elevators
• Verifying all announcement systems are working and updating messages
• Placing wayfinding signage for station navigation
• Preparing outreach staff
• Installing new decals to identify single-car boarding locations at the platforms

Information on the safe, gradual restart of service is being shared with customers on all platforms and on octranspo.com. Attached are additional communication materials to support Councillors in sharing information with their communities.

Work on the remaining restraining rails continues across the rest of the alignment. To date, nine of 16 locations have been repositioned. OC Transpo anticipates that full Line 1 service will resume on August 14.

There will be a media availability today at 1pm, and we will continue to share information as it becomes available

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

R1, R1 Express, and R1 Para services continue to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.

Ongoing Investigation

Work continues to ensure that all the parameters of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom are implemented to ensure the safe operations of Line 1. The remaining requirement is the repositioning of the restraining rails.

As advised yesterday, adjustments to the restraining rails have begun. RTG is working at the 16 locations that have been identified for adjustments. A few remaining items in the Atkins Global report are being finalized, and the risk assessment is almost complete.

In parallel, RTG also continues to replace the wheel hub assemblies on the light rail vehicles. To date, 19 trains have had their hub assemblies replaced. RTG can replace two hubs every two days. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to operate when it is safe to resume service.

Resumption of Service

As this work proceeds, OC Transpo is also preparing to welcome back customers and we are taking the necessary measures to ensure we are ready. These activities include:

Action	Status
Review all stations to ensure they are clean and ready to open	Validation during trial running - in progress
Re-activate all escalators and elevators at all stations	Validation during trial running - in progress
Conduct trial running to verify train systems	Now under way
Ensure all customer signage at Line 1 stations are in place	In process
Verify that announcement systems are in working order and update messages	Validation during trial running - in progress
Review and prepare wayfinding signage and materials to assist customers in navigating the stations	In process
Prepare all outreach staff at key stations along Line 1 to support customers	In process
Install new decals at Line 1 stations to identify boarding for single car locations	Completed

At this time, OC Transpo continues to anticipate full Line 1 service will safely resume on August 14. OC Transpo is closely following this progress and will continue to provide updates on the timing to gradually restart service.

Work on the restraining rail adjustments and all areas of the resumption of service will continue over the weekend.

There will be a media availability today at 4pm. Over the weekend, we will continue to provide daily updates by email, and we will provide information about the next media availability.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

• R1, R1 Express and R1 Para service continue to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.
• The Transit Operations Control Centre is aware of a potential motorcycle rally in the downtown area on Saturday, August 5th, and is coordinating with other City services. They will monitor for any impacts and adjust service, if required.

Ongoing Investigation

Work continues to ensure that all the parameters of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom are implemented to ensure the safe operations of Line 1. The remaining requirement is the repositioning of the restraining rails.

OC Transpo received the draft Atkins Global restraining rail report yesterday. RTM, Alstom, Atkins, and OC Transpo along with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) are working together to finalize the report. In the interim, RTG has enough information to begin repositioning some of the restraining rails, and this work began today. The risk assessment is also almost complete.

RTG anticipates completing the repositioning work will take up to 10 days. Here is the latest update on the remaining action items:

Action	Start date	End date
RTG to retain Atkins Global, an engineering expert in the field, to advise where to reposition the restraining rails	July 31	August 4
Continue to discuss the risk assessment until final	July 29	August 4
Proceed to reposition the restraining rail	August 3	August 13
Conduct trial running	Parallel process	August 14

At this time, OC Transpo believes that full Line 1 service will be ready to safely resume on August 14. OC Transpo is closely following this progress and will continue to provide updates on the timing to gradually restart service.

Fleet availability

Important progress continues to be made on changing the wheel hub assemblies to increase the availability of the train fleet. To date, 18 light rail vehicles have had their hub assemblies replaced. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to operate, when it is safe to resume service. OC Transpo is proactively preparing service plans based on the projected number of vehicles and is looking at several scenarios for service resumption.

Resumption of Service

OC Transpo and RTG are working collaboratively to ensure that the system is ready to welcome customers back. Trial running is being done in parallel to the repositioning of the restraining rails. In addition, we will ensure that all train systems, stations and platforms, signage, and other key aspects are ready. Staff are currently undertaking the following activities:

Action	Status
Review all stations to ensure they are clean and ready to open	Validation during trial running in progress
Re-activate all escalators and elevators at all stations	Validation during trial running in progress
Conduct trial running to verify train systems	ASAP
Ensure all customer signage at Line 1 stations are in place	In process
Verify that announcement systems are in working order and update messages	Validation during trial running in progress
Review and prepare wayfinding signage and materials to assist customers in navigating the stations	In process
Prepare all outreach staff at key stations along Line 1 to support customers	In process
Install new decals at Line 1 stations to identify boarding for single car locations	Completed

Work on the restraining rail adjustments and all areas of the resumption of service will continue over the weekend.

There will be a media availability today at 4 pm and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

• R1 and R1 Express bus service continues to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.
• Based on customers’ feedback we continue to enhance R1 service. Today, R1 Para bus service was implemented to provide additional transit options for Para Transpo customers and customers who may require accessible service.
• R1 Para will service Line 1 stations between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations. Customers can book this service the same day or speak to OC Transpo staff at stations to request the service. Customers who require additional supports should call 613-560-5000.
• R1 Para service is in addition to our existing Para Transpo service and will not impact current operations.

Ongoing Investigation

Work continues to ensure that all the parameters of the Safety Note from RTG and Alstom for the safe operations of Line 1 are implemented. RTG and Alstom are now working on the remaining requirement which is ensuring there is no contact between the wheel of the light rail vehicle and the restraining rail.

OC Transpo continues to expect the independent risk assessment and the report from Atkins Global to be provided on August 3. This work will outline:

• The risk profile associated with the repositioning of each of the restraining rails
• Which restraining rails should be repositioned
• The amount by which the rails need to be moved to avoid contact with the back wheels of the light rail vehicles.

Here is the latest update on the remaining action items:

Action	Start date	End date
RTG to retain Atkins Global, an engineering expert in the field, to advise where to reposition the restraining rails	July 31	August 3
Continue to discuss the risk assessment until final	July 29	August 3
Proceed to reposition the restraining rail	10 days of work; can only commence after acceptance of the risk assessment	August 14
Conduct trial running	In parallel to the repositioning of the restraining rails	To be confirmed

Based on the information noted above, OC Transpo continues to estimate that Line 1 service may be able to safely resume as early as August 14. This continues to be an early estimate, based on projected timelines for these action items. As work continues to progress, we will provide an update on the potential timing to gradually restart service.

Fleet availability

Progress continues to be made on changing the wheel hub assemblies to increase the availability of the train fleet. To date, 15 light rail vehicles have had their hub assemblies replaced. The ongoing replacements increase the number of cars available to operate, when it is safe to resume service. Our team is proactively preparing service plans based on the projected number of vehicles that may be available.

There will be a media availability at 4pm and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

• R1 and R1 Express bus service continue to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service for today.

Ongoing Investigation

As described yesterday, the final Safety Note from RTG and Alstom outlines the following parameters of the plan for the safe operations of Line 1:

• Continue with all mitigation measures already in place
• Replace the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles every 60,000 kilometres
• Implement a new inspection regime for the middle bogies
• Avoid any contact between the wheel and the restraining rail

There continues to be progress made on the risk assessment and the needed work to reposition the rails.

Here is the latest information:

Action	Start date	End date
RTG to retain Atkins Global, an engineering expert in the field, to advise where to reposition the restraining rails	July 31	August 3
Continue to discuss the risk assessment until final	July 29	August 3
Proceed to reposition the restraining rail	10 days of work; can only commence after acceptance of the risk assessment	To be confirmed
Conduct trial running	Start date to be confirmed	To be confirmed

Based on the information noted above, OC Transpo estimates that Line 1 service may be able to safely resume as early as August 14. This is an early estimate, based on projected timelines for these action items. As work progresses, we will provide an update on the potential timing to gradually restart service.

Fleet availability

Progress continues to be made on changing the wheel hub assemblies to increase the availability of the train fleet. To date, 14 light rail vehicles have had their hub assemblies replaced. The ongoing replacements will increase the number of cars available to operate, when it is safe to resume service.

There will be a media availability at 4pm and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

• R1 bus service continues to operate, and an update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service.
• R1 Express service was successfully launched this morning from Blair to downtown. This service operates in addition to the R1 bus service and normal bus routes. The Express service is operating in the opposite direction from downtown to Blair beginning at 3pm this afternoon and provides customers with additional travel options at the busiest times of the day. OC Transpo continues to monitor the service and will make adjustments, where possible.

Ongoing Investigation

As previously indicated, to safely resume service, there are three milestones that must be achieved:

1. Inspection of all light rail vehicles:
   • This was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations.
2. Texelis report based on the manufacturer’s disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance hub:
   • The Texelis report was received on July 28. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom have completed the analysis and confirmed that the degradation of the wheel hub is similar to what was found on the hub assemblies in the previous two incidents in August 2021 and July 2022. This reinforces Alstom’s conclusion that the final fix to the bearing issue is the redesign of the wheel hub assembly, which is now underway.
3. The final Safety Note from RTG and Alstom, outlines the following parameters of the plan for the safe operations of Line 1:
   • Continue with all mitigation measures already in place
   • Replacement of the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles every 60,000 kilometres
   • Implement a new inspection regime for the middle bogies
   • Avoid any contact between the wheel and the restraining rail. This is a new requirement received on Friday, July 28 based on the results of instrumented bogie tests.

Over the weekend, RTG, Alstom and OC Transpo with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) worked to determine the required actions to begin a full risk assessment. Discussions indicate the following actions will be needed:

Action	Start date	End date
RTG to retain Atkins Global, an engineering expert in the field, to advise where to reposition the restraining rails	July 31	To be confirmed
Continue to discuss the risk assessment until final	July 29	To be confirmed
Proceed to reposition the restraining rail	10 days of work; can only commence after acceptance of the risk assessment	To be confirmed
Conduct trial running	Start date to be confirmed	To be confirmed

At this time, OC Transpo cannot provide an anticipated date for the safe resumption of service. As work progresses, we will provide an update on the potential timing to restart service.

Fleet availability

In the meantime, Alstom continues to change the wheel hub assemblies to increase the availability of the train fleet. To date, 12 cars have had their hub assemblies replaced. The ongoing replacements will increase the number of cars available to operate, when it is safe to resume service.

OC Transpo recognizes that the ongoing service disruption is frustrating for our customers and is committed to restoring service as soon as it is safe to do so.

There will be a media availability at 4pm and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe return to service.

R1 Service

• R1 bus service continues to operate in place of the rail alignment. An update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service.

Ongoing Investigation:

As previously indicated, to safely resume service, there are three milestones that must be achieved:

• Inspection of all light rail vehicles:
  • This was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations.
• Texelis report based on the manufacturer’s disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance hub:
  • The Texelis report has been received. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) is currently conducting a review.
• The final safety note from RTG, outlining the parameters of the new containment plan for the safe operations of Line 1:
  • A draft Safety Note was received on July 26
  • RTG informed us that the Safety Note requires additional actions to ensure that there is no contact between the train wheel and the restraining rail.

RTG and Alstom have conducted numerous instrumented bogie tests, which have resulted in the need for additional track infrastructure work to ensure that the train wheels do not make contact with the restraining rail. The need for this additional work means that the gradual resumption of service, initially anticipated to occur on July 31, will be delayed.

OC Transpo is working with RTG to determine the next steps, including a new risk assessment for the work to ensure that the track infrastructure conforms to the new Safety Note.    

Work on the risk assessment and next steps for adjusting rail infrastructure will proceed through the weekend. Once the risk assessment is complete, it will take approximately 10 days to complete the track infrastructure work.

More information on the requirements for this work and timelines for the safe resumption of service will be provided on Monday, July 31.

In the interim, RTG will continue to change the wheel hub assemblies. This will increase the number of light rail vehicles available for operation, when it is determined service can safely resume.

OC Transpo recognizes that the ongoing service disruption is frustrating for our customers. However, the safety of our customers and employees is paramount.

There will be a media availability at 4 p.m. and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.:     Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations        

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with an update on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe, progressive return to service.

Safe Return to Service

Currently, the safe progressive return to service is expected on Monday, July 31. To safely resume service, three milestones are required:

• Inspection of all light rail vehicles:
  • This was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations.
• Texelis report based on the manufacturer’s disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance hub:
  • The disassembly has been done and inspection work is taking place. This report is expected on July 28.
• The final safety note from Rideau Transit Group (RTG), outlining the parameters of the new containment plan for the safe operations of Line 1:
  • OC Transpo and RTG are working collaboratively to finalize this document.

Fleet Availability

RTG continues to make progress on increasing the number of single-car trains available for operation and currently have eight which are fit for service. We anticipate having the required vehicles for service resumption on Monday.

This means that operational plans for July 31 continue to be:

• Eight single-car trains serving all stations across Line 1, approximately seven to eight minutes apart
• R1 bus service operating parallel to Line 1
• OC Transpo staff available at key stations to support customers during their trips
• Transit Operations Control Centre continuing to monitor customer volumes on the system and are making adjustments as necessary

Resumption of Service

Work is underway to prepare to welcome customers back to Line 1. Over the weekend, trains will run across Line 1 as part of testing and trial running in preparation for the resumption of service.

Other preparations include:

• Reviewing all stations to ensure they are clean and ready to open
• Verifying the stations and tracks are ready for operation
• Ensuring all the customer signage and announcement systems are working
• Reviewing and preparing new wayfinding signage and communications materials to assist customers in navigating the stations and R1 stop locations
• Preparing red-vested outreach, Transit Supervisors and Rail Operations staff to be at key stations along Line 1 to support customers

There will be a media availability at 4 p.m. today and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe, gradual return to service.

At this time, OC Transpo continues to anticipate that the gradual resumption of service will begin on Monday, July 31. In order to safely resume service, three items are required:

• Inspection of all rail vehicles, which was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations
• Texelis report based on the manufacturer’s disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance axle hub, expected on July 28
• Safety Note from Alstom and RTG, outlining the parameters of the new containment plan for the safe operations of Line 1

Earlier today, Alstom and RTG provided the draft Safety Note. The document is being reviewed by OC Transpo. At a high level, the Safety Note lays out plans for a new inspection and replacement regime that requires:

• Continuing with all mitigation measures already in place
• Replacement of the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles every 60,000 kilometres
• Implement a new inspection regime for middle bogies

As a result of this enhanced inspection and replacement program, not all trains will be available to operate as they undergo wheel hub assembly replacement based on their current mileage. OC Transpo is committed to restoring O-Train service as soon as it is safe to do so. Based on this information, current reduced ridership levels, and that Line 1 can operate with either single or double-car trains, customers can expect the following progressive return to service:

• Eight single-car trains serving all stations on Line 1, approximately every seven to eight minutes
• R1 bus service will continue to operate in parallel to Line 1 service
• OC Transpo staff will continue to be at key stations to support customers during their trip
• The Transit Operations Control Centre will be closely monitoring passenger volumes at stations

This fleet size in combination with the ongoing R1 bus service will provide the capacity required to meet current customer volumes. This temporary single-car train configuration enables OC Transpo and RTG to manage the supply of rail vehicles while meeting the more frequent inspection and replacement regime in order to ensure the sustainable delivery of service.

OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) conducted a risk assessment and confirmed that since the system was originally designed to accommodate both single and double-car train operations, there are no additional risks to customer safety at station platforms.

As RTG progresses with the wheel hub assembly replacement, more trains will become available to maintain the sustainability of the eight trains in operation. Once OC Transpo can be assured that there is a sustainable number of vehicles available for service, we will assess an increase to the number of operating trains.

OC Transpo continues to work with RTG and Alstom to finalize the Safety Note and the gradual safe return to service plan. Once plans are final, full details will be communicated to customers prior to the start of service through all of OC Transpo’s channels.

There will be a media availability at 4 p.m. today and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on current transit service levels and the status of the ongoing investigation and safe return to service plan for O-Train Line 1.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available. A media availability will be held at 4 p.m. today.

R1 Service

• R1 bus service continues to operate in place of the rail alignment. An update was sent early this morning regarding the status of service.

Ongoing investigation and return to service plan

There continues to be important progress made across all key areas of the investigation into the wheel hub assembly issue to safely restore service on Line 1.

Inspections:

• The inspection of 44 light rail vehicles was completed yesterday. One out of service vehicle in Kingston will be inspected at a later date. Six (6) light rail vehicles are undergoing further inspections.
• Track measurements are being verified in the field prior to re-setting of the gauge.
• The restraining rail is being adjusted to an optimized position on several curves and this work is expected to be complete by July 30. This work will help minimize the contact between the wheel of the light rail vehicle and the rail to improve overall vehicle sustainability.
• The out of tolerance axle hub is in France; dismantling and analysis will commence shortly. The report from this investigation is expected by July 28.

Bogie tests:

• An instrumented bogie test train fitted with an out-of-tolerance axle hub will run along the line at regular speeds today to determine the vibration signature which will help with further analysis of the issues affecting the wheel hub assembly.
• Detailed analysis of completed bogie tests continues.

Return to Service plan:

• The Return to Service Plan includes critical activities and includes a safety letter provided by Alstom, through the Rideau Transit Group (RTG), and a report from Texelis. These documents will be subject to review and acceptance (approval) by the City. Transportation Resource Associates (TRA) continues to work with the City and its partners, providing input and advice on the work underway.
• Progress continues to be made on all aspects of this work, and we continue to anticipate a gradual, safe return to service by July 31.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar
General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels, completed and planned work on the ongoing investigation, and an update on the safe resumption of service, which is expected by July 31^st.

We will continue to provide further updates as they become available. A media availability will be held at 10 a.m. today, and at 4 p.m. daily for the remainder of the week.

R1 Service

• An update was sent early this morning regarding R1 service.

Ongoing investigation

The difficult decision to suspend service was made to ensure the ongoing safety of our customers and staff.

Since then, there has been important progress on all three key areas of the ongoing investigation and the suspension of service on Line 1.  

The following tests have been undertaken since the temporary suspension of service:

Ongoing Investigation – Inspections
Required Work	Purpose/Description	Latest Information	Planned Work
Prybar test	The prybar test is used to ensure the bearing hub assembly is within tolerance.	44 light rail vehicles have been checked. No issues have been discovered.	This work is complete. One vehicle that was previously out of service is in Kingston and will be completed at a later date.
Visual track inspection	The mainline infrastructure needs to be inspected for abnormalities.	A visual inspection was undertaken. No issues were identified.	This work is complete.
Rail geometry	Rail to rail measurements were undertaken to confirm adherence to maintenance tolerances.	Multiple digital Geismar tests were conducted.	Results being analyzed to identify any non-conformances.
Restraining Rail	Correct alignment of this safety rail is required to minimize forces on the axle hub.	Several restraining rails have been set to the optimum position.	The remaining restraining rails will be adjusted by July 30.
Failed axle hub	A tear down of the axle hub assembly will be undertaken as part of the root cause.	The failed axle hub assembly is in France with the manufacturer.	Analysis will start this week, with a report expected July 28.

Ongoing Investigation – Instrumented Bogie Tests
Required Work	Purpose/Description	Latest Information	Planned Work
Tests with varying configurations and loads	Instrumented axles record vibrations and forces under different vehicle loading conditions, speeds, and track infrastructure configurations to check if design parameters are being exceeded.	Multiple load tests were completed: ·         In high temperatures. ·         With varying weights to the light rail vehicle. ·         With and without temporary speed restrictions in place. ·         Restraining rails set at different offsets. Preliminary indications are that forces recorded are unlikely to have caused an acute failure, but repetitive loading cycles contribute to degraded performance.	Detailed analysis of the data from the tests.
Vibration sensors (Smart Bugs®)	A vehicle fitted with vibration monitors is coupled to the instrumented bogie test train to gather data.	The test train was coupled with a light rail vehicle fitted with vibration sensors to complete numerous tests.	Results from tested to be analyzed.
Vibration Sensor signature	A test train equipped with vibration sensors (Smart Bugs®) is operated to determine the vibration signature of a failed hub assembly.	The test train is being configured to undertake these tests.	Test plans are being reviewed with testing expected to take place later this week.

Return to Service Plan

Line 1 service will resume when it is safe to do so.

We continue to meet with Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom to finalize a safe return to service plan that is sustainable. Our focus is ensuring the increased reliability and long-term sustainability of the system.

The Return to Service Plan has several critical activities and includes a safety letter provided by Alstom, through RTG, and a report from Texelis, the manufacturer of the axles. These documents will be reviewed by OC Transpo, in association with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA), OC Transpo’s third party expert.

RETURN TO SERVICE PLAN
Required Work (investigation)	Status	Expected Completion
Prybar Tests	44 light rail vehicles have been inspected.	Complete. The out of service vehicle in Kingston will be completed later.
Findings of the failed hub assembly from the manufacturer	The failed hub assembly has arrived in France.	Report from manufacturer by July 28.
Restraining Rail adjustments	Restraining rail adjustments are underway.	July 28
Safety note from Alstom and RTG	A draft safety note is being reviewed.	July 31
Gradual safe resumption of service.		July 31

Additionally, I am very pleased to announce that Alstom and RTG have agreed to a design modification to the wheel hub assembly. This means that Ottawa will finally have a permanent fix to this bearing issue, which will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of Line 1.

Reminder: We will continue to provide further updates as they become available. A media availability will be held at 10 a.m. today, and at 4 p.m. daily for the remainder of the week.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations         

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar
General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels and ongoing investigation.

New R1 Service Adjustments

Throughout the week, the Transit Operations Control Centre has been adjusting R1 service based on feedback from customers and collaboration with our partners in Traffic Services.

Today, new enhancements and improvements were implemented and have improved service; this continues to be closely monitored. 

Customers should know that:

• R1 bus service now uses Albert and Slater streets downtown, instead of Queen Street. For customers, this means:
  • Westbound R1 buses are running on Albert Street, with stops at Bank and Kent
  • Eastbound R1 buses are running on Slater Street, with stops at Kent and O’Connor

• Westbound R1 service is running from Blair to Tunney’s Pasture, stopping at each station, except for Lees

• A shuttle operates between Lees, uOttawa, and Rideau stations. For customers, this means:
  • Customers travelling to Lees station from the east can connect with the shuttle and eastbound R1 service at uOttawa station
  • Eastbound R1 service will continue serve Lees station

• A shuttle is running between Cyrville station and St-Laurent station in order to connect customers with R1 service

• Additional signage has been installed to inform customers

We encourage customers to visit OCTranspo.com for the latest information about their trips.

Ongoing investigation

Our team continues to meet regularly with RTG. Progress continues to be made on all key areas of the ongoing investigation:

• Inspections
  • Completed work to date:
    • The axle hub assemblies of 24 light rail vehicles have been checked. No issues have been discovered

• Planned work:
  • Continued analysis of the results of the rail geometry assessments to identify non-conformances

• Remaining light rail vehicles will be checked for wear and tear to the axle hub assembly

• The out of tolerance axle hub assembly will be assessed by the manufacturer in France. Additional resources from the manufacturer of the wheel hub assembly are being deployed to assist in Ottawa

• Instrumented Bogie Tests:
  • Completed work:
    • The test train completed several additional runs in different train and track configurations, including different loads, to simulate real world conditions
    • A test train was also coupled with a light rail vehicle fitted with Smart Bugs. It completed several runs and captured additional data
  • Planned work:
    • Additional test train and track infrastructure work will continue
    • Results from previous tests will be analyzed

• Return to Service Plan:
  • RTG is discussing return to service scenarios with the City. Key data analysis is being conducted to provide additional information for the return to service plan, with a view to providing a more comprehensive update on Monday, which will also outline next steps 

Weekend Communications

Brief updates will be provided on both Saturday and Sunday.

Please rest assured that work on all key areas of the investigation will continue around the clock.

Thank you,

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar
General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels and ongoing investigation.

R1 Service

Currently, OC Transpo is providing the following service levels to our customers:

• R1 bus service continues to run between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair Stations
• During peak periods, 36 buses are in This helps mitigate traffic issues and increases reliability for our customers

New R1 Service Adjustments

• Starting at 3:00 PM, R1 service will be enhanced with the introduction of a shuttle between Lees and Rideau This will improve reliability and reduce travel times for customers
• For customers, this means:
  • Westbound R1 service will run from Blair to Tunney’s Pasture stations, stopping at each station except for Lees station
  • A shuttle will run between Lees, uOttawa and Rideau stations
  • Customers travelling to Lees Station from the east can connect with the shuttle and Eastbound R1 service at uOttawa Station
  • Eastbound R1 service will continue serve Lees Station
• Our Transit Operations Control Centre is working on finalizing additional R1 route enhancements to ensure we deliver the best possible service to our At the start of service tomorrow, R1 bus service will use Albert and Slater Street downtown, instead of Queen Street. For customers, this means:
  • Westbound R1 buses will run on Albert street with stops at Bank and Kent
  • Eastbound R1 buses will run on Slater street with stops at Kent and O’Connor
  • New signage is being installed to notify customers about the alternate R1 stops
• Staff are at stations supporting customers during their trips

We encourage customers to visit OCTranspo.com for the latest information about their trips.

Ongoing investigation

Important progress continues to be made on all key areas of the ongoing investigation:

• Inspections
  • Completed work:
    • The axle hub assemblies of 15 light rail vehicles have been No issues have been discovered
    • An inspection of the light rail vehicle where the wheel hub assembly was identified uncovered no additional issues
  • Planned work:
    • Continued analysis of the results of the rail geometry assessments to identify non-conformances
    • The underbodies of the remaining light rail vehicles will be inspected for excess grease
    • Remaining light rail vehicles will be checked for wear and tear to the axle hub assembly. RTG is pursuing additional equipment and resources to expedite this work
    • The out of tolerance axle hub assembly will be assessed by the manufacturer
• Instrumented Bogie Tests:
  • Completed work:
    • The test train completed several runs in different train and track configurations, including different loads, to simulate real world conditions
    • A test train was also coupled with a light rail vehicle fitted with Smart Bugs. It completed several runs and captured additional data
  • Planned work:
    • Additional test train runs will be conducted with various configurations
    • Results from previous tests will be analyzed
• Return to Service Plan:
  • RTG is discussing return to service scenarios with the City

I will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Thank you,

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to provide an update to Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels and ongoing investigation.

R1 Service

Currently, OC Transpo is providing the following service levels to our customers:

• R1 bus service continues to run between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations
• We will be increasing the number of buses for the afternoon peak service. 32 buses will be in operation this afternoon, instead of 28
• Starting tomorrow, 36 buses, instead of 28, will run during peak periods
• This change is being made to increase reliability and mitigate traffic issues that impact bus service
• Service continues to run well, and our Transit Operations Control Centre is working with Traffic Services, to make adjustments to R1 service to further increase reliability and reduce wait times for customers
• Staff continue to be at stations supporting customers during their trips

We encourage customers to visit OCTranspo.com for the latest information about their trips.

Ongoing investigation

Work is progressing on all key areas for the ongoing investigation:

• Inspections
  • Completed work:
    • Rail geometry assessments were completed
    • The axle hub assemblies of 9 light rail vehicles have been checked and none have been discovered that are out of tolerance
    • The underbodies of 35 light rail vehicles have been inspected and no evidence of excess grease has been found
    • The axle hub assembly from the light rail vehicle where an issue was discovered has been sent to the manufacturer for detailed investigation
  • Planned work:
    • Analysis of the results of the rail geometry assessments to identify any non- conformances
    • Remaining light rail vehicles will be checked for wear and tear of the axle hub assembly
• Instrumented Bogie Tests:
  • Completed work:
    • The test train completed several runs in different train and track configurations, to simulate real world conditions
  • Planned work:
    • Additional test train runs in various configurations
    • Test train will be coupled with a light rail vehicle fitted with Smart Bugs to gather additional data
    • Results from previous tests to be analyzed
• Return to Service Plan:
  • RTG is currently developing a plan

I will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. Thank you,

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

c.c. Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Michael Morgan, Director, Rail Construction Program, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council about the expansion of free transit service to children aged 12 and under.

As approved in the 2023 budget, effective July 1, children aged 12 and under ride OC Transpo for free. This includes OC Transpo buses, trains and Para Transpo. Previously, free service was available to children aged seven and under.

The initiative, called “Kids Go Free”, will make transit more accessible to our younger residents and their families.

• Children taking a bus or Para Transpo can simply board without paying a fare.
• On O-Train Line 1, children can enter through an accessible (wide) fare gate along with a fare-paying adult.
• On buses, or at O-Train stations, children can also tap an OC Transpo child card (available for free at the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre) or use a Presto card issued by a school board.
• Customer service agents are also available to help on video chat at ticket machines, at the information phone near the fare gates, or by calling 613-560- 5000.

As a result of this change, some of our fare products have changed, including:

• Presto cards for a child fare are no longer required after July 1
• The Family DayPass has changed to the 2-for-1 DayPass.
  • Two customers aged 13 or older can take unlimited rides on a single DayPass.
  • The 2-for-1 DayPass is available on weekends and statutory holidays.
• Child tickets, child transfers, and child DayPasses (1-day or multi-day) will no longer be required.

Information on these changes is being shared through OC Transpo’s customer communications channels, including octranspo.com, social media, and posters at stations. A promotional video has also been developed to share with customers.

For additional information, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

General Manager Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an update regarding free OC Transpo service on Canada Day.

OC Transpo is the best way to travel to Canada Day events across the city, with free service all day on O-Train Line 1, buses and Para Transpo. To better support customers, OC Transpo will have additional service running throughout the day and into the evening. With the main event taking place at LeBreton Flats again this year, customers should travel to Lyon Station and follow Wellington Street to access the event site. Customers with accessibility requirements can use Pimisi Station.

Full Canada Day service details are available on octranspo.com. Information on transit service is being widely shared to ensure residents and visitors know how to get to and from the event site with ease, and to remind everyone that transit is free. This includes:

• octranspo.com
• Public service announcements
• Social media posts
• Take-ones on buses
• Signage at stations
• Newspaper ads
• Onboard bus announcements
• Transit information screens at stations

Additionally, on Canada Day, OC Transpo will have red-vested outreach staff at high- traffic locations to support and assist customers, and an information tent will be set up on Wellington Street just west of Bay Street. Customers are also able to get regular updates through @OC_TranspoHelps and @OC_TranspoAide, and are encouraged to download and try the new Transit app for service information.

To support Members of Council, social media messages and graphics are attached to this email to share information on July 1 service with residents and community networks.

I would like to acknowledge the OC Transpo staff, as well as our emergency services partners, who will be working over the long weekend to ensure the public can have a

safe and fun celebration. There is a lot of hard work that goes into planning transit service for such a large event, and it takes a dedicated team to make it a success.

For additional information, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

General Manager Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that OC Transpo is partnering with the Transit app to offer a subscription of their “Royale” service to all users of the app in Ottawa. OC Transpo will also be retiring its current iPhone app. This information was shared with Transit Commission at its meeting in May.

Transit App - Royale

As of today, anyone who downloads or uses the latest version of the Transit app will have access to the expanded Royale service. App users must download the latest version (5.14.7) of the app to receive the Royale upgrade.

The expanded service offers free additional features to what has existed to date, including:

• Wider geographical range for real-time bus tracking
• Full transit schedule, instead of only short-term departures
• Fun interactive features such as theme options, a custom avatar and nicknames, and more!

In addition to the enhanced features noted above, customers can also check departure times, track their bus, and sign up to receive service alerts as notifications. Transit also offers interconnected trip planning for STO and OC Transpo services.

Retiring of OC Transpo iPhone App

OC Transpo is also retiring the OC Transpo iPhone app, effective today. The OC Transpo app no longer meets the needs of our customers, is limited to iOS mobile devices, and the departure data is not as accurate as it is on the Transit app.

Retiring the OC Transpo app and moving to the Transit app will allow us to focus on improving our real-time data quality to improve the customer experience.

Information about these two mobile developments will be communicated to customers through OC Transpo’s information channels, including octranspo.com, social media and a notification to OC Transpo iPhone app users.

For additional information, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To:  Mayor and Members of Council
From: General Manager, Transit Service Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that OC Transpo is advancing to the testing phase of the O-Payment system, a new and convenient way for customers to pay for their transit fare using credit card or mobile wallet.

New smartcard fare readers have been successfully installed on all O-Train Line 1 fare gates and the entire conventional bus fleet. Staff are now beginning testing of the fare readers at O-Train Line 1 fare gates, and testing will begin on buses in early July. This testing will continue until O-Payment is ready to officially launch across the entire transit system, which is expected to occur in the coming months. As a reminder, credit card and mobile wallet payment options have been available for customer use on Para Transpo vehicles since April 2023.

During the testing period, customers may notice the VISA and Mastercard logos on fare reader screens. We ask that customers continue to pay using existing payment methods until testing is complete. Customers who wish to pay by credit card or mobile wallet at Line 1 stations can continue to do so at the specially marked white fare gates, which have been available as a trial for customers since early 2021. Customers are reminded to take their credit card out of their wallet when tapping.

Details about system testing will be communicated to customers through OC Transpo’s information channels, including octranspo.com, social media and printed material.

More information will be provided in advance of the full system launch.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by Renée Amilcar
cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council, Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s summer service changes, effective Sunday, July 2, 2023. Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

The summer service changes redistribute existing resources and include several types of changes:

• Seasonal service changes
• Service adjustments for construction
• General service adjustments

Seasonal Service Changes

• Line 2 bus service and Route 25 will have minor frequency reductions during certain time periods on weekdays, to reflect reduced ridership levels normally seen on these routes during the summer.
• School Service will not operate during the summer.
• Summer weekend service to seasonal destinations will return on Route 25 to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, on Route 139 to Petrie Island, and on Route 185 to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Specific start dates will be provided on octranspo.com.

Service Adjustments for Construction

As a result of various road reconstruction and other infrastructure projects, the following routes may experience delays and additional travel time:

Route 16 and extensions of routes 57, 61, 63, 66, and 75 from Tunney’s Pasture to Gatineau due to road reconstruction on Scott Street between Parkdale Avenue and Bayview Road (westbound direction only).

• Routes 61, 63, 66, 75, and 85 due to ongoing projects along the Chaudière Crossing. The existing route detours are expected to continue through much of the summer service period.
• Routes 10 and 16 due to ongoing road reconstruction along Albert Street and Slater Street, between Empress Avenue and Bay Street.
• Routes 11, 16, and 19 due to the ongoing rehabilitation project along the Mackenzie King Bridge.
• Route 49 due to a detour to accommodate the infrastructure project on Valley Drive, impacting Pleasant Park Road.
• Routes 5 and 6 due to road reconstruction along Bank Street between Billings Bridge Station and Riverdale Avenue.
• Route 7 due to a detour to accommodate road reconstruction on Grove Avenue from July through the duration of the summer service period.

The Transitway, between Westboro Station and Lincoln Fields Station, will be detoured on a nightly basis throughout the summer service period due to Stage 2 construction:

• On weekdays, the detour will operate from 10:30 pm to 6 am.
• On weekends, the detour will begin at 10:30 pm on Friday evenings and will remain in effect until 6 am on Monday mornings (6 am on Tuesday mornings in instances where Monday is a holiday).
• Passengers travelling this segment may experience increased travel times during the detour periods and walking distances may increase slightly for customers who normally connect at Dominion and Lincoln Fields stations.

General Service Adjustments

• As part of the regular review of schedules to improve service reliability for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to routes 6, 7, 48, 85, 252, 256, 257, 258, 261, 264, and 272 on weekdays.
• The first westbound trips on Route 38 that start at Place d’Orléans Station will be extended to start at Trim Station.
• On weekdays, supplemental trips on Route 88 will be added between Baseline and Hurdman stations, to better reflect ridership levels.

Service to Major Events

• Canada Day – Free service is offered all day on Saturday, July 1. Bus service and O-Train Line 1 will operate on a special Canada Day schedule, with Line 1 operating from 6 am to 2 am.
• Bluesfest – Fares to and from the event are included with the event ticket. Additional buses will be available to supplement service levels where needed. Line 1 will be extended by one hour on Sundays (ending at midnight instead of 11 pm) and is expected to have additional capacity during egress times.
• Redblacks games – Fares to and from the event are included with the event ticket. Special 450-series service is provided to bring customers to and from the games.

Holidays

Canada Day Holiday (observed) - July 3, 2023:

• Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule, with enhanced service on routes 25, 63, 74, and 85. Select trips on routes 61, 63, and 75 will be extended to or from Gatineau during peak periods.
• Line 1 will continue a weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am.
• Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.

Civic Holiday - August 7, 2023:

• Bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule with enhanced service on routes 25, 63, 74, and 85. Select trips on routes 61, 63, and 75 will be extended to or from Gatineau in peak periods.
• Line 1 will continue a weekday schedule from 5 am to 1 am.
• Line 2 bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule from 6:30 am to midnight.

Customer information

• Full details will be communicated to customers throughout June, before the service changes take effect. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading an independent app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, and visiting octranspo.com from a smartphone. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

These summer service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership and operational data measurements. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service for customers as their travel needs change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Scott Laberge, Associate Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 14120.

Original signed by Renée Amilcar
cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

This memo is to advise Members of Council that Rideau Transit Group will be performing work on O-Train Line 1 at varying times for two weeks, from Monday, June 5 until Monday, June 19. Train service will continue to be delivered, but R1 bus service will be required in some sections.

All light rail systems require regular maintenance to ensure their long-term sustainability and reliability. This year’s maintenance work includes the following activities:

• Work to address water infiltration in the tunnel, east of Rideau Station
• Annual rail grinding across the entire line to reduce noise and vibration
• Overhead Catenary System, switch and track related maintenance and inspections
• The removal of vegetation within the guideway
• General maintenance and cleaning activities including the cleaning of glass and artwork, paint removal at specific locations in downtown tunnel stations, concrete, and tile repairs

During the work, O-Train Line 1 service will continue, but R1 bus service will operate in some sections of the line at specific times. The schedule below provides a full outline of service during this period.

Where possible, maintenance will occur during the evening hours to minimize impacts to customer travel. There are eight days, however, where R1 bus service will operate on a portion of the line for the full day.

Here is the service schedule for the two-week period:

Date	Time effective	Line 1 train service	R1 replacement bus service
Monday, June 5	8 pm – 1 am	Hurdman to Blair	Tunney’s Pasture to Hurdman
Tuesday, June 6	8 pm – 1 am	Tunney’s Pasture to Parliament; Tremblay to Blair	Lyon to Blair
Wednesday, June 7	8 pm – 1 am	Tunney’s Pasture to Parliament; Tremblay to Blair	Lyon to Blair
Thursday, June 8	8 pm – 1 am	Hurdman to Blair	Tunney’s Pasture to Hurdman
Friday, June 9	5 am – 8 pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Hurdman
	8 pm – 2 am	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament	Lyon to Blair
Saturday, June 10	6 am – 8 pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Hurdman
	8 pm – 2 am	Hurdman to Blair	Tunney's Pasture to Hurdman
Sunday, June 11	8 am – 8 pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Hurdman
	8 pm – 11 pm	Hurdman to Blair	Tunney's Pasture to Hurdman
Monday, June 12	5 am – 8pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Hurdman
	8 pm – 1 am	Hurdman to Blair	Tunney's Pasture to Hurdman
Tuesday, June 13	8 pm – 1 am	Lyon to Blair	Tunney’s Pasture to Rideau
Wednesday, June 14	8 pm – 1 am	Tunney’s Pasture to Rideau	Rideau to Blair
Thursday, June 15	N/A	Full Line 1 service	N/A
Friday, June 16	5 am – 8 pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Hurdman
	8 pm – 2 am	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament	Lyon to Blair
Saturday, June 17	6 am – 8 pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Hurdman
	8 pm – 2 am	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament	Lyon to Blair
Sunday, June 18	8 am – 8 pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Hurdman
	8 pm – 11 pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Blair
Monday, June 19	5 am – 8 pm	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Hurdman
	8 pm – 1 am	Tunney's Pasture to Parliament; Hurdman to Blair	Lyon to Blair

During this time:

• R1 replacement bus service will run frequently to meet ridership requirements
• Outreach staff will be located at key O-Train Line 1 stations to assist customers
• Signage will be posted in advance across the system to notify customers of the service changes and to direct customers to R1 bus stops

Regular O-Train Line 1 operations will resume on Tuesday, June 20.

We appreciate that this work can be disruptive for our customers, and we apologize for the inconvenience this service adjustment will cause.

Information, reminders, changes, and updates, will be communicated through various channels, including public service announcements, customer alerts, social media updates, signage at Line 1 stations, and on octranspo.com.

Customers can visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000. Schedules are available by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560 plus the bus stop number.

If you have any questions, please contact Troy Charter, Director, Transit Operations, at 613-580- 2424 ext. 52160 or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by Renée Amilcar
cc:  Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Michael Morgan, Director, Rail Construction Program, Transit Services Department

The following memo outlines the progress made during Q1 2023 on the Stage 2 project and provides an overview of the planned work for Q2 2023.

Stage 2 Trillium Line Project

Schedule

The City has been working closely with TransitNEXT to advance critical works that would enable the handover of the system to the City this year. Based on the current review of all inputs including an agreement on the training requirements, the current working timeline for the project handover is the beginning of October.

Subsequent to project handover, the City will make an assessment regarding the timing for start of public service. Final readiness activities and an assessment of system maturity will be made after handover from the build team.

Note that this timeline is based on the information we have available and assumes that completion of remaining milestones will be relatively smooth. There remains some risk and uncertainty in the completion of the remaining works.

The achievement of the handover milestone is contingent upon:

1. completion of trackwork
2. successful completion of signal testing
3. successful completion of system-wide commissioning including stations
4. regulatory approvals by Transport Canada
5. training completion

Design

Staff worked with TransitNEXT in Q1 2023 to continue resolving open comments for stations, guideways, and maintenance facilities. Staff reviewed issues for construction drawings for the Hunt Club Rail Bridge and the final design submissions for the communication systems.

Final signage and wayfinding shop drawings for the stations and Walkley Maintenance and Storage Facility (MSF) have also been submitted by TransitNEXT for a final accuracy review by Transit Services.

Construction – Highlights

During Q1 2023, the construction of all 13 Trillium Line stations continued, including elevator installation, platform work, utilities work, aluminium composite panels (ACM) and shelter installation, painting, glazing installation, communications cable pulling, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. The main breaker at Corso Italia, Carleton, Greenboro and Airport stations were energized during this period.

Work progressed in the Dow’s Lake Tunnel and pump house with cable pulling and termination of jet fan electrical connections.

Works progressed at the new Walkley Yard Facility (MSF), including epoxy flooring installation, commissioning of the HVAC system and various equipment that will be used on the trains. Work progressed in the train wash building with the installation of the energy recovery unit, floor grating and overhead doors. The train wash building was energized on permanent power during Q1 2023. Electrical, mechanical and HVAC rough-in scope also progressed at the inspection building.

Trackwork progressed along the entire alignment including track welding, destressing, and surfacing. Special trackwork installation continued at the Bayview and Limebank cross-over, and turnouts were also installed at various sections of the alignment. Direct fixation (DF) track installation started during Q1 2023 at Ellwood and Airport elevated guideways.

Hunt Club bridge works continued in Q1 2023 with the barrier walls between the rail and pathway completed, median barrier wall started, and remaining bridge approach work progressed during Q1 2023. Bridge works on the elevated guideway at Ellwood and the airport are nearing completion.

Handover

Following the completion of construction and then testing and commissioning program, TransitNEXT will begin a three-week trial running period to validate that all aspects of the system and maintenance activities perform as expected.

Following the successful completion of Trial Running as well as completion of all PA requirements, Substantial Completion will be achieved.

The system will then be available for OC Transpo to complete any remaining operational readiness activities before determining a final opening date to the public. The duration of this final process for validation of system readiness is still to be determined.

Stage 2 Confederation Line Project

Schedule

The East extension is currently forecasting a completion date of January 16, 2025, which is an approximate 7-week delay from the Project Agreement (PA) completion date of November 26, 2024 – this is a slight reduction from previous reports.

On the West extension, from Tunney’s Pasture Station to Moodie and Algonquin stations, the City is expecting a delay of up to 17 months against the contractual completion date of May 25, 2025. Specific elements such as the light maintenance and storage facility (LMSF) and Lincoln Fields Station are progressing well. Production rates and accumulated delays on the Cut and Cover Tunnel along the Kichi Zibi Mikan and Byron Linear Park are pushing the overall project completion date to late 2026.

Note that the project has two independent opening dates, with the eastern extension segment, from Blair Station to Trim Station, planned to open first.

Design

In Q1 2023, City staff continued their review of EWC’s designs of specific Confederation Line extension elements, including stations. The focus is now on closing open comments on design packages. In Q1 2023, staff continued the review of design documents for stations and remaining roads packages.

The review of other works that will be completed following Substantial Completion, including the Richmond Road Complete Streets and the decommissioning of portions of the Transitway, will continue in Q2 2023.

There is now a focus on review of testing and commissioning plans and documents that are now being provided by EWC.

Construction – Highlights

• In Q1 2023, work continued at stations and the LMSF throughout the west extension, including:
• Escalator installations and architectural finishing (acoustic panels and ceiling) at Algonquin Station
• Interior finishes, Traction Power Substation (TPSS) installation, and excavation at Lincoln Field Station
• Station works at Queensview Station
• Steel erection, plumbing and building envelope at Pinecrest Station
• Demolition, foundation, and platform level concrete work at Bayshore Station
• Rail and equipment installation at the LMSF
• Window and plumbing work at Iris Station
• Concrete and structural steel works at Moodie Station

Bulk excavation in the existing transitway trench between Kìchì Sìbì and Tunney’s Pasture stations progressed in Q1 2023 and is now complete for this area. Drainage work and rehabilitation of the trench walls including scaling and installation of anchors, shotcrete, and drapery continues in the trench.

Rail and rail tie delivery to the LMSF started in Q4 2022, and rail welding and installation began in Q1 2023. Energization of the TPSS building at the LSMF is complete. Catenary poles and catenary work are expected following installation of rail this spring.

In the east, the majority of the 23-kilometre guideway barrier wall between the rail guideway and the highway has been completed.

Overhead Catenary System (OCS) pole and cable trough installation continued, and the majority has been completed from Blair to Jeanne d’Arc stations. The Majority of OCS poles’ cantilever arms have been installed between the Blair flyover and Jeanne d’Arc Station as well.

Track installation between Blair and Jeanne d’Arc stations is complete. Track installation between Trim and Place d’Orléans stations continues and is progressing well. Trackwork between Jeanne d’Arc and Place d’Orléans stations is expected to begin in Q2 2023.

The TPSS units for Montréal and Place d’Orléans stations have been delivered and installed. The remaining three TPSS units in the East will be delivered in Q2 2023. Racks and cabinet installation as well as cable pulling started in the Train Signal equipment rooms in the East stations and will continue in Q2 2023.

Finishing works at Montréal and Jeanne d’Arc stations continues. Footings and foundation walls work at Convent Glen Station were completed in Q1 2023, underground mechanical and electrical, slab-on-grade and steel erection work will continue in Q2 2023. Framing and sheet rock work continued at Place d’Orléans Station. The concourse level pour has been completed at Trim Station. Escalators were delivered and installed at Place d’Orléans and Trim stations.

Handover

The handover sequence for the Stage 2 Confederation Line is different than in Stage 1. Following completion of the infrastructure and system commissioning by EWC, a three-week trial running period involving City operations, Rideau Transit Group and Rideau Transit Maintenance and EWC will be completed to verify operation and maintenance of the completed system. Following this work, additional time may be used for trial operations prior to opening for passenger service.

Stage 2 Project Vehicles

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. To date, 10 Stage 2 vehicles have been accepted and are in use as part of the operating fleet.

Configuration updates, software change, reliability and performance modifications that have been identified through Line 1 service since 2019, are being applied to the Stage 1 vehicles and to the Stage 2 vehicles in order to create a homogeneous fleet. Additional vehicles are undergoing final commissioning now and the fleet size is expected to be sufficient for the east extension by the end of this year. The remaining fleet order is expected to arrive well ahead of the west extension timelines.

TransitNEXT will supply seven Stadler FLIRT vehicles for the expanded Trillium Line, which have already been delivered to Ottawa. The existing Alstom LINT fleet have undergone a retrofit program and are now ready for system-wide testing and commissioning.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Contingency Funds

The Stage 1 Confederation Line contingency fund is $115 million. To date, $100.03 million from the total fund has been spent. Remaining funds are primarily related to property requirements and remaining commercial matters.

The original Stage 2 contingency fund of approximately $152 million was increased by $25 million due to unforeseen costs and improvements to the project, as approved by Council on July 6, 2022. Approximately $166 million of the Stage 2 contingency fund has been committed to date. Additional pressures remain on the contingency due to project delays increasing the cost for City oversight, existing and emerging variations for system improvements, residual project risks over the remainder of the project life, and open commercial issues.

Stage 1 and Stage 2 Capital Budgets

In keeping with Council’s approved 2017 Stage 2 Report (ACS2017- TSD-OTP-0001) and 2019 Stage 2 Report (ACS2019-TSD-OTP-0001), approximately $3.019 billion has been spent as of March 31, 2023 and relates to the RTG MOU for Belfast Yard and vehicle assembly mobilization ($424M), Confederation Line extension mobilization and construction period payments ($1.537B), Trillium Line extension construction period payments and financial close for the Revenue Vehicle Supply Contract ($602M), and contingency ($61M). The remaining $395M was spent for planning, procurement, project delivery and City retained scope.

Notably, the City received the final $60M payment from the MTO for Stage 1 on March 15, 2023 and received the final $60M payment from Transport Canada for Stage 1 in two installments, $5.8M on April 12, 2023 and $54.2M on April 18, 2023. No funds are outstanding and the funding agreements for Stage 1 of the Confederation Line are now closed. The City will continue to report on critical reliability issues on the Confederation Line to the funding partners as part of the Stage 2 funding agreement.

March 31, 2023

Project Description	Authority	Actual Expenditures	Funds Reserved/Committed	Unspent/Uncommitted
Stage 1
Confederation Line Program	2,130,000,000	2,130,000,000	-	-
Contingency	15,000,000	100,026,391	14,973,609	-
Total Stage 1	2,245,000,000	2,230,026,391	14,973,609	-
Stage 2
Confederation Line Extensions DBF Contract	2,680,832,113	1,536,991,384	1,143,840,728	-
Trillium Line Extension DBFM Contract	810,159,585	601,609,174	70,028,421	-
Deferred Equity (Maintenance Term)	-	-	138,521,990	-
RTG Stage 2 MOU (includes 38 Alstom vehicles)	516,184,423	424,310,870	91,795,352	78,201
City Costs (includes planning, procurement, property acquisitions, City retained scope, and delivery oversight)	532,629,108	394,337,767	40,778,625	97,512,715
Contingency	177,640,000	61,307,396	105,008,910	11,323,694
Total Stage 2	4,717,445,229	3,018,556,592	1,589,974,026	108,914,610

Communications and Stakeholder Relations

In Q1 2023, the Stage 2 LRT communications highlights include:

• Five videos with over 6,000 views combined 
• 79 newsletters to 7,396 subscribers 
• 59,000 unique visitors on Ottawa.ca/Stage2 
• 36 weekly construction activity lookaheads 

On March 29, the LRT Sub-Committee received an update on the Stage 2 project. There is significant progress being made in the East, West and South that residents can see in this video and read about in this blog story.  

Residents are encouraged to subscribe to the Stage 2 LRT newsletter and follow Stage 2 on Instagram @Stage2Etape2 to receive progress updates, construction photos and videos and area specific notifications regarding upcoming works. Residents can also subscribe to the electronic newsletters. 

Should you have any questions about the information provided in this memo, please do not hesitate to contact me at extension 52718.

Original signed by
Michael Morgan

c.c. Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide Mayor and Members of Council with information on changes to OC Transpo’s Twitter accounts that are designed to support customers.

OC Transpo began using Twitter in 2010; it has since gained close to 82,000 followers and shared almost 400,000 updates across three accounts. In that time, social media has significantly evolved, as have customer expectations.

As part of OC Transpo’s commitment to implementing industry best practices, increasing responsiveness to customer inquiries, improving overall communications, and building public trust, OC Transpo is relaunching its Twitter accounts.

Starting today, “OC_TranspoHelps” and “OC_TranspoAide” are replacing the “OCTranspoLive” and “OCTranspoDirect” accounts. These new customer service-focused Twitter accounts are managed by customer service representatives who are empowered to quickly respond to customer inquiries and provide support.

Detours, major disruptions, and other important service alerts will continue to be shared on these accounts. This complements OC Transpo’s organizational account, “OC_Transpo”, which provides system-wide updates and general information for customers, such as links to the Next Stop Blog posts.

While some customers may have used the previous Twitter accounts to find changes to their specific bus trips, this is no longer possible. Twitter has introduced new pricing to access certain features of their platform, which would add a cost of approximately $675,600 per year to continue to post specific trip information.

This update to OC Transpo’s Twitter presence is also a component of a plan to improve communications with customers; further enhancements can be expected. These improvements will complement ongoing work to upgrade real-time data information for customers. Additional information on the real-time data project will be provided at the May 11 Transit Commission meeting.

Customers can continue to find specific bus trip information, like bus departure times, by:

• Visiting octranspo.com and using the next departures widget on the homepage
• Signing up for MyAlerts
• By texting 560560
• Using the Travel Planner.

OC Transpo will be communicating with customers on our channels to inform them of this change.

We would be grateful for your assistance in communicating this change to residents. Attached are some sample social media posts to assist in sharing this information.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact, Lisa Bishop-Spencer, Director Transit Strategic Communications and External Relations, at extension 51266, or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by,
Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide Members of Council and the Transit Commission with an update regarding the temporary scaffolding located at Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations. This scaffolding was installed in late 2019 to provide additional weather protection for customers along some sections of the bus platforms.

As directed by City Council at its meeting of March 1, 2023, the temporary scaffolding will be removed in May. At Tunney’s Pasture Station, the work will start as early as May 1, and is expected to take up to 14 days. At Hurdman Station, the work will start as early as May 11, and will last up to 10 days. The work will take place overnight, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. and will not result in impacts for customers at the stations.

As directed by Council, staff are preparing a proposal, including a cost breakdown, of potential permanent solutions for both Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations. Staff are examining the feasibility and cost of installing permanent improved weather protection for Hurdman Station and the south-side bus platforms at Tunney’s Pasture Station, which will remain in use after the opening of the Stage 2 extensions. In addition, staff are also examining interim improved weather protection for the north-side bus platforms at Tunney’s Pasture Station, which are to be removed from service following the Stage 2 west extension.

Staff will assess what work is feasible within the current capital authority and what work would require additional funding authority for consideration through the future capital budget process. The proposal will be presented to the Transit Commission once it is complete, and in advance of the 2024 budget discussions.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Scott Laberge, Associate Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning at ext. 14120, or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by
Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that new convenient ways for customers to pay their fares on Para Transpo are now available. As mentioned at the Transit Commission meeting on April 13, all Para Transpo minibuses and taxis now have smartcard readers installed, providing customers with more options to pay for their fare, including a Presto card, a credit card, or a credit card in a mobile wallet on a smartphone.

Adding smartcard readers to Para Transpo vehicles simplifies the customer experience, as customers no longer need to provide a receipt as proof of payment. Customers can simply buy a Presto card, register it at prestocard.ca, add their monthly pass or load funds to their e-Purse, and use the card to pay for their fare when they board.

Payment by credit card will always charge a full Adult fare. The option to pay with a debit card will also be introduced soon, and customers continue to have the option to pay for their trips with cash or their ParaPay account.

Customers with existing discounts on their ParaPay accounts can call 613-560-5000 to have their discount transferred to a Presto card. Age-based discounts including Senior discounts can be added to a card in person at participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws and Real Canadian Superstore locations or at the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre at the Rideau Centre.

Information will be communicated to customers through OC Transpo’s information channels, including a public service announcement, printed material, social media updates, and octranspo.com.
Should you have any questions or comments about any of the points in this memo, please contact Pat Scrimgeour, Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 52205.

Original signed by
Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Director, Rail Construction Program

The following memorandum provides Mayor and Council with information regarding appointments to the Stage 2 Confederation Line Project extensions in the east and west of the city to support the delivery and startup of the project, and provides additional information in advance of the technical briefing scheduled for April 19, 2023 at 2 p.m. A previous iteration of this memorandum (also attached for reference) provided details on the oversight appointments on the Stage 2 Trillium Line extension.

As a starting point, it is worth noting that there are significant differences between the startup of a new rail line, such as in Stage 1 of the Confederation Line, and the work to extend an operational railway as with the Stage 2 project. For a new startup, testing activities are completed in a closed environment and the work is generally isolated from end users. For an extension project, the work can be completed in a closed environment to begin with but, eventually, requires integration and testing of the interfaces between the new sections and the existing section. The availability of existing infrastructure and vehicles helps to simplify testing of some elements of an extension project but also creates additional complexities at the boundary between the new infrastructure and the existing infrastructure. The various oversight roles described below have been organized to match the complexity of the Stage 2 program.

These appointments address Recommendation #28 from the Ottawa Light Rail Public Inquiry related to oversight, systems integration, and independent certification of the new rail lines.

Stage 2 Systems Integration

As noted in previous updates to Council, the Stage 2 Confederation Line Project Agreement (PA) adopts lessons learned from Stage 1 and uses a different strategy for dealing with systems integration and verification of project requirements.

The Confederation Line PA requires that East West Connectors (EWC) undertake a robust approach to systems engineering and integration activities based on a systems engineering approach defined by European Standards EN 50126 and ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015 standards.

These standards establish a defined framework for the implementation of systems engineering and integration activities within project life cycle stages. Simply put, the framework defines what systems engineering and integration activities need to take place during each project phase using a regimented engineering management approach. This process ensures that the necessary interfaces and interactions between the different project components, including infrastructure, facilities, subsystems, software, operations, and maintenance, have been identified and engineered to function together as a holistic system. The application of these standards will support these interdependent systems coming together to form a safe and reliable transit service.

To assist with these activities, the City and EWC have jointly engaged a System Integration Verifier (SIV) who will assist the parties in confirming the system integration requirements as between the City’s work on the Transit Operations Control Centre and the connections to field equipment provided by EWC. The SIV is a third-party independent function that provides verification services to both the City and EWC as part of the Stage 2 systems integration works. The role of the SIV is to monitor critical system implementation and integration milestones and certify that the testing has validated their successful implementation.

The Stage 2 SIV contract has been awarded to Ingerop, an international French multi-disciplinary engineering firm, with over 2,300 employees and 50 branches worldwide. Areas of specialization cover transport systems integration, signaling and CBTC, catenary and other railway systems. Ingerop has been involved with LRT and Metro projects worldwide, including Line 15-SouthGrand Paris (France) Metro, Line 18 GrandParis Metro, T9 Paris tramway, Line 1and 3 Lima Metro (Perú), L3 Seville Metro (Spain), Granada LRT (Spain), Málaga Metro (Spain), Zaragoza LRT (Spain), Madrid ML1, ML2 and ML3LRT projects (Spain), Medellín tramway (Colombia) and Line 1 Mexico DB (Mexico).

The Stage 2 Confederation Line Project Agreement also requires that KEV (Kiewit, Eurovia, and Vinci) undertake a vigorous system safety assurance process to certify that all elements of the new expanded system are safe prior to the start of revenue operations. KEV’s system safety and assurance process is guided by European Standards EN 50126 which defines Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS) activities during each project phase. This iterative approach to system safety and assurance – leading to a Safety Case compliant with the European Standard EN 50129 - ensures that KEV is regularly reviewing, defining, and improving upon its safety tasks during each project phase. These standards establish a defined framework for the implementation of systems integration activities within project life cycle stages. Simply put, the framework defines what systems integration activities need to take place during each project phase using a regimented project management approach. As part of the Project Agreement, KEV is required to provide a Systems Integration Manager with at least 15 years’ experience in this area to manage this scope.

Stage 2 Independent Oversight

The City is overseeing all aspects of the safety certification process through a joint team of City staff, external specialist consultants, and an independent safety auditor. The auditor will confirm that KEV’s approach to system safety and assurance is sound, and that it has fulfilled compliance with all safety requirements throughout each project phase. The City has engaged SENER Inc. as the safety auditor, an international engineering and technology firm with wide experience in safety auditing and acceptance services. SENER is a certified Railway Independent Safety Auditor (ISA) that has provided ISA services throughout the world, including metro line 9 to the Barcelona International Airport (Spain), the Zapopan to Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque LRT system (Mexico), and the Lusail LRT Tramway (Qatar).

As is the standard model for this type of project, an Independent Certifier (IC) has been engaged to actively review the progress of works on site and authorize payments for works completed. The IC assigned to the Stage 2 Confederation Line Project, AW Hooker, is actively reviewing project progress and certifying payments as part of their services to the Project. The IC’s role is bound by the Project Agreement and the City can rely on their services for completion of the contractual requirements.

In addition to the Project Agreement requirements outlined above, a variety of independent regulatory bodies, including the City’s Building Code Services, the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA), and Ottawa Fire Services play an important role in ensuring that station and systems elements meet pertinent code requirements.

Overall Stage 1 – Stage 2 Extension Integration

The works and oversight described are in relation to the infrastructure being delivered by EWC only. In order to provide a complete view of the expanded Confederation Line, it is important to outline the various inputs that are required for vehicles, systems, infrastructure, operations and maintenance and how they are verified and validated as a complete unit.

• RTG provided an expansion to the Stage 1 Belfast Yard for additional storage and additional maintenance capability and RTG is providing an additional 38 Alstom Citadis vehicles as part of the Stage 2 Fleet Expansion including the safety certification for the individual vehicles;
• EWC is designing and constructing the expanded Confederation Line, and will safety certify the delivery of their works which includes the Thales safety case for the integrated Stage 1 and Stage 2 train control system;
• The City’s Rail Construction Program team is providing an expansion and upgrade of key communication systems (SCADA, CCTV, PIS/PA, etc.) at the Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC) to be able to support the expanded systems;
• RTG through their subcontractor RTM will be mobilizing and preparing to provide expanded maintenance services; and,
• The City’s Transit Services team will be mobilizing and preparing to provide expanded operational services.

SENER, as Independent Safety Auditor, will provide a safety audit of the complete, expanded system on behalf of the City to ensure that the integrated solution meets the safety requirements.

Moreover, the coordination and integration of various scopes of work will be demonstrated as an integrated system through the Trial Running period. The Trial Running period, in the context of a system extension, is an EWC contractual requirement to test and exercise the respective System Infrastructure, including all subsystems, that comprise the relevant works, operating personnel and operating procedures to demonstrate the East Works and West Works can reliably implement passenger service without interruptions. Further details on the Trial Running process for the Confederation Line will be provided in 2024 and the full definition of Trial Running is provided in Schedule 14 listed on the City of Ottawa’s Routine Disclosure webpage.

Should you have any questions about the information provided in this memo, please do not hesitate to contact me at extension 52718.

Original signed by
Michael Morgan
Cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transportation Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that, as part of OC Transpo’s Bus Route Review discussed at Transit Commission, consultations with Council and the public process will begin shortly.

With changes to ridership since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the upcoming opening of the Stage 2 O-Train extensions, there is a need to optimize our existing transit system.

This review aligns with the ongoing City service reviews being coordinated by the Service Review Working Group. Upon the conclusion of this process, OC Transpo will be able to optimize routes to support residents’ changing transit needs, while also responding to new realities, such as hybrid work, and to make policy recommendations to Council, if required.

As part of the review, transit customers, Councillors, customer advocacy groups, major employers, OC Transpo employees and other stakeholders will be engaged in a variety of different consultations:

• Briefings with Councillors on the review will be scheduled soon.
• At the end of April, a dedicated webpage and survey will be launched on OCTranspo.com. The webpage will provide additional information about the route review and the survey will be the first opportunity for customers to provide input on how they use the Ottawa’s transit system, and what they want the future of transit in Ottawa to look like.
• In the coming months, there will also be public consultations held in various locations across the city to allow for further public input.

Transit Services will be providing Councillors with information packages to facilitate outreach in their wards.

To support the work required to complete this review, the core project team has engaged Dillon Consulting. Dillon was prequalified for this type of work through the City’s standing offer list. They will be working closely with our subject matter experts and bring expertise in planning, engineering, environmental science, and management.

If you have any questions or comments, contact Scott Laberge, Associate Director Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 14120.

Original signed by, Renée Amilcar

c.c.: Senior Leadership Team Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that O-Train Line 1 service will be adjusted on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30, and on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 for the partial closure of the downtown tunnel, due to a necessary maintenance assessment.

• Line 1 will continue to run between Tunney's Pasture and Parliament stations in the west, and between Hurdman and Blair stations in the east during this time.
• R1 bus replacement service will run frequently between Hurdman and Lyon stations to meet ridership requirements.  
• Regular train service will resume at 5:00 am on both Monday, May 1 and Monday, May 8.

This work must occur for Rideau Transit Group (RTG) to assess the scope of required repairs to prevent water infiltration in sections of the tunnel. This type of regular maintenance is common for underground tunnels, and there are no safety concerns.

This RTG assessment is necessary and will provide the basis for the development of a workplan for scheduled tunnel maintenance work in June. Information about this June maintenance work will be communicated to Council in advance.

Information and reminders will be communicated to customers in advance of the April and May planned maintenance through various channels, including a Public Service Announcement, customer alerts, social media updates, signage at Line 1 stations, and on octranspo.com.

Customers can visit octranspo.com for travel planning assistance or call 613-560-5000. OC Transpo Red Vest staff will be present across the system and stationed at key areas to assist customers throughout the duration of the temporary service adjustments.

Staff will be pleased to answer questions about the upcoming temporary closures in April and May at tomorrow’s Transit Commission meeting and can answer media questions during the media availability immediately following.

If you have any questions, please contact Troy Charter, Director, Transit Service Delivery and Rail Operations, at ext. 52160 or me at ext. 52111.

Original signed by
Renée Amilcar

cc:       Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council
Chair and Members of the Transit Commission

From: General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with an overview of OC Transpo’s spring service changes, effective Sunday, April 23, 2023. Regular schedule adjustments take place four times a year – spring, summer, fall and winter – and memos are provided in advance of each new schedule period.

The spring service change includes several types of changes:

• Service adjustments
• Service adjustments for construction
• Seasonal service changes

Service Adjustments

• The weekday trip on Route 75 that starts at Tunney’s Pasture Station at 16:07 will be extended to end at the Minto Recreation Centre instead of Barrhaven Centre.
• Service on Route 97 to and from the Ottawa International Airport will be increased from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes through most of the service day, seven days a week. This will restore the frequency of service to the airport to what it was before changes were implemented in Summer 2021 as result of low ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Route 228 will be adjusted to serve Chapel Hill Station.
• Route 231 will be extended in the morning to start on Innes Road, west of Frank Bender Street, to address idling concerns from nearby residents.
• As part of the regular review of schedules to improve reliability and service for customers, schedule adjustments will be made to the following routes:
  • On weekdays, O-Train Line 2 replacement bus service and routes 40, 57, 88, 168, 170, 171, 231, 261, and 263.
  • On weekends, routes 61, 62, 63, and 88.
• School service will be adjusted to better meet students’ travel needs.
  • A.Y. Jackson Secondary School: Select school trips on Route 161 will be adjusted to travel on Stonehaven Drive and Grassy Plains Drive, reducing the walking distance for students in the Stonehaven Drive / Old Richmond Road area.
  • Earl of March Secondary School: The afternoon school trip on Route 62 will be extended to start at Teron Station.

Service Adjustments for Construction

• With the completion of the Montréal Road Revitalization Project last fall, routes 12 and 15 will revert to their pre-construction routing and hours of service, with Route 12 operating from Blair Station to Parliament Station seven days per week (no longer serving St-Laurent Station), and Route 15 operating during weekday peak periods only, between Blair Station and Gatineau (no longer operating in the midday or evening, nor on weekends, nor via Blair Road). Downtown, Route 12 will operate via Elgin Street and Queen Street instead of Wellington Street.

Seasonal Service Changes

• Frequency on O-Train Line 2 replacement bus and on Route 25 will be reduced in certain time periods on weekdays, to reflect reduced seasonal ridership levels at Carleton University and La Cité.
• Frequency on routes 56 and 57 will be reduced in certain time periods on weekdays, to reflect seasonal changes in ridership.

Holidays

Day	Date	Bus Service Level	O-Train Line 1 Service Level	Line 2 Bus Service Level
Victoria Day	Monday, May 22	Sunday schedule	Sunday schedule Hours: 8 am - 11 pm	Sunday schedule Hours: 7:15 am – 11 pm
Canada Day	Saturday, July 1	Special Canada Day schedule	Special Canada Day schedule Hours: 6 am - 2 am	Special Canada Day schedule Hours: 7:15 am – 1 am

Customer information

Full details of these service changes will be communicated to customers throughout April. OC Transpo has several customer-friendly applications and tools to assist customers in accessing timely information about our service while on the go. These include texting 560560 for real-time bus schedule information, downloading an independent app, signing up for text alerts to receive the latest information, checking transit information screens at many major stations, as well as visiting octranspo.com from a smartphone. Real-time information is also available by calling 613-560-1000 plus the bus stop number.

Once the spring service changes begin on April 23, customers can find up-to-date schedules and real-time information by using these applications and tools. Please direct customers to octranspo.com or to the OC Transpo Customer Service Centre (613-560-5000) for more information.

These spring service changes will be evaluated based on feedback we collect from customers and operating staff, as well as ridership and operational data measurements. Our goal is to continue to provide excellent service for customers as their travel needs change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Scott Laberge, Associate Director, Transit Customer Systems and Planning, at extension 14120.

Original signed by
Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team
Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team
Director, Public Information and Media Relations

Following the discussions on the 2023 draft budget at Transit Commission on February 9, some Members of Council have asked for more clarity regarding the draft budget and what it means for OC Transpo’s customers. The purpose of this memo is to provide Members of Council with further information regarding OC Transpo’s proposed 2023 budget.

OC Transpo is committed to delivering the best possible service for our customers and in this draft budget we are not proposing any overall service cuts. The budget process provides an opportunity to recalibrate our investments in our transit system and ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers. In the draft budget, OC Transpo is making needed investments to meet the new post-pandemic travel needs of our customers.

OC Transpo has both operating and capital budgets.

The proposed operating budget for will be $17 million higher and includes significant service increases that will have a positive impact for customers. Operating budgets fund ongoing expenses such as staff salaries and diesel fuel costs

The proposed capital budget for OC Transpo calls for new investments of $122 million, to add to the continued delivery of $782 million in previously approved capital projects. Capital budgets are used to make long-term investments in infrastructure and other assets.

For customers, this means that they will continue to see improvements across the transit system due to investments within both the capital and operating budgets. At a high level this includes:

Enhancements	Investment	System Improvements
Opening the expanded O-Train Line 2 (Bayview to Riverside South) and the new O-Train Line 4 to the airport	$16 million	12-minute service, seven days a week, between 13 stations (8 new), using 13 trains (7 new), over the north-south corridor.
Electrification of bus fleet	$335 million in City funding, combined with $639 million in federal loans and grants	All new OC Transpo conventional buses will be powered by electricity, resulting in reduced emissions and a quieter, smoother ride.
New operators	Hiring 360 rail and bus operators in 2023	Many newly hired operators will replace others who are retiring. Others will support the opening of the two new O-Train lines, and others will increase the workforce to improve the reliability of all parts of the transit system.
Fare freeze	$5 million	Council is investing $5 million in keeping fares unchanged from 2022, to make it easier for everyone to choose transit for their travel
Renewal of city assets	$97 million	This includes things like bus replacement Para Transpo minibuses, infrastructure rehabilitation, and work to be ready for the opening of the Stage 2 O-Train extensions.
Technology and accessibility	$25 million	Technology investments will improve information for customers and will sustain a reliable transit service. Accessibility investments will remove barriers to travel for people with disabilities.

While making these investments in our service, the draft budget also takes a prudent approach to managing taxpayers’ money. For example, The City enters into hedging contracts for diesel fuel to provide greater budget certainty and guard against potential price fluctuations. The city fixes prices for 75% of the expected volume over the next eight months and hedges to lesser amounts further out on a rolling basis. Additionally, like many other transit agencies around the world, we are seeing increases in costs in many areas due to inflation. For items like fuel, wages and contracts the cost of inflation is about $28.1 million. Wages and contracts are increasing at the same pace as previous years, but the price of fuel is estimated to increase by 37% over 2022 budgeted prices. The construction price index has increased to 6.3%, resulting in $6.2 million in added costs that must be accommodated in the capital budget.

While there have been good increases in ridership in recent months, there are still about 30% of customers who are not expected to return in 2023, compared to 2019 levels, largely because many office workers are continuing to work full-time or part-time from home. This amounts to approximately a $53 million fare revenue shortfall. In January 2023, ridership was 62% compared to 2019 levels, which is aligned with staff projections. This increase is based on the start of the gradual return to on-site work by employees of the federal government, the largest employer in Ottawa.

To respond to the new and increasing costs and the fact that ridership and fare revenue remain below pre-pandemic levels, OC Transpo is proposing a number of savings for 2023 that better align our costs with service levels that follow the needs of our customers. For example, prior to the pandemic OC Transpo required 851 conventional buses to deliver service. When ridership levels fell due to the pandemic, these buses were retained in the fleet because it was unknown how quickly the City economy and transit ridership levels would recover. Now that ridership patterns are more stable, this budget is proposing a realignment of OC Transpo’s bus fleet size to 738 to match actual service needs. For OC Transpo this means avoiding $4.4 million in maintenance costs and $3.7 million in capital costs in 2023 by retiring older vehicles. For customers this means the same number of buses on the road and the same schedules they are familiar with. No changes to service will be made because of this fleet realignment, and we will continue to have enough buses to meet the demands of our growing city for this year and next.  

This and other prudent savings proposed in the draft budget allow us to provide a more reliable service and to continue to invest in customer improvements.

In addition, due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, we have notified the province of needing $53 million under the Safe Restart Agreement program to cover the shortfall in fare revenue. The City will need to receive at least $39 million to balance the budget. This request is lower than previous years as we continue to lower our dependency on senior levels of government, while considering service delivery needs and financial risks. Should the Provincial contributions fall below the minimum requirements, we have alternative options ready, including drawing from reserves to make up the shortfall or bringing options for further cost savings to the Transit Commission for consideration.

Following the adoption of the 2023 budget, OC Transpo will also be undertaking a review of all bus routes. As ridership patterns have changed due to the pandemic, we must adapt the system to this new reality to continue to deliver the best possible service to our customers. This will involve evaluating potential future networks and identifying potential changes to service policy. Throughout this process consultations with customers and stakeholders will occur. Recommendations will be brought to Transit Commission later this year.

As described above, OC Transpo continues to make investments to improve the customer experience and improve the service we deliver to them. 

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Renée Amilcar, General Manager, Transit Services Department

The purpose of this memo is to inform Members of Council that the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) issued a Rail Safety Advisory (RSA) letter (link is external and opens in a new tab or window) on February 3, 2023, regarding O-Train Line 1 vehicle axle bearing assemblies. This work is the result of its investigation that commenced after the August 2021 derailment and the July 2022 wheel axle hub event. OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) have reviewed the letter, met with TSB, and staff are now in a position to provide this letter to Council.

The City of Ottawa has an agreement with TSB, setting out the process for both parties to conduct their own investigations on O-Train Line 1. The City benefits from having TSB as external investigators for accidents and events, as it is an expert in post-incident investigations. TSB input has significantly contributed to enhancing the robust safety measures of our light rail system. Staff thank TSB for its timely investigations and communications, and City staff have fully cooperated with its work.

After reviewing the letter, OC Transpo and RTG can confirm that all enhanced system safety measures in place align with TSB suggestions. RTG has provided the City with written confirmation that the O-Train Line 1 system is safe. Staff are currently reviewing TSB’s findings in detail; this information will assist RTG in completing the final root cause analysis into the wheel axle hub assembly issue. 

The safety of Transit customers is paramount. As discussed at Council in July 2022, out of an abundance of caution, while the root cause investigation of the axle bearing assembly is underway, enhanced mitigation measures are in place to ensure that the trains and system are safe: 

In accordance with standard operating procedures, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) inspects all light rail vehicles daily, prior to every launch 

All leading and trailing bogie axles are replaced when they reach 175,000 km of service and are inspected for bearing assembly free play every 7,500 km

The remaining axles are inspected at every 3,750 km when they exceed 175,000 km

Temporary Speed Restrictions are in place at several locations along the alignment

OC Transpo hosts weekly status meetings on the root cause analysis with RTG, RTM, OLRT-C and its subcontractors

RTG has installed vibration monitoring equipment on some trains and plans to expand the installation on additional vehicles in the coming months.

The final root cause analysis is ongoing, and the recent settlement agreement with RTG implements a solid plan that actions the TSB recommendations to resolve these issues. Staff will present the findings and recommendations to Council for consideration once this is complete. The City continues to work collaboratively with RTG and is actively monitoring its work and progress. Our shared goal is to determine the final root cause of this issue and implement a solution that makes O-Train Line 1 operations sustainable and reliable.

Original signed by

Renée Amilcar

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations

To: Mayor and Members of Council

From: Cyril Rogers, Acting Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer and Troy Charter, Acting General Manager of Transit Services

The purpose of this memo is to advise Mayor and Members of Council that a report providing a financial update on the Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Program will be part of the Council agenda posted on ottawa.ca on Friday, January 20, for Council consideration at its meeting on Wednesday, January 25.

The report provides an update on Canada Infrastructure Bank and Infrastructure Canada funding for the ZEB program. We are pleased to advise that we have successfully concluded funding from both agencies and are seeking approval of budget authority for the program to begin the procurement of OC Transpo zero-emission buses and related charging infrastructure.

You are invited to attend an announcement by the Government of Canada on Thursday, January 19 at 9 am at OC Transpo, 1500 St. Laurent Boulevard. Please RSVP by emailing Kavita.Gaur@ottawa.ca.

The Zero-Emissions Buses for OC Transpo report was approved by Council on June 23, 2021. Pending funding availability, the program could allow OC Transpo to achieve a fully zero-emission bus fleet by 2036.

Converting OC Transpo’s bus fleet from diesel-powered vehicles to electric is a key component of the City of Ottawa’s Climate Change Master Plan, the City’s overarching framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and respond to the current and future effects of climate change.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact Isabelle Jasmin, Deputy City Treasurer, Corporate Finance, at extension 21312.

Original signed by

Cyril Rogers & Troy Charter

cc: Senior Leadership Team

Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team

Director, Public Information and Media Relations