2023 year-end update on the O-Train extension and transit projects

O-Train South Extension train testing at Limebank Station

Didn’t get a chance to tune into the December 14 Transit Commission and Light Rail-Sub-Committee meeting? No worries! The Next Stop Blog is here to get you caught up on the latest transit updates.

In 2023, we implemented technology improvements to fare systems, completed the bus route review and established the 5-Year Roadmap that will increase service reliability and improve transit service for residents.

You can watch the presentation here or check out the highlights from the meeting below.

Wheel Bearing Issue Update

An update was provided on the wheel bearing issue related to O-Train Line 1 service.

Testing will start in the coming weeks on the nut pining of the wheel hub assembly. Data will be gathered and analyzed for safety and improved performance.

Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of this work.

Preparing Line 1 for winter

An update was provided on OC Transpo’s winter readiness plans include improvements to communications and planning processes with Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM), enhanced monitoring for O-Train Line 1 during storms, and an overview of our Severe Storm Schedule for buses in the event of significant snowfall of 31 cm or more.

Updates to apps and real time information

OC Transpo is making improvements to real-time customer information systems and introducing features that will make it easier for customers to see accurate departure times, track buses and plan their trips. In October, the Transit app was opened by 95,000 riders in Ottawa.

In the near future, the Transit app will have additional customer benefits including improvements to information on cancelled trips and crowdsourcing capabilities.

You can read more about the benefits of using the Transit app here.

Ridership and service performance

A ridership update was provided for the month of October. O-Train and conventional bus ridership was at 6.4 million trips in October 2023, which was an increase of 800,000 compared to October 2022.

In November, 97.4 per cent of bus trips were fulfilled and Para Transpo ridership was at 70,600 customer trips.

O-Train Extension Project

Across the city, progress is being made on all three O-Train extensions. This year, many milestones were achieved in the south, east and west. You get a bird's eye view of the progress here or read our highlights below.

On the O-Train East extension, track installation is complete and overhead catenary system work is underway and will be wrapped up in 2024. Station construction and work on pedestrian bridges is progressing well.
 

In the new year, for the first time ever, you will see the testing of trains between Blair and Jeanne d’Arc stations.

Pedestrian bridge and station construction continues at Place d’Orléans.

On the O-Train West Extension, track installation and station construction continue. The cut and cover tunnels have been fully excavated and concrete pours for the roof and walls of the tunnels is underway. Next year, the tunnel structural work will be completed, and track work will begin.

 Crews continue to work on the tunnel structure near New Orchard Station.

In the south, station construction is almost complete. In November, a new milestone in the testing program was achieved when nine trains began running on the system. This is an important milestone as it is the number of trains required for service.  

A successful full-scale emergency response training exercise with 144 participants was also held at the Ottawa International Airport to practice emergency procedures.

We look forward to sharing more progress in 2024!

For more updates on the O-Train extension, check out our new project website here.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram