OC Explained: Coordinating CN Freight Trains on Line 2
The phased launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 begins on January 6, starting with weekday service.
As part of our OC Explained blog series, we’re taking you behind the scenes to explore how Line 2 operates.
A key part of this story is how we coordinate with Canadian National Railway Company (CN) freight trains to ensure safe and efficient service for both passengers and shipments. These movements are vital to our region’s economy and we have a plan in place to ensure your transit journey remains smooth.
What are CN Train movements?
- CN train movements refer to freight trains operated by Canadian National Railway (CN).
- These trains cross O-Train Line 2 tracks at the Walkley Diamond, a key intersection between Greenboro and Walkley Stations.
- These trains run to transport goods west of Ottawa and support our region’s economy.
When do CN Freight Trains cross?
- Frequency: CN freight trains typically run twice on certain days. This typically happens once a week on Wednesdays, but can occur on other days.
- Timing: Expect one train in the morning (8–9 am) and another in the afternoon (4–5 pm). These movements are scheduled carefully to balance freight needs with passenger train service.
Why this coordination matters
- Both OC Transpo and CN are federally regulated, with agreements in place to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- CN freight trains cross Line 2 tracks, delivering essential goods to region’s local businesses.
- Coordination between OC Transpo and CN ensures both transit and freight needs are met, creating a balance that benefits both riders and the local economy.
What to expect during freight train movements
- Customers travelling on Line 2 may experience brief delays of 1–3 minutes to allow CN trains to safely cross the tracks.
- Skilled Diesel Rail Controllers reduce these delays by managing crossings in real time, prioritizing safety, and efficiency.
How we minimize disruptions
We know delays can be frustrating, but we do everything we can to keep your commute on schedule.
When freight trains need to cross Line 2, here’s how we work with CN to minimize the impact on your journey and ensure safe operations:
- Strategic train holding: We hold trains in the right places to prevent big delays at a single station platform.
- Prioritizing Line 2 trains: If a Line 2 train is at Greenboro or Walkley, we make sure it can pass through the diamond first, before any CN trains.
- Managing CN movements: When we’re informed about a CN train, we take steps to ensure safety by temporarily blocking tracks and signals in areas that won’t disrupt regular passenger service. Once the train is ready to move, we provide clearance for it to pass.
- Constant monitoring: Our Diesel Rail Controllers watch CCTV cameras closely and contact the CN engineer if they see the CN train has crossed but hasn’t cleared its path.
- Quick adjustments: If a delay does happen, the Diesel Rail Controllers can request that Dispatch Rail Operators reduce the amount of time they are stopped at terminal stations, Bayview or Limebank, ensuring the train departs its next trip on time.
