Lines 2 & 4 are here: Let’s get you ready!
This launch is the first step in a three-phase rollout of service on O-Train Lines 24.
Starting with weekday service, the lines will expand to Saturdays and Sundays in the following weeks. Each phase will last a minimum of two weeks and has been carefully planned to ensure smooth, safe, and reliable operations, while connecting even more neighbourhoods—including a direct link to Ottawa International Airport.
What’s new with Lines 2 & 4?
The O-Train South Extension is designed to simplify daily travel for residents, especially those living in the south or studying at Carleton University. Whether you're heading to work, catching a flight, or exploring Ottawa, here’s what you can look forward to:
- Line 2stretches 19 km, connecting key neighbourhoods like Carleton University, Little Italy, and Riverside South.
- Line 4offers a direct connection to Ottawa International Airport, making travel easier for flyers and visitors.
- Seamless and free transfers:
- Switch between Lines 2 and 4 at South Keys Station.
- Connect to Line 1 at Bayview Station for quick access to downtown Ottawa.
- Transfer from train to bus and back at no extra cost.
- Modern stations: Bigger platforms and updated designs make boarding easier for all riders.
- Line 2 trains - Stadler FLIRT : Spacious interiors accommodate up to 420 passengers for a more comfortable commute.
- Line 4 trains - Alstom LINT: Compact and efficient, perfect for quick trips to the airport. LINT trains will also be coupled at times and run on Line 2.
- 1,800 Free Park & Ride available at Greenboro, Leitrim, and Bowesville stations for a hassle-free start to your journey.
- Many O-Train stations are easily accessible by multi-use pathway, offering a sustainable and convenient way to get to your train.
- New and updated station features tactile wayfinding, large platforms, wide entryways, and double elevators ensure smooth travel for riders with strollers, mobility devices, or luggage.
During this transition, we have plans in place to keep you moving even if there are service delays or issues on the lines.
- When weekday service starts, a parallel bus service will keep running alongside Lines 2 and 4, so you’ll still have options.
- Want more info on this transition? Head over to the Lines 2 & 4 Launch transition page for all the details.
When can you ride?
As O-Train Lines 2 and 4 gear up for the January 6 launch, weekday service begins first, with Saturday and Sunday service rolling out in the following weeks.
Here’s what you need to know:
Service hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6 am – midnight
- Saturday and Sunday: Weekend service will follow in the coming weeks as part of the phased rollout.
Train Frequency:
Trains will run approximately every 12 minutes during weekday peak hours.
How to pay for your Lines 2 & 4ride?
Paying for your fares is simple and the same as paying for your ride on buses or Line 1:
- Tap to access fare gates using a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet via O-Payment
- Use your U-Pass, a Presto card, barcoded transfer from the bus, or pay with cash, credit, or debit at station ticket machines
- Transfer for free when you switch from another line or bus and tap the same card
- You can reload your Presto card or video chat with a customer service representative at ticket machines if needed.
Need more information or assistance? Check out our Fares page for the new 2025 prices. It’s packed with tips and information to help you choose the best payment method for your trips.
How Lines 2 & 4 operate ?
Single track system with passing tracks
Parts of the lines run on single tracks, where trains share the same rail. Along Line 2 and 4, there are passing tracks that allow trains to pass each other safely.
Many Lines 2 and 4 stations also have two tracks, enabling trains going in opposite directions to serve the station at the same time.
There are five areas on Line 2 where trains can pass each other:
- 6 kilometres of double track from north of Leitrim Station to Limebank Station
- Bayview Station to south of Corso Italia Station
- South Keys Station
- Carleton Station
- Brookfield siding: the rail section between Mooney’s Bay and Walkley stations
When you’re riding, a train will sometimes slow down or briefly stop on the passing tracks to allow a train heading in the opposite direction to pass.
Curious to see it in action? Check out the quick video below!
Freight train coordination
CN freight trains cross Line 2’s tracks at the Walkley Diamond, located between Greenboro and Walkley stations.
What to keep in mind:
- CN trains run twice on certain days, with one train in the morning (8–9 am) and one in the afternoon (4–5 pm). This typically happens once a week on Wednesdays, but can occur on other days.
- Passenger trains may experience slight delays of 1–3 minutes during these crossings.
- Skilled Diesel Rail Controllers keep these disruptions to a minimum.
- Both OC Transpo and CN are federally regulated, with agreements in place to ensure timely coordination and priority for movements across the interlocking tracks.
Want to know more? Check out our OC Explained blog for additional insights into how Line 2 operates seamlessly alongside CN freight trains.
