Updates: Line 2 & Line 4 Trial Running

Overview

We’re getting closer to opening Lines 2 and 4, but before we do, we need to ensure that the system is safe and reliable for customers.

Trial running completed

Trial running have now been completed. During the first fourteen days when passenger service was simulated, TransitNext had strong results and achieved a 99.5 per cent 14- day on-time performance rolling average, exceeding the required 98.5 per cent.

Read the memo

What is Trial Running?

Trial Running evaluates the rail system before it can open to the public.

This stage is designed to evaluate the system’s performance, ensure safety, and confirm reliability under real-life conditions.

Duration

The Trial Running phase lasts for at least 21 days. Trial running may be extended if achieving the on-time performance target of 98.5% requires more than 14 days.

On time performance is measured by assessing on-time departures at terminus stations for both Line 2 and 4. Trains must depart within 30 seconds of their scheduled time.

Why is it important?

Trial Running serves several critical purposes:

Performance validation: It ensures the system operates correctly.
Daily performance: It evaluates TransitNext’s on-time performance.

Looking for more information?

Learn all about our Trial Running process and what to expect during this evaluation.
Get to know the new lines extension with our interactive map, designed to help you explore and understand your new O-Train system.

Learn about Trial Running Explore the Extension Map

Trial Running stages

FIRST STAGE |
Minimum 14 Days

Simulated passenger service

We will evaluate the system's on-time performance, measured by comparing the train arrival and departure times at terminus stations against what is scheduled, with no more than a 30 second buffer.
Late or missed departures are evaluated to determine if it was within TransitNext’s control. If they are, it will impact their daily performance results.
To graduate from this stage, we will need to see a minimum on-time performance of 98.5% over a 14-day rolling average.
This phase will continue past 14 days if the on-time performance of 98.5% is not met.

SECOND STAGE |
7 DAYS

Daily Operational and Maintenance Scenario Evaluations

In this stage, the system is tested for its response to various potential issues, including operational problems and service disruptions.
This ensures that the system can handle unexpected events efficiently.

When will Line 2 and Line 4 open?

We know customers are eager for the new service, and we're just as thrilled to bring the O-Train to Ottawa's southern communities. However, we must ensure quality and safety. We won’t launch until the system is thoroughly tested and reliable.

Trial Running reports

Stage 1: Simulated passenger service
Daily updates

Below, you'll find the daily reports, detailing TransitNext daily performance from the previous day. For access to archived reports, please refer to the section below. For more details on the daily reports, please read the terms of reference .

Note

Please note that, following the review of vehicle logs relating to October 19 operations on Lines 2 and 4, there has been an increase to TransitNext’s on-time performance value from 97.4 to 99.4 per cent, which also increases the 14-day rolling average that day from 99.4 to 99.5 per cent.
The vehicle log information was not available until the end of service on October 20. The data shows that the issue that caused some of the missed trips on October 19 was not vehicle related and therefore outside of TransitNext’s control.

Daily report: Simulated passenger service
Date	Daily TransitNext performance (%)	Issues identified	14-Day rolling average	Minimum days to achieve 98.5% 14-day rolling average
Day 14: Oct 20View memo	98.4%	Signal	99.5%	0 day
Day 13: Oct 19	99.4%	Vehicle, Track	99.5%	1 day
Day 12: Oct 18	100%	-	99.5%	2 days
Day 11: Oct 17 View memo	99.4%	Vehicle	99.5%	3 days
Day 10: Oct 16 View memo	98.6%	Vehicle, Track	99.5%	4 days
Day 9: Oct 15 View memo	100%	-	99.6%	5 days
Day 8: Oct 14 View memo	99.4%	Vehicle	99.6%	6 days
Day 7: Oct 13 View memo	100%	-	99.6%	7 days
Day 6: Oct 12	100%	-	99.5%	8 days
Day 5: Oct 11	99.4%	Vehicle	99.4%	9 days
Day 4: Oct 10 View memo	100%	-	99.4%	10 days
Day 3: Oct 09 View memo	100%	-	99.3%	11 days
Day 2: Oct 08 View memo	99.4%	Vehicle	98.9%	12 days
Day 1: Oct 07 View memo	98.3%	Vehicle	98.3%	13 days

Check out our Trial running daily media updates on YouTube

Daily media updates

Stage 2: Daily Operational and Maintenance Scenario Evaluations

The second phase of Trial Running will focus on evaluating various operational and maintenance scenarios.

This stage will last seven days, during which we’ll simulate various scenarios that could occur in real operations, such as operational issues and service disruptions.

Daily report: Daily Operational and Maintenance Scenario Evaluations
Date	Test scenarios
Day 7: Oct 27 View memo	During the launch of service, the sixth train became immobilized on the north connector rail line. Launch continued on one track and there were no impacts to the remaining eight (8) trains as they started service. A fire alarm caused Bayview Station to close and required service to end at Corso Italia Station. Alternate service was implemented successfully. An overall test of the emergency response gate at the Airport was performed by TOCC. This gate is used to allow emergency responders to cross the rail safely when responding to emergencies. Service continued in two loops, one from South Keys to Bayview stations and one loop from Leitrim and Limebank stations.
Day 6: Oct 26	A train became immobilized on the southbound track at Corso Italia Station. Service continued along one track from Carleton to Bayview stations and from Carleton to Limebank stations in one loop. Reports were received of a protest at Carleton Station impacting the southbound track. Service continued along one track from Mooney’s Bay to Corso Italia.
Day 5: Oct 25	A train became immobilized at Mooney’s Bay Station. Service continued in two loops from Walkley to Limebank stations and from Carelton to Bayview stations. A train became immobilized at Bowesville station, service continued from Leitrim to Limebank stations on one track, and from Leitrim to Bayview stations in a loop.
Day 4: Oct 24 View memo	Computer systems detected flooding of the Dow’s Lake tunnel. Service continued from Limebank to Carleton stations and from Dow’s Lake to Bayview stations. A train became immobilized at Corso Italia Station, service continued using one track from Carleton to Bayview stations and from Carleton to Limebank stations.
Day 3: Oct 23 View memo	A train became immobilized near Walkley station. Service continued in two loops, one from Limebank to Greenboro stations and one loop from Walkley to Bayview stations. Reports were received of a switch malfunction along the west track of South Keys station. To allow the maintainer to inspect the switch, service continued on one track only.
Day 2: Oct 22 View memo	A train became immobilized at the southbound platform of South Keys Station requiring service on one track only. The Diesel Rail Controller was prompted to activate the tunnel ventilation system due to reports of smoke in the Dow’s Lake tunnel.
Day 1: Oct 21 View memo	A report indicated that a train was soiled and needed to be taken out of service. Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC) coordinated the removal of the train at Limebank Station and service continued from Walkley Station northbound using the spare train. Report was received regarding a broken rail. Service continued along one track between Carleton and South Keys stations, while staff completed the necessary inspections and required work.

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