Mayor Sutcliffe speaks with TSB about safety of Ottawa's LRT system
Only days after a heavy warning from the Transportation Safety Board on the safety of Ottawa's light rail transit system, the mayor now says he’s concerned, but will continue to ride the train.
Mark Sutcliffe says he followed up with the TSB about their letter to the city on Feb. 3.
"I’m concerned about the technical issues that our system has been experiencing," Sutcliffe said.
Sutcliffe said he had a conversation with TSB officials to get a better understanding of the context of their findings and the line in their report that stated it still poses a safety risk.
"If anybody was saying that we should discontinue the service while these issues are being sorted out, then we would do that, of course," Sutcliffe said on Friday.
In a letter dated Feb. 3 and released Wednesday, the Transportation Safety Board issued a warning about the axle bearing assembly on Ottawa's Confederation Line trains. Problems with the assembly led to a derailment in August 2021 and additional problems in July 2022.
The TSB said the parts will "continue to pose a risk to safety" until OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance resolve the issues "to protect the travelling public."
Sutcliffe insists the system is safe for riders.
"I’ve been reassured that the system is safe. I took the train yesterday myself and I felt very comfortable doing that," he said.
"What we know is that there are a number of mitigation measures in place and they are addressing the issues on a short-term basis while we work on a solution."
Meanwhile trust is waning for some who take the LRT daily.
"Trust has been a long-term issue with our LRT system," said Laura Shantz, a member of the Ottawa Transit Riders. "Here have been a lot of incidents that have happened over the last several years now that have eaten away at rider trust and that’s going to take a long time to rebuild."
For those who rely on this system, there isn’t always an alternative affordable way to travel.
"I certainly am troubled, to say the least," said Midas Chin, a frequent transit user. "I currently live in Kanata so I rely heavily on the train and public transit to get from place to place."
On Thursday, Ottawa’s head of transit services vowed the city’s LRT system is safe, telling councillors that the city and OC Transpo took the time to review the letter from the TSB and ensure enhanced safety measures are aligned with the suggestions from the safety board.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Michael Woods
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.