O-Train service resumes after 'technical issue with cameras'

A technical issue with the cameras at stations and on platforms disrupted service on Ottawa's O-Train line, as tens of thousands of public servants head to the office for a second day under new hybrid work rules.

The O-Train was out of service for more than an hour Tuesday morning "due to a technical issue with cameras on the trains," according to OC Transpo. Full train service resumed just after 8 a.m.

Video sent to CTV News Ottawa shows hundreds of people lined up at Tunney's Pasture Station waiting for the bus just before 7 a.m. At 7:45 a.m., long lines were forming at Tunney's Pasture and Hurdman stations waiting for the R1 bus due to the shutdown.

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In a memo to council, Transit Services general manager Renée Amilcar says Line 1 launched at 5 a.m., but problems began just over an hour later.

"At approximately 6:10 a.m., the Transit Operations Control Centre became aware of a malfunction in the camera systems on trains used by Rail Operators to safely depart stations," Amilcar said.

"Cameras in some stations also experienced outages. These camera systems are a safety requirement ensuring the safety of customers in stations and the safe operation of trains."

OC Transpo announced just before 7 a.m. that the O-Train was out of service between Tunney's Pasture and Blair stations "due to technical issue with cameras on the trains," and R1 replacement bus service was running. At 7:45 a.m., the transit service announced trains were running between Rideau and Blair stations.

As of 8:11 a.m., the full O-Train line was running and all stations were open.

In a statement on social media, OC Transpo said the cameras help operators "clearly see platforms and if the doors have been cleared by customers."

Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) continues to investigate the cause of the camera system issue.

In an update Tuesday afternoon, Amilcar said the technical issue impacting the cameras in stations and at platforms "has been fully resolved."

"RTM is conducting a detailed investigation to identify additional mitigation measures to avoid a reoccurrence. Line 1 service is operating well and without delays."

Director of Rail Operations Troy Charter said in a statement that RTM is conducting a detailed investigation to identify additional mitigation measures to avoid a reoccurrence.

"OC Transpo recognizes this was challenging for our customers during the morning commute and sincerely appreciates their understanding as we worked to restore full service as quickly as possible," Charter said.

No one from OC Transpo would agree to an interview with CTV News Ottawa.

Issue arises as public servants head back to offices

The problems happened during the morning peak period, as university students were trying to get to campus and workers were trying to get downtown.

"People depend on me to come to work on time and now I am unable to because of OC Transpo's problems," said Arda Erbayav.

"Normally it would take me 40 minutes to go from my campus to here, but today I had to spend an hour and 15 minutes to get here."

Erbayav is a uOttawa student who is completing an internship with the public service.

"Today was particularly frustrating because they kept saying that the public service workers can trust the O-Train in order to do their daily commutes, but what I've found was when I wanted to go and when I needed to depend on the O-Train, I couldn't," he said. "I lost 30 minutes of my day and so I have to work another day to account for the time that I have lost."

Maheer Asef is one of several riders who were forced to pay out of pocket for an Uber when his morning trip was disrupted.

"I actually have a bus to catch to Toronto and it's from 9:30 a.m. and if I would have taken the train, I probably would have reached there by now," said Asef shortly after 8:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.

"It kind of ruined my morning a little bit."

This week, OC Transpo said capacity was "sufficient" to accommodate the extra workers returning downtown. 

--With files from CTV News Ottawa's Austin Lee