OC Transpo boss confident O-Train service will resume for back-to-school

The head of OC Transpo is confident O-Train service will be running in time for back-to-school and work following the Labour Day weekend in less than five weeks.

It's day 17 of the shutdown of LRT service in Ottawa after an axle-bearing issue was discovered on one train during a routine 50,000 km inspection on July 17, and the O-Train was closed to riders.  The transit service is floating a possible return-to-service on Aug. 14, once work is completed to reposition the restraining rails in 16 locations.

With back-to-school and the end of summer fast approaching, Transit Services General Manager Renee Amilcar believes the O-Train will be running by Labour Day weekend.

"I'm confident that we'll resume the service before school is back," Amilcar told CTV News Ottawa Wednesday morning when asked if OC Transpo had a plan in the event the O-Train is not running by Sept. 5.

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"But definitely we’ll rely on buses because we don't have a choice. We know that we cannot replace a train with buses, that's why my people are working around-the-clock to make it happen and we will make it happen for sure."

O-Train service was originally expected to resume on Monday, July 31, two weeks after the LRT system was shut down. However, Amilcar announced LRT service would be delayed after Rideau Transit Group and Alstom said the Safety Note required additional actions to ensure there is no contact between the train wheel and the restraining rail.

Amilcar has said the final Safety Note for the return-to-service outlines the following:

• Continue with all mitigation measures already in place
• Replace the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles every 60,000 kilometres
• Implement a new inspection regime for the middle bogies
• Avoid any contact between the wheel and the restraining rail

Amilcar says Rideau Transit Group is working with Atkins Global, an engineering expert, to finalize a plan for repositioning the restraining rails.

"(Thursday) they should be able to finalize that report and we already know that will take 10 days to remove those restraining rails, so this is why now I can say that Aug. 14….the day we will resume the service," Amilcar said.

Amilcar has said the return-to-service plan will include single-car service with R1 buses continuing to run parallel to accommodate ridership.  As the shutdown extends into a third week, Amilcar believes more light-rail vehicles (LRVs) will be available.

"Definitely, it will be more than eight because RTG continues to give more LRVs every two days. I will be able next week for sure to exchange with people what will be the service, but definitely it will be more than eight LRVs."

As part of the return-to-service plan, RTG and Alstom are replacing the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles on all trains every 60,000 km.

According to a memo sent Wednesday afternoon, 15 vehicles have had their axles replaced to date, up from 14 on Tuesday.

OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group are expected to provide an update on the O-Train return-to-service planning Wednesday afternoon.

R1 Para Transpo service launched

On Wednesday, OC Transpo launched an R1 Para Transpo service for customers with disabilities or who need accessibility accomodations. 

"Based on customers’ feedback we continue to enhance R1 service. Today, R1 Para bus service was implemented to provide additional transit options for Para Transpo customers and customers who may require accessible service," Amilcar said in a memo Wednesday.

R1 Para will service Line 1 stations between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations. Customers can book this service the same day or speak to OC Transpo staff at stations to request the service. Customers who require additional supports should call 613-560-5000.

OC Transpo adds that R1 Para service is in addition to its existing Para Transpo service and should not impact current operations.

Customer service manager Rami El Feghali told reporters they are calling in additional drivers and resources, including adding overtime to offer the R1 Para service. Amilcar noted that same-day Para service is expensive to maintain. It can be offered right now because RTG is not being paid for service it isn't delivering, but it's not a permanent thing. OC Transpo is facing a projected $39 million deficit for 2023.