OC Transpo to run 'limited number of double-car trains' on O-Train during peak periods
OC Transpo is increasing the number of trains running on the Confederation Line to respond to ridership demands following Labour Day, including operating some double-car trains during the day to boost capacity.
There has been an increase in ridership on the O-Train line due to back-to-school and work since the summer break, and some riders have complained about full trains and platforms this week.
Starting Monday, the number of single-car trains will increase from 13 to 17, with some of the trains operating in a two-car configuration throughout the day "to provide customers with frequent service," according to Transit Services general manager Renee Amilcar.
"OC Transpo anticipates that this service frequency will provide sufficient capacity for customers," Amilcar said in a memo to council. "The operations team will continue to closely monitor and adjust service as needed."
OC Transpo says trains will operate approximately every four minutes during the weekday morning and afternoon rush hours.
The Transit Service launched single-car service in August as service resumed following the 28-day maintenance shutdown, with Amilcar saying there was enough capacity to meet demand. New maintenance requirements for OC Transpo state all front and wheel axles on LRT vehicles must be replaced every 60,000 km.
The current O-Train service sees 11 single-car trains providing service every five minutes during morning peak periods and 13 single-car trains providing service every four minutes during the afternoon peak hours. Nine single-car trains will provide every six minutes during off-peak hours.
OC Transpo is also shutting down the western Shuttle Express between Tunney's Pasture Station and downtown Ottawa, due to low ridership.
Amilcar told council that ridership between Tunney's Pasture Station and downtown is "significantly lower," with approximately 5 to 10 customers per trip.
The eastern Shuttle Express continues to operate between Blair Station and downtown Ottawa during the weekday morning and afternoon peak periods.
"Ridership on the shuttle service between Blair Station and downtown has remained steady with about 50 customers per trip," Amilcar said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi found dead at helicopter crash site, state media says
Iranian president, the country’s foreign minister and others have been found dead at the site of a helicopter crash Monday after a search through a foggy, mountainous region of the country’s northwest.
Court eases internet restrictions for Sask. man who matched with a 15-year-old girl on Tinder
A Saskatchewan man who had a sexual encounter with a 15-year-old girl he met on Tinder successfully appealed to shorten release conditions barring him from online dating.
Stittsville residents seeking answers as bylaw cracks down on street basketball nets
Stittsville residents on Kearnsley Way are seeking answers after an unusual bylaw crackdown on Friday. Every home with a basketball net received a ticket instructing homeowners to remove their nets from the road.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Toxic drugs circulating in northeastern Ont., police say
Canada’s largest First Nations police service, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service issued a community safety alert as extremely toxic drugs are likely circulating in many of the communities it serves.