South Keys businesses and residents ready for north-south LRT launch

With just two days to go until Ottawa's new north-south rail line opens to the public, businesses and passengers in South Keys are counting down the days.

• INTERACTIVE: Explore the map, see inside the trains, and learn all about the Trillium Line

The new Line 2 and Line 4 opens to the public on Monday, over two years behind schedule.

"My family is excited to be able to take the train to go to a lot of other places in the city. It will open a lot of useful opportunities for us," said resident Noel Ruppenthal.

For Ruppenthal, it means an easier commute downtown but he's also hoping it helps fill vacant storefronts in the area.

"These stores have been empty for so long," he said. "I imagine the station here should boost the land values around here and make them more attractive for development."

The new lines will connect Little Italy to Riverside South with frequent trips to Carleton University and the Ottawa airport, connecting from South Keys.

Mari Ajouri, owner of Go Nuts, says she hopes the new stop will bring more customers into her store and make it easier for those who take the bus.

"We have some customers, we had one this morning, she was so happy for the LRT because she buses here every Saturday morning," Ajouri said.

South Keys station on the Trillium Line. (Kimberley Johnson/CTV News Ottawa)

At the newly opened restaurant Cheese and Olives, owner Raed Al Qedra, is hoping the new O-Train will be more reliable than the bus.

"The buses are not always on time, so we are hoping that Monday is going to give us a break, with the employees being on time," said Al Qedra.

"We also have a lot of customers who unfortunately do not have their own cars and they take the bus. The train would help, especially with their family and kids."

For at least the first few weeks, LRT service on the new lines will operate on a reduced schedule, with full service, seven-days-a-week, launching in February at the earliest.