'We're not ready to open it': OC Transpo will not commit to date for Trillium Line launch
OC Transpo officials still won't provide a firm launch date next spring for the new north-south light-rail transit line, as construction continues on the line between Bayview Station and Riverside South.
"Spring 2024, but I won't give any month," Renee Amilcar, OC Transpo general manager, told the light-rail transit subcommittee on Friday.
Councillors were told that final construction, testing and commissioning of the system is underway, with work on the stations almost complete. As of this week, eight of nine trains are participating in testing on the transit system.
A presentation for the committee showed a possible launch of the Trillium Line between March and June.
"We're not ready to open it for sure, it's not because of the season," Amilcar said, when asked if OC Transpo was delaying launch to avoid winter weather.
"It's definitely, now we are trying to commission the vehicles and it's a tough run. As I said previously, it's very, very important to make sure that everything is OK before we move forward to the training. We still have a lot of job to do."
Amilcar added it is a "good" idea to postpone the launch of the Trillium Line to next spring, instead of launching it during the winter.
Construction was originally scheduled to be completed in August 2022, but was delayed until September 2023. As of this summer, the target date for launch was November. On Sept. 29, Amilcar said that based on the progress to date, a November launch was no longer possible and the launch would be delayed until the spring of 2024.
Staff say there is still "some uncertainty" around the schedule for building occupancy, testing and commissioning of the LRT line.
OC Transpo is working with Transport Canada and the Canadian Transportation Agency to obtain the regulatory approvals needed for service on the lines.
The Trillium Line will be known as Line 2, running from Bayview Station to Riverside South. The Trillium Line route Line 4 is the spur from South Keys to the Ottawa International Airport.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.