Get ready for an exclusive insider's look at the exciting developments on O-Train Line 2 in Ottawa! Scheduled to reopen later in 2023, this major project is entering its final stages, with construction nearing completion and testing and commissioning in full swing. 

Rail Fans Canada had the privilege of an invitation to explore the future terminus station at Limebank, and we can't wait to share this extraordinary experience with you. The O-Train Line 2 expansion will significantly extend the line from its original 8km to an impressive 20km, with a total of 11 new and revamped stations. 

A standout feature of this expansion is the incorporation of elevated segments, adding a unique architectural flair to the overall design. But that's not all—there's an exciting bonus for travelers: the introduction of a separate spur line, Line 4, known as the Airport Link. This convenient link will connect South Keys Station to the airport, ensuring seamless access to the O-Train network for airport passengers. Line 4 stretches across 4km and boasts three stations, including South Keys. 

In this video, we take you on a captivating walkthrough tour of Limebank station, providing you with an up-close look at the future terminus. Additionally, we had the privilege of interviewing Theophilus Tettey, the Program Manager of the Rail Construction Program at the City of Ottawa. With his expertise and insights, we gain a deeper understanding of the construction process and the exciting features awaiting passengers on the expanded O-Train Line 2. 

Don't miss this exciting journey as we delve into the progress and innovation surrounding the O-Train Line 2 expansion. Witness the remarkable transformation of Ottawa's transportation infrastructure and catch a glimpse of what's on the horizon for commuters and rail enthusiasts alike.

Walkley Yard is the maintenance and storage facility that services the trains of OC Transpo's O-Train Trillium Line (Line 2). It is located just northeast of Greenboro Station. 

Walkley Yard was originally a CN Rail facility built in 1955 that the City of Ottawa has been leasing since the O-Train first opened in 2001.

O-Train Fans takes you on a Behind the Scenes visit to this facility, showing you the insides, what goes on and how the trains are maintained each day.

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Special thank you for making this video possible to:

Troy Charter
Director - Transit Operations

Greg Elliott
Superintendent - Rail Operations

André Brisebois
Communications

O-Train Fans goes Behind the Scenes at OC Transpo's Transit Operations Control Centre (TOCC). The TOCC is the multi-modal nerve centre of OC Transpo's entire operations, which include rail (O-Train), bus, para and security (Special Constables).

Please be sure to subscribe to the O-Train Fans channel to always catch our latest videos.

Special thank you for making this video possible to:

Troy Charter
Director of Transit Operations

André Brisebois
Communications

O-Train Fans goes Behind the Scenes at OC Transpo's operator training centre to explore the Alstom Citadis Spirit simulator. Learn about how the LRV is operated and controlled, the automatic train control, as well as some unique and innovative features.

The simulator is primarily used for training Electric Rail Operators with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to operate the Light Rail Vehicles on the Confederation Line.

A few interesting points I learned from my experience in the simulator:

• The operator cab has dash mounted displays for exterior cameras, and these cameras are installed in the stations (rather than on the trains themselves).
• The trains will operate for the most part in ATC (Automatic Train Control), but the operator can switch to Manual Control. In Manual Control, the trains are still limited to the track speed limits that are set so it is not possible to over-speed the train without it automatically applying brakes to slow. Likewise, it is not possible to advance the train beyond the stopping point at terminus stations. Great safety features.
• The operator when running in ATC mode needs to routinely (every 15-20 seconds) press the DARS (or GO button) to avoid a Vigilance Infraction. This ensures that the operator is continuously monitoring the train, the track and the passage through stations. Failure to do so will result in the train's horn sounding and the train stopping.

From my understanding during my visit:

• The maximum track speed on the line is 80km/h. The trains are designed to go up to 105km/h however, and have been operated at that speed on the 'test track'.
• In some sections like the stretch between uOttawa and Lees, the LRV reaches around 77-80km/h on average. This will be also what can be expected on the longer stretches elsewhere, so the trains should reach the max track speed in many places.
• In the tunnel, it passes at a fairly high speed as well, around 60km/h ish, but in the curves, it seemed to take them quite a bit slower then accelerate to the higher speed on the straights.
• In the video, other than when I was doing Manual Control, in ATC, the simulation was set to operating at regular train service speeds.
• The stretch between Lees and Hurdman, was operating between 30-40km/h. Some reasons included the fact of the guideway going over water and the curve leaving Lees.

More interesting facts on the simulator (provided by the City of Ottawa).

• The O-Train Confederation Line simulator was shipped in six crates from OKTAL's Toulouse, France headquarters to its current 1500 St-Laurent location.
• The four-week training program for the first group of EROs is slated to begin in October 2017.
• Training will occur in groups of 12, combining in-class, mini-simulator and full-size simulator training.
• There will be up to 70 EROs operating the O-Train Confederation Line.
• EROs will require 80 hours of actual on-train operation.
• After the four-week training program, qualified EROs will continue development opportunities by participating in testing and commission activities until the start of revenue service.

Please be sure to subscribe to the O-Train Fans channel to always catch our latest videos.

Special thank you for making this video possible to:

John Manconi

General Manager of Transportation Services

Marc Richer

Instructor - Multimodal Operations

Derek Puddicombe

André Brisebois

Communications

O-Train Fans takes a ride on the Confederation Line, courtesy of OC Transpo's operator training simulator. On this less than 24 minute trip, we travel from Blair Station in the East to Tunney's Pasture in the West.

The Alstom Citadis Spirit LRV can reach impressive speeds in many areas, often hitting 77 kilometres per hour. The completely segregated guideway and downtown tunnel make this smooth and quick ride possible. 

Enjoy the ride (and music) in this unique take on the Confederation Line experience.