Memo : O-Train Line 1 – Update (January 20-23, 2020)
This past weekend on Saturday and Sunday, OC Transpo was required to implement R1 replacement bus service in response to RTM issues with track switches and switch heaters on O-Train Line 1.
This morning, RTM ran service with 11 of the 13 required trains. Towards the end of the morning peak period, 2 additional trains were removed from service due to technical reasons (compressor fault and a wheel issue).
RTM has advised the City that they will be running service with 10 trains instead of the required 13. Trains will be operating approximately every 5 minutes for the afternoon peak. Customer should expect longer wait times than normal by approximately 1 minute and should expect approximately 20% more people than normal on platforms and on trains.
The Mayor and the Chair, the City Manager and I have met with the CEOs of the RTG/RTM consortium to get briefed on what the issues are and demand that the issues with the trains and track be immediately rectified. We expect them to take appropriate measures to reduce the occurrence of issues on Line 1 so that we may provide reliable and safe transit services to all customers.
Customers will receive regular updates on service through all of OC Transpo's information channels, including social media.
For tomorrow morning's commute, OC Transpo is examining using the fleet of R1 standby buses to augment rail service. More information will be available as soon as plans are finalised. Visit octranspo.com or follow @OC_Transpo for updates.
The City continues to hold Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) to account for ongoing O-Train Line 1 maintenance issues. City staff are in regular communication with RTG and RTM to put pressure on them to get the job done and to live up to the standards expected by our transit customers.
John Manconi
General Manager, Transportation Services Department
Source : City of Ottawa
O-Train Line – Update 2 (January 20, 2020) - 8:51pm
In anticipation of a continuing shortage of trains on O-Train Line 1 during peak periods tomorrow, OC Transpo will be operating supplementary bus service to provide some additional capacity at the busiest times.
In the morning, from 7:30 until 9:00 a.m., special buses will leave from Hurdman Station and from Tunney's Pasture Station, will operate non-stop to downtown, and will drop off customers at bus stops on Albert Street (buses from Hurdman) and on Slater Street (buses from Tunney's Pasture).
In the afternoon, from 3:00 until 5:30 p.m., special buses will leave from Albert Street just west of O'Connor, near Parliament Station, non-stop to both Hurdman and Tunney's Pasture Stations.
OC Transpo staff will be on site at the start points of these special bus services to assist customers.
By operating buses non-stop over these busy sections of the corridor, more space will be made available for customers travelling on trains to and from other stations along the line.
The costs of this service will be added to the charges being passed on to RTG.
Customer communications and media notifications will commence immediately
O-Train Line – Update 3 (January 21, 2020) - 1:58pm
RTG has advised us that they will be providing 10 of 13 vehicles required for afternoon rush hour. The bus supplement plan communicated last evening that was implemented today will proceed as part of afternoon rush hour to assist our customers. Information updates to customers are continuing.
O-Train Line 1 Update (January 22, 2020) - 7:21am
RTG has provided 11 vehicles for this morning rush hour. Supplemental bus service continues.
O-Train Line 1 Update (January 22, 2020) - 4:00pm
RTG is providing 10 vehicles for afternoon rush hour. Supplemental bus service remains in place.
O-Train Line 1 Update (January 22, 2020) - 4:47pm
Up to 11 vehicles now.
O-Train Line 1 Update (January 23, 2020) - 7:33am
12 vehicles have been launched.