Technical Problem Disrupts O-Train Service

Published 02/10/2024 · Updated 06/10/2024

This is a release from the City of Ottawa:

Good morning Mayor and Members of Council,

I am writing to provide you with an update on an issue that impacted a portion of O Train Line 1 service late last night.

At approximately 11:30 pm, an OC Transpo rail operator observed sparks coming from an overhead catenary system support pole west of Cyrville Station. Initial observations indicated damage to an insulator that is part of the overhead catenary system.

For the remainder of the service day, Line 1 continued to operate with trains between Tunney’s Pasture and St-Laurent stations and R1 service between St-Laurent and Blair stations. Additionally, an R1 Shuttle operated between St-Laurent and Cyrville stations.

Today’s Morning Service:

The following service will be in place starting Saturday, February 10:

• Line 1 will run in both directions between Tunney’s Pasture and St-Laurent stations.

• Line 1 will run in both directions on a single track between St-Laurent and Blair Stations.

Next Steps:

An investigation into the cause of this incident has commenced. Crews will be mobilized during the day to complete the investigation. The plan is to repair the insulator during the maintenance hours after the end of service on Saturday.

OC Transpo staff continue to work closely with Rideau Transit Maintenance to restore full rail service to all stations as quickly as possible. Customers will be notified of any further impacts to service through our regular communications channels. I will continue to provide you with updates as soon as they are available. Thank you,

Renée Amilcar

General Manager, Transit Services Department

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