Light-Rail PR: A Masterclass In Obfuscation

Here’s how to write and tell the recipient nothing.

This email was sent out to people (civilians) who are not in the cut and thrust of journalism but to good people who subscribe to the general City of Ottawa public relations feed to be informed.

Or propagandized.

This release starts with the line “When will Lines 2 and 4 open?” Then it spends a total waste of many pixels not answering the question.

It also goes on to state that OC Transpo is taking safety very seriously and comprehensively, saying but not saying, that the train is late (two years) because the city bus company is being careful. This is in the proud Transpo tradition of deadly bus crashes and train derailments.

This release spawned two whoppers (which might be a record for one missive … congratulations) and you can read about them here and here.

There are more from this release: “OC Transpo is committed to keeping you informed to ensure you can confidently know when you can take your first trip.” Huh? The elves at Transpo just spent a wealth of words telling you nothing about when you take this first trip.

This one is particularly interesting: “Once construction is complete, train operating hours have increased, operator training is complete, and the system is sufficiently tested, an announcement will be made on the opening date.” Despite Transpo’s commitment to keeping you informed, that line just says they don’t have an opening date. That despite the fact this release opens with the question of when the line will open.

Why do we pay for this garbage? Ottawans want to know when the train will run. Very simple. If Transpo doesn’t know when it will run, just say so. We’ve got our big-boy pants on and we can take it. We don’t need a city propaganda operation designed to cover the butts of our politicians and staffers.

And from the missive below, city PR is not very good at it and it makes the pols, staffers and communications look pathetic. This release makes a mockery of good communications. It is devious and deceptive.

There’s a lot more to say but football has a rule about piling on.

Someone will throw a red flag.

Ken Gray

This is a release from the City of Ottawa;

When will Lines 2 and 4 open?

This is the question on the minds of people across Ottawa, especially those interested in travelling by rail to key destinations like Little Italy, Carleton University, and the airport. This article outlines the steps necessary to open a safe and reliable system.

We are getting closer to launching the system and are in the final stages of testing trains, training the team, and completing construction activities. Once these activities are complete, the trial running phase will start.

Trial running is an important project phase where several exercises are performed over a minimum 21-day period to confirm the system is ready to open.

Testing and Commissioning

The testing and commissioning phase is critical to identifying and correcting issues well before the lines open for service.

As of this year, nine trains on the south extension (seven on Line 2 and two on Line 4) have been tested regularly. This is important for testing the signaling and train controls and ensures the trains can effectively communicate with one another and the Transit Operations Control Centre.

This phase of the project also includes training staff that will operate the new system as well as emergency training exercises with emergency responders.

Preparing for Trial Running

The following steps are required before advancing to trial running:

Systemwide testing and performance

All trains, infrastructure, and systems are tested and need to consistently work together.
Training

Training of Diesel Rail Operators and Diesel Rail Controllers is completed.
TransitNEXT, responsible for the construction and the maintenance of the system, is fully mobilized and ready.
Construction

Final electrical, mechanical, safety, and communication systems are completed and station occupancy permits are received.
All stations are substantially complete with only minor work remaining.
Practice running

Testing is increased to match what future service will be, OC Transpo staff and TransitNEXT teams are ready to run the system and prepared for any situations that may arise during operations, and all the technical systems and equipment are in good working order.
Trial Running

The trial running phase involves two stages. The first stage of the minimum 21-day period involves simulating passenger service. This stage includes evaluating the system’s on-time performance and TransitNEXT’s ability to respond to any reliability events during this period. On-time performance is a measurement that compares train arrival and departure times against what is scheduled. To graduate from this stage, the system will require a minimum on-time performance of 98.5 per cent over a 14-day rolling average.

The second stage of trial running involves seven days of failure scenario management. This stage includes testing various scenarios that may be encountered while operating the system such as medical incidents, service disruptions, and other emergency drills.

Ensuring the safety of passengers is a top priority. Trial running allows operators to identify and address safety concerns or operational issues before the system is open to the public.

An independent third-party System Integration Verifier will oversee trial running as it proceeds. Their role is to scrutinize the integration activities to ensure the project team is following industry best practices and to fast track the resolution of any disputes.

Substantial Completion

Substantial completion is the final step before the system is handed over to the City of Ottawa. This is achieved once all the infrastructure elements have been completed, including regulatory approvals, safety and security certifications, and the successful completion of trial running.

An Independent Certifier will certify that the contract requirements outlined in the project agreement have been met. The Independent Certifier is a third party that will work with the City and TransitNEXT to ensure all requirements are met and any deficiencies are captured. For example, landscaping may not be required for the safe and reliable operation of the system and can be completed once the system is operating.

In addition, an Independent Safety Auditor will confirm that the safety requirements have been met and that the system is ready and safe for service.

Recommendations and lessons learned from the Ottawa LRT Public Inquiry, and multiple third-party reviews have been incorporated into this process to ensure the system meets the expectations of customers.

Once all the contractual requirements, safety approvals, and regulatory approvals are achieved, the City will be in a position to provide an opening date to the Light Rail Sub-Committee.

How can I stay informed?

An overview and update on trial running was provided at a Technical Briefing on July 18, 2024, and can be viewed here.

OC Transpo is committed to keeping you informed to ensure you can confidently know when you can take your first trip. We will continue to keep you in the loop of project progress through social media, the OC Transpo website, and regular updates to the City’s Transit Commission and Light Rail Sub-Committee.

During trial running, daily outcomes will be shared on octranspo.com and with Members of Council. Once trial running is complete, an update will be provided to City Council summarizing the results.

Once construction is complete, train operating hours have increased, operator training is complete, and the system is sufficiently tested, an announcement will be made on the opening date.

To stay up to date on O-Train extension progress:

Sign up for the project newsletter
Follow OC Transpo on Instagram
Visit the project website
Learn when the next Transit Commission or Light Rail Sub-Committee takes place
Watch committee meetings live on YouTube
For OC Transpo updates and trip planning assistance, visit octranspo.com, use the Travel Planner or Transit app, or call 613-560-5000. You can also connect with OC Transpo on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

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