No timeline to begin O-Train East Extension trial running, opening

OC Transpo says it’s unclear when the O-Train East Extension will open, as the organization is focusing on improving reliability. CTV’s Leah Larocque reports.

OC Transpo is not providing a timeline to open the O-Train East Extension, with the schedule dependent on the installation of new smart bugs to monitor for potential spalling on LRT vehicle cartridge bearing assemblies, according to staff.

East-West Connectors achieved substantial completion on construction of the O-Train East Extension on March 4, but the 21-day trial running period on the line between Blair Station and Trim Station has been delayed, as OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance address a spalling issue with the cartridge bearing assembly.

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Rideau Transit Maintenance and Alstom are installing a conditioning monitoring system on the cartridge bearing assemblies to monitor for any spalling. Regular double-car service resumed this week on O-Train Line 1 after four months of single-car service.

Transit Services general manager Rick Leary told the transit committee he is not ready to commit to a timeline to begin the 21-day trial running period as work continues to increase the number of LRT vehicles available for service.

“Our ongoing assessment of the fleet readiness will determine our timeline to begin trial running on the East Extension,” Leary said.

“Now, I will say I was hoping to be able to provide more details today about the East Extension; however, I do need more time to confirm the fleet availability.”

Leary said he spoke with the O-Train contractors on Wednesday to discuss the fleet.

“When we know we have the pilot for the testing complete, when all the fleet is fully equipped with the smart tracker system… I’m a very staged approach individual,” Leary said.

“Once I’m comfortable that all the equipment materials are in and that they have the ability to install it, and we’re really tracking on that on a date, then we’ll announce.”

Leary suggested there may be a “little pre-trial” running of the O-Train before the 21-day trial running period begins.

OC Transpo assistant general manager Troy Charter said the key to the testing and possible launch is “unlocking” the fleet as the new smart bugs are installed to monitor for spalling.

Charter told the committee the testing on three vehicles has “gone really well,” with three vehicles outfitted with the monitoring system.

“It’s picking up the things it’s supposed to pick up and not picking up things when it’s not supposed to pick up things,” Charter said.

“So, it’s all progressing really, really well, but they’re going through a series of regimented steps once we have confidence that that process is finalized, and we have a path forward for the installation of the smart bugs on the rest of the fleet.”

Charter says OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance need to ensure they have a “sufficient number” of trains available for trial running.

During the trial running period, normal service will continue on the Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Station line, with passengers required to disembark at Blair Station.

In a report for the transit committee, staff said OC Transpo has been focusing on refinements and outstanding items on the East Extension to prepare it for opening.

“This includes upgrades to the train control software and the passenger information display system, as well as adjustments to the CCTV camera views to enhance operational safety,” staff said.

“Additional work is expected to continue in June 2026. Deficiency close-out activities for the East Extension are also ongoing, including repairs to platform snow melt systems.”

According to the report, eight prerequisites must be completed before trial running begins. The four steps completed as of June 2 are:

• Substantial completion has been achieved
• All safety and systems assurance requirements need to be achieved. Statement of no objection has to be provided by the Independent Safety Assessor and Auditor
• The city must be fully mobilized, trained and ready to operate the system
• RTM must be fully mobilized, fully trained and ready to conduct maintenance

The other prerequisites to be completed are:

• Technical briefing held to share further details of the Trial Running plans
• The appropriate number of light-rail vehicles for Trial Running operations and Revenue Service
• Trial Running oversight resources have to be mobilized and ready
• Pre-Trial Running needs to be successfully concluded