Ottawa’s O-Train Line 1 eastern extension is moving toward another major testing milestone, but OC Transpo says there’s still work to do before formal pre-trial testing can begin. On Nov. 22, all 23 trains are expected to run on a new schedule, travelling the entire length of Line 1 between Tunney’s Pasture and Trim Station. OC Transpo general manager Rick Leary calls it a dress rehearsal — the first time all 23 trains will operate on a coordinated schedule along the entire route. “We’ll be able to test the new schedule for pulling out of the shops and out of the yard,” Leary said. Passengers, however, won’t notice a difference. Riders will still have to get off at Blair Station while trains continue to Trim and back. The exercise will test updated software, staffing assignments, train availability and vehicle movements. Leary made it clear the Nov. 22 operation is not the start of pre-trial testing. “I’m always cautiously optimistic. I want to work with the contractors and the internal staff to judge how the systems all work together and how fluid we’re able to provide that service so that we get into a pretrial date, we’re comfortable that everything is ready for that,” he says. The goal is to validate the system before committing to 21 consecutive days of formal trial running. “The key is to go into trial testing for the 21 days unimpeded,” Leary said. “So, when we start it, we’re comfortable that we can get through it.” The latest milestone follows a software problem that pushed pre-trial testing back by about a month. Leary confirmed the previous software was stopping trains, prompting OC Transpo to take a cautious approach and introduce an updated version. A software update is scheduled for Nov. 15. Leary says the issue was identified through ongoing testing and is exactly why the agency continues to stress-test the system. “I’m thrilled that we flushed out the software issue,” he said. “Imagine if we opened up and it happened.” Despite the delays, Leary says OC Transpo is prepared for the extension to open. He says staffing is in place, but the agency is still working with multiple contractors to ensure all parts of the system are ready. Asked whether an opening in 2026 is still possible, Leary wouldn’t make any predictions. “It’s too soon for me to make any outside calls,” he said. “You get one chance to make a good first impression when you open,” Leary said. For now, there’s still no confirmed opening date.
