The pre-trial running for the O-Train East Extension into Orléans is being delayed until November after an issue was detected with the train’s safety-critical software. Councillors on the transit committee were told on Sept. 11 that OC Transpo was on track to begin pre-trial running in early October. The pre-trial running would last at least a week, before the 21-day trial running period begins. In a memo to council, OC Transpo general manager Rick Leary said the forecast for pre-trial running “has shifted” from October to November as OC Transpo conducts a “staged approach” to fully exercise all system elements. “During the readiness assessment of the system, Hitachi, a train-control software sub-contractor to East-West Connectors, detected issues with its safety-critical software,” Leary said in the memo Friday afternoon. “Hitachi has now informed OC Transpo that it must update its software prior to the start of pre-trial running. This work requires reprogramming that will delay the previously anticipated start of pre-trial running.” Leary notes that the transit committee was told in September that there were three elements identified as “critical” to launching pre-trial running – train availability, traction power substation readiness, and train control software. “While some people may view this as unfortunate, this is exactly what is necessary to protect the safety and best interests of our passengers,” Leary said about the delayed launch of pre-trial running. “OC Transpo will continue to prioritize passenger safety. We will hold the contractors accountable for delivering a safe and reliable system for our customers.” East-West Connectors achieved substantial completion on March 4, but the 21-day trial running period has been delayed by the shortage of available vehicles available due to a spalling issue with the cartridge bearing assembly. The O-Train East Extension will extend O-Train Line 1 from Blair Station to five additional stops in the east end: Montreal, Jeanne d’Arc, Convent Glen, Place d’Orléans and Trim stations. Leary says additional work remains ongoing on LRT vehicle availability and the traction power substation that supplies power to the trail system. When it comes to train availability, Leary says “vehicle ability has improved,” and Rideau Transit Maintenance has advised that two new trains will be available in November and two more in December. “Residents will continue to see eight trains every weekday as the system testing continues,” Leary said, adding RTM must provide 50 trains every weekday for the existing service on Line 1 and testing on the East Extension. As for the traction power substation, Leary said “proper connection and distribution of power” have improved. “This staged approach of exercising the East Extension will validate the reliability of all systems and identify any necessary improvements that can be made prior to pre-trial running,” Leary said. “This is the same testing and commissioning process that was followed in the successful launch of Lines 2 and 4. The East Extension will only open once it has successfully achieved all requirements and is ready to operate safely and reliably for customers.”
