OC Transpo has “no imminent” plans to shut down O-Train Line 1, as it continues to run reduced service on the east-west light-rail transit line this spring, according to the union representing OC Transpo operators. Single-car service has been running on Line 1 since a spalling defect in the axle assembly was first reported by OC Transpo on Jan. 21. OC Transpo has imposed a 100,000 km limit on all cartridge bearing assemblies while the investigation into the issue continues. Last week, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and OC Transpo officials would not rule out an extended shutdown of Line 1 for maintenance in the weeks and months ahead. Sutcliffe said there were “contingency plans in place” to address the spalling issue. Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279 President Noah Vineberg told CTV News Ottawa the union was informed on Wednesday that OC Transpo will continue with the “status quo” for the service on O-Train Line 1. “No imminent change to what’s happening,” Vineberg said. OC Transpo has imposed a 100,0000 limit on the cartridge bearing assemblies, as the transit service works with Rideau Transit Group and Alstom to finalize a “revised containment plan to safely increase vehicle availability,” according to staff. As of Friday, OC Transpo reported 21 vehicles are below the 100,000 km limit on the cartridge bearing assemblies and are in service. O-Train Line 1 is operating every three to four minutes during the morning and afternoon peak periods. Troy Charter, director of Transit Service Delivery and Rail Operations, said the number of vehicles available for service “fluctuated” last week. Vineberg said an update on OC Transpo’s progress to add trains to the active fleet is expected during the transit committee meeting on April 9.
