‘Some customers may have to wait for a second train’: OC Transpo reducing O-Train Line 1 service after identifying new issue with trains

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OC Transpo will be temporarily reducing the number of train cars running on the O-Train Line 1 after an issue was identified with the vehicles, and the organization’s general manager says this may cause delays for transit-users at peak times.

“Some customers may have to wait for a second train, they may not be able to access the first train,” Troy Charter said during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a memo addressed to City Council from Wednesday afternoon, OC Transpo identified an issue with the cartridge bearing assemblies (CBA) on Line 1 vehicles. As a result, all trains with mileage over 100,000 kilometres are being removed from service to have their CBAs replaced and the O-Train Line 1 will operate with single and double-car trains.

“Due to this new maintenance requirement, the number of trains available for service will be reduced, and therefore Line 1 service will be operating with a mixture of single and double-car trains, while maintaining its current frequency,” Charter wrote in the memo.

Charter says OC Transpo has over 60 train cars, but only 18 will be in service. The interim general manager said the issue was “not acceptable” and says OC Transpo is focused on restoring service as quickly as possible while also maintaining safety.

“I think frustrating is maybe putting it mildly — I think our customers will be upset with this.”

While hours of operation and frequency will remain the same, Charter says customers may experience crowding on trains and platforms during peak times due to some trains only running single-car service.

“I’d like to remind everyone, our customers especially, that at busy times, please continue to be safe,” he said. “Stand behind the yellow lines at all times. If you don’t make the first train because it is full, there will be another train in a few minutes.”

According to Charter, Rideau Transit Group (RTG) detected spalling on several CBAs, which is caused when flakes break off the metal surface inside the axle bearing, creating pits that grow over time.

“If not addressed, this can lead to cracks and can result in bearing failure.”

The train car reductions will begin Wednesday evening and Charter says there is currently no timeline for when the issue will be fixed.

The issue was identified by the Rideau Transit Group as part of their investigation into previously identified axle bearing assemble issues, though Charter says the CBA issue is separate from those previously identified.

“While RTG has maintained that the system is safe to operate, critical information remains to be provided by RTG,” Charter says.

Charter says the decision to pull the trains out of service was made alongside the Transportation Resource Associates, an independent safety consultant, and was made from an abundance of caution.

“OC Transpo is prioritizing safety, while completing the necessary due diligence to ensure RTG and its subcontractors are accountable and working to restore reliable capacity on Line 1,” Charter wrote.

Some work has already begun to replace the bearings, and more vehicles will become available as replacements occur, Charter says.

The O-Train East extension is expected to open this year, but Charter says OC Transpo was not yet ready to begin trial runs on the extension.

“We have been saying that we’re close with the east extension, but we’re not there yet, we’re not starting trial running. So, there’s no impact to the east extension and trial running, at this time,” he said, adding that the organization’s focus is on restoring existing operations.

Charter says OC Transpo is not planning to run the R1 replacement bus but will be monitoring the situation.

OC Transpo recently reduced the number of bus trips being delivered in the city, due to maintenance issues and mechanic shortages. Charter says the challenges facing the organization’s bus fleet factored into their decision not to offer the replacement bus.

Lines 2 and 4 will not be affected by the issue.

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