OC Transpo is expected to outline the schedule today to launch O-Train service into Orléans. Transit Services general manager Rick Leary will provide an update to the transit commission this morning on the status of the East Extension and the plan for the 21-day trial running period. 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’Orleans and Trim stations. East-West Connectors achieved substantial completion on March 4, but the 21-day trial running period has been delayed due to a shortage of available vehicles available due to a spalling issue with the cartridge bearing assembly. Last month, Leary told councillors that OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance were ramping up “final readiness activities” ahead of the mandatory trial running period. As part of the final preparations for the 21-day trial run, OC Transpo will operate trains along the full Line 1 between Tunney’s Pasture and Trim stations to “ensure new and existing systems are properly integrated,” according to Leary. Riders will still ride Line 1 trains between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair stations, but you will need to disembark the trains at Blair Station before the train heads east. “Passenger information display screens at stations and on trains will show Trim Station as their final destination,” Leary said. OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Maintenance have been running out-of-service trains between Blair and Trim stations to prepare for the trial running and the eventual opening. “Running these trains is part of exercising the system, identifying challenges and addressing issues ahead of time, in order to build system reliability for customers,” Leary told councillors. “This work is key to building confidence that the system is operating as intended and is ready to move to Pre-Trial Running and Trial Running.” A report for the transit commission says the trial running plan has been developed and covers all “key requirements, dependencies and readiness activities.” “As part of preparations for Trial Running, additional readiness exercises are being undertaken to practice and validate operational responses to rail diversion scenarios that could occur in the East Extension,” the report said. “These exercises include scenarios such as immobilized trains and when service can only continue on one track and launch and reduction of vehicles based on planned service levels.” Leary told CTV News Ottawa in August he expects O-Train service to launch for the public “later on this year.”
