O-Train Upgrade FAQ
When will the upgrades to the O-Train take place?
The O-Train upgrades will take place this summer. As a result, the O-Train will not be operating for a seven-week period, from July 12 to August 25, 2010 inclusive.
What alternative will be put in place for O-Train passengers?
OC Transpo will offer a replacement bus route that will run parallel to the O-Train and service stops adjacent to all five O-Train stations between LeBreton and South Keys. Frequency of service will be the same or better.
Won’t buses take longer than trains to get me where I want to go?
The trip from Greenboro to Bayview will take more time by bus. Riding time has been estimated at 29 minutes with the replacement bus service instead of 12 minutes with the O-Train. This is why limited stops will be made along the route. But this rehabilitation is necessary to ensure the O-Train can operate safely into the future.
Why are the upgrades taking place now?
Summer is the best time to proceed with major work because, traditionally, O-Train ridership is lower in the summer. Carleton University students are on summer vacation and so are many workers. Many people also take advantage of the nice weather to commute by bike, inline skates or on foot.
Why are the upgrades needed?
To ensure continued safety and service reliability, lifecycle maintenance of the track infrastructure and signal system, the trains and four structures, including the Rideau River Bridge, the Beach Street Bridge, the Walkley overpass and the Dow’s Lake tunnel must be completed. The work being completed this summer will result in a quieter and smoother ride, lower operating and maintenance costs, and reduced wear and tear on the trains. While we are upgrading the track and structures, the trains themselves will have their propulsion system upgraded, gear box replaced and complete overhaul of all six of their powerpacks. This work will extend their life expectancy and improve service reliability and performance.
Will this mean fewer O-Train breakdowns?
Yes, we are undertaking this work to ensure better overall system reliability, and as a result, better service for our passengers.
In summer 2003, some improvements were made to the O-Train track by closing it. Why do it all over again?
While the 2003 work also improved service, the nature of the work itself was quite different. During the summer of 2003, we installed continuous welded rail in order to reduce noise and vibrations and provide faster service. This summer’s work will help rehabilitate the trains, track infrastructure and four major structures. The work that will take place this summer is to other portions of the track infrastructure.
How much do these projects cost and who will pay for it?
Total cost of the upgrades is $5.11M. City Council approved $4.51M in capital funding for these projects. The City of Ottawa received $300,000 through the federal Infrastructure Stimulus Fund for track rehabilitation and associated works. The province also contributed $300,000 for these works.
Is this investment useless since the O-Train will be closed and replaced by the new light rail project?
The O-Train will continue to run at least until the new light rail system is in place. This work will help to improve service for the next several years.
At that point, will it be possible to resell the trains and make some money out of it?
It is too early to tell.
Why will the rehabilitation of the track infrastructure result in lower cost?
It will reduce wear and tear on the trains’ major mechanical components.
How will the rehabilitation improve service reliability and performance?
There will be fewer mechanical failures on the trains and fewer signal malfunctions.
Fares
New transit fares are in effect as of March 1st, 2010.