OC Transpo says work still required before Lines 2 and 4 move to 7-day service

A Stadler FLIRT train that runs on O-Train Line 2. (William Eltherington/CTV News Ottawa)

OC Transpo says O-Train Lines 2 and 4 will continue to run on a six-day schedule for some time yet, with no service on Sundays.

As part of the phased opening on the north-south lines, OC Transpo required a minimum of two weeks of trains running only on weekdays followed by a minimum of two weeks running six days a week before service would run every day.

Saturday service began Jan. 25, but in a memo sent Thursday, Transit Services general manager Renée Amilcar said there is no timeline yet for seven-day service.

“At this time, some work is still required before moving to seven-day service as the next phase of the opening,” Amilcar wrote. “This work includes upgrades to customer information systems, including the next departure and next stop displays, continuing to close out remaining minor works, expanding and adjusting vehicle monitoring and safety equipment, and advancing training activities to stabilize operator resource availability.”

Amilcar said six-day service would continue “for the time being” on Lines 2 and 4.

She added that service performed “as planned” on Jan. 25 and she is encouraged by the system’s overall performance.

Some problems have arisen on the new line. On Wednesday, service on Line 2 was delayed for approximately 30 minutes because of a switch issue near South Keys Station. On Jan. 13, there were some mechanical issues involving a Line 4 train that caused some disruptions in the morning.

The issue with next departure and next stop displays has been known since the line launched. Occasionally, incorrect station information is being displayed.

Amilcar also said staff are monitoring ridership on the B2 parallel bus service and said frequency would be adjusted as customer volumes drop and passengers transition to the train.

“A full update on the phased opening, progress on minor works and maintenance activities will be provided at the Transit Committee meeting on Feb. 13,” Amilcar wrote.