O-Train Line 1 service back on schedule after switch issues near Tremblay Station

A Line 1 O-Train leaves Tunney's Pasture Station. Aug. 26, 2024. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa)

The head of OC Transpo says O-Train Line 1 is running on schedule and there are no anticipated impacts to service for the Monday afternoon and evening commute, after an issue with a switch near Tremblay Station caused delays during the morning commute.

OC Transpo reported delays on the east-west light-rail transit line Monday morning after the switch issue delayed the start of service and caused delays for thousands of transit users.

Transit Services general manager Renée Amilcar says Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) continued to “troubleshoot the issue affecting the switch,” and measures have been put in place to allow LRT service to run on both tracks near Tremblay Station.

“As a result, Line 1 service is now operating on schedule and there are no anticipated impacts to service during this afternoon (and) evening commute or into tomorrow,” Amilcar said.

The problems were first reported at 5 a.m., when OC Transpo warned of delays on Line 1 during the morning commute. Amilcar said there was an issue with a switch near Tremblay Station.

“To allow Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) technicians to safely troubleshoot the issue with the switch, Line 1 trains operated at a slower speed while service continued on one track as trains diverted around the impacted area,” Amilcar said.

“This increased travel time for trains and resulted in higher customer volumes at some station platforms.”

Photos on social media showed long lineups waiting to board a train at Tunney’s Pasture. Bus service was launched between Tunney’s Pasture and downtown to keep passengers moving.

Amilcar says RTM technicians returned to the switch following the morning rush hour to continuing troubleshooting work.

No other details were released about the measures put in place at the switch to allow the train to continue operating on both tracks.

This is the third issue on the O-Train in Ottawa’s east end in the past week.

Last Tuesday, an issue with a switch near Tremblay Station disrupted Line 1 service. Last Monday, the O-Train operated on a single-track for an hour due to an issue.