Line 2 (O-Train)
{{Short description|Diesel light rail line in Ottawa, Ontario}}
{{distinguish|text=the Trillium Railway, a short-line in Ontario's Niagara region}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name = Line 2
| color = {{rail color|OC Transpo|2}}
| logo = {{rail-interchange|ottawa|2|size=35}}
| logo_width =
| image = File:FLIRT at Dow’s Lake (cropped).jpg
| caption = Stadler FLIRT arriving at Dow's Lake station
| other_name = Trillium Line
| system = O-Train
| status = Open
| type = Diesel light rail
| locale = Ottawa, Ontario
| start =
| end =
| stations = 11
| routes =
| ridership2 = 3,922,500 (2018){{Cite web|url=https://www.apta.com/wp-content/uploads/2018-Q4-Ridership-APTA.pdf|title=Public Transportation Ridership: Fourth Quarter 2018|website=American Public Transit Association|access-date=May 4, 2020}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.octranspo.com/en/o-train-extension/lines-stations/o-train-south-2/#line2|Line 2 (OC Transpo)}}
| open = {{Start date and age|2001|10|15}}
| event1label = Closed for upgrading
| event1 = {{Start date and age|2020|05|03}}
| event2label = Reopened
| event2 = {{Start date and age|2025|01|06}}
| close =
| owner = City of Ottawa
| operator = OC Transpo under the name Capital Railway
| character =
| stock = {{plainlist|
}}
| linelength = {{convert|19|km|mi|0|abbr=on}}
| tracklength =
| tracks =
| gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| minradius =
| signalling = Canadian Rail Operating Rules
| trainprotection = {{plainlist|
}}
| speed_km/h = 80{{cite web |title=FLIRT trains |url=https://www.octranspo.com/en/our-services/vehicles/flirt-trains/ |website=OC Transpo |access-date=January 27, 2025}}
| elevation =
| map = {{switcher
| {{maplink-road|from=Line 2 (O-Train).map}} Line 2 highlighted in green
| Show interactive map
| {{Line 2 (O-Train)|inline=yes}}
| Show route diagram
}}
| map_state =
}}
{{Infobox rail|railroad_name=Capital Railway|marks=CR|hq_city=Walkley Yard|locale=Ontario and Quebec|logo=Capital_Railway_Logo.png|logo_size=120}}
Line 2 ({{langx|fr|Ligne 2}}), also known as the Trillium Line ({{langx|fr|Ligne Trillium}}),{{Cite web|title=O-Train Line 2 |url=https://www.octranspo.com/en/our-services/bus-o-train-network/service-types/o-train-line-2|access-date=July 15, 2020|website=OC Transpo}} is a {{Convert|19|km|mi|adj=on}} diesel light rail line in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Operated by OC Transpo, it runs north–south between Bayview and Limebank stations, using main line trains.{{cite web |title=5 things to know about the Trillium Line's new Stadler trains |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/stadler-flirt-trains-trillium-line-1.6521798 |website=CBC/Radio-Canada |access-date=January 15, 2025}}
The first line in the O-Train system, Line 2 opened on October 15, 2001. It operates on a dedicated right-of-way with a mix of single and double-track sections.{{cite web |last1=Ramlakhan |first1=Krystalle |title=Students rail against longer-than-expected O-Train shutdown |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/frustrated-students-carleton-o-train-ottawa-lrt-delays-longer-shut-down-1.5031347 |website=CBC News |access-date=October 28, 2019 |date=February 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930001943/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/frustrated-students-carleton-o-train-ottawa-lrt-delays-longer-shut-down-1.5031347 |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Here's what's happening for Stage 2 LRT construction right now |url=https://ottawastart.com/heres-whats-happening-for-stage-2-lrt-construction-right-now/ |access-date=October 28, 2019 |date=October 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028124110/https://ottawastart.com/heres-whats-happening-for-stage-2-lrt-construction-right-now/ |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |url-status=live }} Although it serves as a public transit line, Line 2 is legally classified as a federally regulated mainline railway. It operates under the official name "Capital Railway", which appears on the trains alongside the O-Train logo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/ruling/283-r-2007|title=Decision No. 283-R-2007|date=June 6, 2007|website=www.otc-cta.gc.ca|access-date=March 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405201205/https://www.otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/ruling/283-r-2007|archive-date=April 5, 2019|url-status=live}}
Service on Line 2 has evolved over time. From October 2001 to March 2015, trains operated every 15 minutes on an {{convert|8|km|mi|0|adj=on}} route between Bayview and Greenboro using three-module Bombardier Talent trains. In March 2015, the line switched to two-module Alstom LINT trains, with service frequency improving to every 12 minutes.
May 2020 marked the shutdown of the line for the Stage 2 expansion project. Originally expected to be completed by September 2022, service resumed on January 6, 2025. The expanded {{convert|19|km|mi|0|adj=on}} line now extends to Limebank, with trains running every 12 minutes using either four-module Stadler FLIRT trains or coupled pairs of two-module Alstom LINT trains.
History
=Pilot project=
The Trillium Line was introduced on October 15, 2001, as a pilot project to provide an alternative to the Transitway bus rapid transit on which Ottawa had long depended exclusively for its high-grade transit service. The single-track line operated with five stations and a single passing loop at Carleton station.
As a pilot project, the Trillium Line system was built at the cost of {{CAD|21{{nbsp}}million|link=yes}}, relatively little compared with the hundreds of millions of dollars usually required to build a new transit line. It runs on an existing Canadian Pacific Railway track (Ellwood and Prescott subdivisions of Bytown and Prescott Railway{{cite web|url=http://www.niagararails.com/cgi-bin/img.cgi?/maps/otawatrm.gif|title=Ottawa Railways|last=Duncan|first=Paul|work=NiagaraRails.com|format=GIF|access-date=January 12, 2009}}), so the only construction work necessary was to build the stations themselves and the passing tracks necessary to allow trains to operate in both directions. The track is shared with Ottawa Central freight trains south of Walkley Yard, which occasionally serve the National Research Council of Canada's Automotive and Surface Transportation Research Centre
From 2001 until 2015, the system used three diesel-powered Bombardier Talent BR643 low-floor diesel multiple unit trains. It was, however, described as "light rail", partly because plans called for it to be extended into Ottawa's downtown as a tramway-like service, and partly because the Talent vehicles, though designed for mainline railways in Europe, are much smaller and lighter than most mainline trains in North America, and do not meet the Association of American Railroads' standards for crash strength. Ottawa is also authorized to run trains with only a single operator and no other crew, something rare on mainline railways in North America.
Until late 2014, the official name of the diesel-powered, north–south line was "O-Train". After construction started on a second, east–west urban rail line (the Confederation Line), the O-Train name was applied to the entire system, and the north–south line was renamed the "Trillium Line".{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/o-train-name-approved-for-ottawa-light-rail-system-1.2769049|title=O-Train name approved for Ottawa light rail system|date=September 17, 2014|newspaper=CBC News Network|access-date=December 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141007113656/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/o-train-name-approved-for-ottawa-light-rail-system-1.2769049|archive-date=October 7, 2014|url-status=live}}
==Original service==
File:ON OC-Tr 20050728-145844 RameTalent DesserteUrbaine.jpg trains]]
File:Carletonstation.jpg was the only location with two tracks during the pilot service. Note retractable platform extenders at solid yellow markings.]]
File:OttawaO-TrainInterior.jpg
Ticketing on Line 2 originally worked entirely on a proof-of-payment basis; there were no ticket barriers or turnstiles, and the driver did not check fares. Occasionally, OC Transpo Special Constables or other employees prompted passengers for proof-of-payment. Tickets can be purchased from a vending machine on the platform, and certain bus passes are also valid for Line 2. Line 2 tickets were exchanged for bus transfers upon boarding a bus. Although bus transfers can be used to board the O-Train, prepaid bus tickets cannot.
The European trains were narrower than the North American standard. In order to enable night-time use of the line by standard-width freight services, retractable platform extenders were mounted at each station other than Bayview (which is constructed on its own private rail spur). Passengers gain access to Line 2 on these extenders. When a freight train needs to pass through a station, the extenders are retracted, allowing the wider train to pass through.
The 15-minute headway combined with a travel time of 12 minutes end-to-end{{cite web|url=http://www.octranspo.com:80/maps_menue.htm|title=O-Train Schedule September 2003|publisher=octranspo.com|access-date=August 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040401225004/http://www.octranspo.com:80/maps_menue.htm|archive-date=1 April 2004|url-status=live}} made it possible to run the line with a fleet of just three trains (of which only two were in service at any given time) and a single track, apart from passing sidings at Carleton station.
The Trillium Line hit the 1-millionth rider mark on May 29, 2002, the 5-millionth mark on January 21, 2005, and the 10-millionth in late 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.octranspo.com/routes/odometer_1_mil_km|title=OC Transpo - Odometer passes 1 Millionth KM!|publisher=octranspo.com|access-date=August 7, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119121137/http://www.octranspo.com/routes/odometer_1_mil_km|archive-date=January 19, 2019|url-status=live}} In mid-2011, the Trillium Line carried an average of approximately 12,000 riders each day.
==Awards==
In June 2002, the O-Train Light Rail Transit project received the Canadian Urban Transit Association’s Corporate Innovation Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-utsp-otrainlightrailproject-973.htm|title=O-Train Light Rail Project|access-date=April 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123114358/http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-utsp-otrainlightrailproject-973.htm|archive-date=January 23, 2011|url-status=live}}
On January 16, 2003, the Ontario chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) presented the City of Ottawa, Canadian Pacific Railway and Morrison Hershfield with the APWA Public Works Project of the Year award in the transportation category. This award was established to highlight excellence in the management and administration of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant and the contractors who, working together, complete public works projects.{{cite web|url=http://www.acec.ca/en/memberfirms/paidprofile.asp?track=dp&itemid=1254|title=Acec.ca|access-date=April 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724102819/http://www.acec.ca/en/memberfirms/paidprofile.asp?track=dp&itemid=1254|archive-date=July 24, 2011|url-status=dead}}
A third award the Trillium Line Light Rail transit project received was in May 2003, in the sustainable transportation category of the FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Awards.
==Criticism of pilot project==
The main complaints about the Trillium Line pilot have revolved around its placement and ridership levels. The Trillium Line's route was determined by existing railway tracks, rather than the parts of the city that needed public transport, which would have required new tracks to be laid. Carleton University students, however, have benefited from the connection to the busy Ottawa Transitway system.
The other criticism is that there is low ridership of the trains compared to some crowded bus lines, such as the 90–99 series routes. A fully loaded Line 2 train carries 285 passengers compared to 131 passengers for an articulated bus.{{cite web|url= http://www.octranspo.com/contacts/press_releases/2001/010405_LowFloorBuses.htm|title= OC Transpo adds new low-floor articulated buses to its fleet|publisher= OC Transpo|date= April 5, 2001|access-date= January 12, 2009| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929105859/http://www.octranspo.com/contacts/press_releases/2001/010405_LowFloorBuses.htm| archive-date = September 29, 2007}} The O-Train schedule is limited by track capacity.
==Early extension plans==
{{main|O-Train#Early extension plans}}
In July 2006, Ottawa City Council approved a north–south light rail expansion project. The project would have terminated diesel light rail service on the Trillium Line so as to reuse its right-of-way for a double-track, electric light rail line that would have extended west from the University of Ottawa to Bayview then south to Leitrim and then west to Barrhaven. However, in December 2006, Ottawa City Council cancelled this project, thus leaving the diesel-powered Trillium Line unchanged.
=Service improvements=
File:J95729 OnOCTotrain 20160815-113119.58 Bayview.jpg
On May 18, 2011, OC Transpo approved a $200,000 study to expand the Trillium Line. The $59-million proposal included the purchase of six new trainsets and track improvements that would decrease headways from 15 minutes to 8 minutes.{{cite web | url=https://www.railwaygazette.com/ottawa-o-train-extension-proposed/35945.article | title=Ottawa O-Train extension proposed | publisher=Railway Gazette International | date=May 24, 2011 | access-date=January 27, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002214005/http://www.railwaygazette.com/index.php?id=44&no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=13296&cHash=3d62410f22 | archive-date=October 2, 2012 | url-status=live }} The project would finally cost $60.3{{Nbsp}}million.{{cite web |url=http://ottawa.ca/en/news/new-trains-improve-o-train-trillium-line-service |title=New Trains improve O-Train Trillium Line service |publisher=City of Ottawa |date=March 2, 2015 |access-date=July 31, 2015}}
In mid-2013, service on the Trillium Line was suspended for four months to implement service and track improvements such as new station platforms and two new passing tracks (near Brookfield and Gladstone).{{cite news |url=http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-s-o-train-back-on-track-1.1438643 |last=Hua |first=John |title=Ottawa's O-Train back on track |publisher=Bell Media |website=CTVNews.ca |date=September 3, 2013 |access-date=July 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906075120/http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-s-o-train-back-on-track-1.1438643 |archive-date=September 6, 2013 |url-status=live }} Upgrades were also made to the signal system, train controls, stations, tracks and train yard. A new centralized traffic control system was installed to improve safety and efficiency. Six new Alstom Coradia LINT 41 trainsets (replacing the three older Bombardier Talent units) and the two extra passing loops allowed the number of trains on the line to double to four.
Expanded service began on March 2, 2015, but suffered numerous problems during the first week.{{cite web | url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/o-train-service-suspended-day-after-launch-of-expanded-line | title=O-Train shut down day after launch of expanded line (with video) | publisher=The Ottawa Citizen | date=March 3, 2015 | access-date=July 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209232207/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/o-train-service-suspended-day-after-launch-of-expanded-line | archive-date=February 9, 2019 | url-status=live }} Although the changes were intended to improve frequency to eight minutes, the Trillium Line would ultimately operate at twelve minute frequency.{{Cite web|url=http://www.octranspo.com/route/rte-timetable-text?rte=2&lang=en&date=20190208|title=Line 2 O-Train schedule|website=octranspo.com|access-date=February 8, 2019}} After the completion of the Stage 2 project, the line was originally planned to continue operating using single-car trains; however, because of the lower-than-intended frequency, the city was forced to adjust the Stage 2 plan to include longer trains and platforms to compensate.{{Cite web|title=Appendix A Consultation Record|url=http://cdn.wsp-pb.com/u5wdrq/appendix-a-consultation.pdf#page=12|date=May 19, 2015|page=12|access-date=May 3, 2020}}
= Derailment =
On August 11, 2014, train C3 derailed while traveling northbound over the switch just south of Carleton station.{{Cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/human-error-faulty-switch-caused-o-train-derailment|title=Human error, faulty switch caused O-Train derailment|work=Ottawa Citizen|last=Pearson|first=Matthew|date=August 22, 2014|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030258/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/human-error-faulty-switch-caused-o-train-derailment|archive-date=February 17, 2019|url-status=live}} The cause was determined to be a faulty spring switch that had not closed properly as well as the operator failing to follow regulations and physically inspect the switch after spotting a signal irregularity. No serious injuries occurred as a result of the derailment; however, train C3 received damage and was taken out of service. C3 was never repaired and never returned to service and as a result the line continued to operate with only two operational trains until the following March when the new Alstom LINT trains entered service. In June 2017, the spring switches at Carleton were replaced with powered switches.{{Cite web|url=https://shadqadri.com/2017/06/09/o-train-service-adjustment-carleton-spring-switchpreventative-maintenance/|title=O-Train Service Adjustment – Carleton Spring Switch/Preventative Maintenance|last=shadqadri|date=June 9, 2017|website=Shad Qadri|language=en|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217142306/https://shadqadri.com/2017/06/09/o-train-service-adjustment-carleton-spring-switchpreventative-maintenance/|archive-date=February 17, 2019|url-status=live}}
= Stage 2 expansion =
As part of the city's Stage 2 LRT project, the Trillium Line was extended {{convert|11|km}} south from Greenboro to Limebank using a new grade-separated railway with four new stations at South Keys, Leitrim, Bowesville and Limebank. At South Keys, the extension connects to the new Line 4, a {{Convert|4|km|adj=on}} branch line to Macdonald–Cartier International Airport.
The project added a new pocket track, passing track and crossover tracks at South Keys station, and the tracks from the Leitrim Road overpass to Limebank station were double-tracked. In addition, two more stations were built along the existing portion of the line at Gladstone and Walkley.{{cite web |url=http://www.stage2lrt.ca/where/south/ |title=Stage 2 - Trillium Line South |publisher=City of Ottawa |date=2015 |access-date=August 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924105550/http://www.stage2lrt.ca/where/south/ |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |url-status=live }} The project also included a number of other significant upgrades, including lengthening all existing passing tracks, purchasing seven new trains, doubling the length of all existing platforms, building a grade separation over the Via Rail line, rehabilitating rail bridges over the Rideau River and the Dow's Lake rail tunnel, upgrading the signalling system to implement positive train control, constructing several new pedestrian tunnels and overpasses, and numerous guideway and vehicle rehabilitation projects.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Stage-2-LRT_Contract-Award_FAQ_20190305.pdf|title=FAQs: Stage 2 LRT Contract Award|page=12|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901183352/https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Stage-2-LRT_Contract-Award_FAQ_20190305.pdf|archive-date=September 1, 2019|url-status=live}}
The contract for the project was approved on March 7, 2019, by city council,{{Cite web|url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/city-council-approves-stage-2-of-lrt-1.4324703|title=City council approves stage 2 of LRT|website=CTV News Ottawa|date=March 6, 2019 |access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901183350/https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/city-council-approves-stage-2-of-lrt-1.4324703|archive-date=September 1, 2019|url-status=live}} with construction of the airport spur beginning in mid-2019. The project was expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2022 but was delayed initially to October 2023, then to April 2024, then to mid-2024. On December 6, 2024, an opening date was announced, with revenue service beginning January 6, 2025.{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Kate |date=January 6, 2025 |title=The north-south O-Train reopens: 7 questions you might have as you ride |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/o-train-trillium-line-opening-questions-answers-1.7401006 |access-date=January 6, 2025 |website=CBC}}
The {{convert|4|km||adj=on}} Line 4 runs from Macdonald–Cartier International Airport north to South Keys station, where riders need to change trains to continue to Bayview station.{{cite web |title=Ottawa airport can't afford new Trillium Line station, needs $13.5M airdrop from feds |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/ottawa-airport-cant-afford-new-trillium-line-station-needs-13-5m-airdrop-from-feds |website=ottawacitizen |access-date=November 28, 2020 |language=en-CA |date=November 28, 2020 |quote=The four-kilometre airport spur}} South Keys station features an island platform to facilitate cross-platform transfers for passengers arriving from the airport branch to trains bound for Bayview station. The spur's funding came from the federal and provincial governments, as well as the airport authority, instead of from the city itself.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Contract-Award-of-Ottawas-Stage-2-LRT-Project_Final.pdf|title=Contract Award of Ottawa's Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Projects and Related Matters|date=February 22, 2019|page=10|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901183352/https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Contract-Award-of-Ottawas-Stage-2-LRT-Project_Final.pdf|archive-date=September 1, 2019|url-status=live}}
On February 22, 2019, the city announced that the selected proponent to construct the project was TransitNEXT, a wholly owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Stage-2-Light-Rail-Transit-Project_Technical-Briefing-EN_Feb-22.pdf|title=Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project|date=February 22, 2019|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901183351/https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Stage-2-Light-Rail-Transit-Project_Technical-Briefing-EN_Feb-22.pdf|archive-date=September 1, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.snclavalin.com/en/media/press-releases/2019/29-03-2019|title=TransitNEXT finalizes Contract for Trillium Line Extension Project|website=www.snclavalin.com|language=en|access-date=September 1, 2019}} This decision was controversial as the federal government and SNC-Lavalin were involved in a political scandal at the time, which led to extra scrutiny by city councillors, with some calling for a delay on the vote to approve the contract in order to allow more time for review. Ultimately Council voted not to delay the approval and the contract was approved on March 7, 2019. It was later revealed that TransitNEXT's bid had not met the minimum technical scoring threshold in order to be considered, which continued the controversy.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/snc-lavalin-did-not-score-70-per-cent-minimum-lrt2-1.5064746|title=SNC-Lavalin failed to meet technical threshold for $1.6B LRT contract: sources|last=Chianello|first=Joanne|date=March 22, 2019|work=CBC|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815182622/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/snc-lavalin-did-not-score-70-per-cent-minimum-lrt2-1.5064746|archive-date=August 15, 2019|url-status=live}} The city eventually explained that the decision to award the contract to TransitNEXT was done at the discretion of city staff to get a better deal for the city and was within the rules of the procurement process.{{Cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-admits-it-let-snc-lavalin-through-stage-2-lrt-bidding-despite-lower-technical-score|title=City admits it let SNC-Lavalin through Stage 2 LRT bidding despite lower technical score|work=Ottawa Citizen|last=Willing|first=Jon|date=August 2, 2019|language=en|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804053717/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-admits-it-let-snc-lavalin-through-stage-2-lrt-bidding-despite-lower-technical-score|archive-date=August 4, 2019|url-status=live}} An investigation conducted by the city's auditor general later confirmed that the authority delegated by council gave city staff sole discretion on whether to allow a bid to proceed even if it had not met the minimum scoring threshold, and that staff had otherwise correctly followed the entire procurement process that had been approved by council.{{Cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-followed-the-rules-in-selecting-snc-lavalin-for-lrt-stage-2-project-auditor-general-finds|title=City followed the rules in selecting SNC-Lavalin for LRT Stage 2 project, auditor general finds |work=Ottawa Citizen|date=November 26, 2019 |first=Jon |last=Willing |access-date=November 27, 2019}}
Work on the Stage 2 extension began in mid-2019, starting with the clear-cutting of trees along the corridors used by the extension. Construction of the airport spur was expected to be completed in 2020 to give the airport authority time to rebuild the terminal and connect it to the future station.{{Cite web |last=Crawford |first=Blair |date=November 14, 2019 |title=Construction of LRT Stage 2 leaving its mark on the city |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/construction-of-lrt-phase-2-leaving-its-mark-on-the-city |access-date=November 27, 2019 |work=Ottawa Citizen}}{{Cite web |last=Toolkit |first=Web Experience |date=August 1, 2019 |title=Determination No. R-2019-73 |url=https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/ruling/r-2019-73 |access-date=November 27, 2019 |website=otc-cta.gc.ca}}{{update inline|date=December 2024}}
File:Trillium_Line_LRT_interior.jpg train interior on display for Doors Open Ottawa 2023]]
On May 3, 2020, the line was shut down for the expansion project. The project was originally expected to be complete by September 2022 but was delayed several times.{{cite web |title=Trillium Line hits another delay, opening timeline pushed back through the summer |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/trillium-line-hits-another-delay-opening-pushed-back-through-the-summer-1.6786026 |website=CTV News |access-date=February 29, 2024 |date=February 27, 2024}}{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2023 |title=Trillium Line launch delayed until spring 2024 |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/trillium-line-launch-delayed-until-spring-2024-1.6582971 |access-date=September 30, 2023 |website=Ottawa}}{{cite web |title= Trillium Line launch pushed back again |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/trillium-line-launch-pushed-back-again-1.6939217 |access-date=August 30, 2023}}{{cite web |author1=Joanne Chianello |author2=Kate Porter |title=Trillium Line extension now delayed to spring 2023 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/trillium-line-lrt-delay-spring-2023-1.6289303 |website=CBC |access-date=December 18, 2021 |date=December 17, 2021}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stage2lrt.ca/where/south/|title=Trillium Line South|website=Stage 2 Ottawa|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109044015/https://www.stage2lrt.ca/where/south/|archive-date=November 9, 2019|access-date=November 8, 2019}} On May 26, 2023, the Light Rail Transit Sub-Committee received an update on the progress of construction for Lines 2 and 4, noting that construction was going well and that handover of the system to the city was expected in approximately the first or second week of October 2023, though that was subject to shifting earlier or later pending the results of operational testing across both lines.{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2023 |title='Proof is in the pudding': OC Transpo won't commit to opening date for Trillium Line |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/proof-is-in-the-pudding-oc-transpo-won-t-commit-to-opening-date-for-trillium-line-1.6415252 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website=Ottawa |language=en}} Michael Morgan, the director of rail construction, reaffirmed that all signs were pointing to Lines 2 and 4 beginning revenue service by the end of 2023 and stated that Line 4 would likely be the first of the two branches to open to the public. It was also revealed that, due to lessons learned from the launch of the Line 1 Confederation Line in late 2019, parallel bus service would be retained across both lines through the end of the first winter they were in operation, so as to mitigate unforeseen disruptions caused by any remaining unexpected events related to the construction.{{Cite web |date=May 26, 2023 |title=OC Transpo to keep parallel bus service through the first winter when Trillium Line launches |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/oc-transpo-to-keep-parallel-bus-service-through-the-first-winter-when-trillium-line-launches-1.6414747 |access-date=May 28, 2023 |website=Ottawa |language=en}} Final testing of the line began in October 2024, with successful completion of trial running by October 31.{{cite web |title=Trillium rail line passes crucial test and could be weeks from opening |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/trillium-rail-line-passes-crucial-test-and-could-be-weeks-from-opening-1.7358298 |access-date=October 22, 2024 |date=October 21, 2024}}
The line reopened on January 6, 2025, beginning with a 5-day service week, which expanded to a 6-day service week on January 25;{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2024 |title=Trillium Line to reopen in stages starting Monday, Jan. 6 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-trillium-line-2-4-lrt-opening-date-1.7382654 |access-date=December 7, 2024 |website=CBC}} and expanded to 7-day service on March 16.{{cite web |title=O-Train Lines 2 and 4 will open on Sundays starting Sunday, March 16 |url=https://ottawa.ca/en/city-hall/city-news/newsroom/o-train-lines-2-and-4-will-open-sundays-starting-sunday-march-16 |website=ottawa.ca |access-date=March 11, 2025 |language=en |date=March 10, 2025}}
Future extensions
File:Bayview Station Lower Entrance (March 2020) (cropped).jpg is an interchange station that serves Line 1 and Line 2.]]
Extending the Trillium Line across the Ottawa River into Gatineau across the Chief William Commanda Bridge had been proposed as early as the original pilot project proposal. The city's certificate of fitness for the Trillium Line, issued by the Canadian Transportation Authority in 2001, indicates that it operates between the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, despite the line never having actually operated across the river.{{Cite web|url=https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/ruling/635-R-2006|title=Decision No. 635-R-2006|date=November 17, 2006|website=otc-cta.gc.ca|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901183358/https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/ruling/635-R-2006|archive-date=September 1, 2019|url-status=live}} The city even considered converting the rail bridge into a pedestrian crossing at one point.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ad-to-convert-rail-bridge-over-ottawa-river-posted-early-city-says-1.2940839|title=Ad to convert rail bridge over Ottawa River posted early, city says|last=Steele|first=Alistair|date=February 2, 2015|work=CBC|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504010728/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ad-to-convert-rail-bridge-over-ottawa-river-posted-early-city-says-1.2940839|archive-date=May 4, 2019|url-status=live}} When the city announced the contract awards for Stage 2, it also presented a map of the O-Train network that included proposed extensions that would be a part of a Stage 3 phase, including extensions to Kanata, Barrhaven, and Gatineau.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Stage-2-Light-Rail-Transit-Project_Technical-Briefing-EN_Feb-22.pdf|title=Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project|date=February 22, 2019|page=109|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901183351/https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Stage-2-Light-Rail-Transit-Project_Technical-Briefing-EN_Feb-22.pdf|archive-date=September 1, 2019|url-status=live}} On September 24, 2019, the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau jointly announced that they no longer intended to use the Chief William Commanda Bridge for any kind of rail connection, citing capacity concerns at Bayview station.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-gatineau-prince-of-wales-bridge-1.5296186|title=Mayors rule out Prince of Wales Bridge for transit link|date=September 24, 2019|website=CBC|access-date=September 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925051531/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-gatineau-prince-of-wales-bridge-1.5296186|archive-date=September 25, 2019|url-status=live}} The bridge was later opened in September 2023 as a multi-use pedestrian pathway.{{Cite web |date=September 9, 2023 |title=Chief William Commanda Bridge officially opens |url=https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/chief-william-commanda-bridge-officially-opens-1.6554946 |access-date=November 7, 2023 |website=Ottawa |language=en}}
Stations
{{main|List of O-Train stations}}
{{more citations needed|section|date=December 2019}}
{{As of|2019||df=}}, ticket barriers are installed and operational in all Line 2 stations. They were initially installed in all stations except for Bayview in order to test the hardware and software of the fare gate system before it was installed in all thirteen stations on Line 1.
The Line 2 stations have large, bus-style sheltered waiting areas for passengers. All stations have level boarding platforms to allow for wheelchair access and easier boarding for all passengers. Elevators are available at Greenboro (for Transitway riders), Dow's Lake (for Line 2 riders) and Bayview (for train transfers within the fare-paid zone).
class="wikitable"
|+Line 2 (Trillium Line) !Station !Opened !Notes |
{{octs|Bayview}}
|2001 |Interchange with Line 1 (Confederation Line) in a fare-paid zone. Northbound terminus for Line 2. |
{{octs|Corso Italia}}
|2025 |The southern end of the northern double tracked segment |
{{octs|Dow's Lake}}
|2001 |South of this station, the train enters a tunnel to pass under Dow's Lake. |
{{octs|Carleton}}
|2001 |Serves Carleton University. This station had the only passing loop along the line until 2013. |
{{octs|Mooney's Bay}}
|2001 |Originally known as "Confederation" from 2001 until 2017 |
{{octs|Walkley}}
|2025 |Out-of-station transfer to the Walkley Transitway station |
{{octs|Greenboro}}
|2001 |Provides an interchange with the Transitway and has a park and ride lot |
{{octs|South Keys}}
|2025 |Cross-platform transfer to Line 4 and connection to the existing Transitway station |
{{octs|Leitrim}}
|2025 |Includes a park and ride lot. Northern end of the southern double tracked segment. |
{{octs|Bowesville}}
|2025 |Includes a park and ride lot |
{{octs|Limebank}}
|2025 |Southbound terminus for Line 2 |
Ceremonial
|Future |Between collector roads D and E, 450m east of Limebank Station. Identified in the 2025 Transportation Master Plan. |
Mosquito Creek
|Future |Immediately east of future collector G, halfway between Limebank and Bowesville, {{Convert|500|m|abbr=on}} east of Limebank Station. Identified in the 2025 Transportation Master Plan. |
(Unnamed)
|Future |{{Convert|1000|m|abbr=on}} west of Bowesville Station. Identified in the 2025 Transportation Master Plan. |
Rolling stock
File:Interior of O-Train Alstom Coradia LINT.jpg
The Trillium Line initially used three Bombardier Talent diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains for service. Each train (numbered C1–C3){{Cite web|url=https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=97&acctid=6620|title=Lot of Three (3) 1999 Bombardier Talent Trainsets and Parts - govdeals.com|website=www.govdeals.com|language=en|access-date=January 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013324/https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=97&acctid=6620|archive-date=February 1, 2019|url-status=live}} consisted of three cars, with the front and rear powered and the centre towed. The trains were originally ordered by Deutsche Bahn and later delivered to OC Transpo. After being retired in 2015, the units were put up for auction multiple times{{Cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-unloading-bombardier-trains-the-original-trillium-line-workhorses|title=City auctioning off Bombardier trains|work=Ottawa Citizen|last=Willing|first=Jon|date=December 28, 2016|language=en|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201065328/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/city-unloading-bombardier-trains-the-original-trillium-line-workhorses|archive-date=February 1, 2019|url-status=live}} but a deal to sell the vehicles was never successfully established. They are now slated to be scrapped.{{Cite web|title=City's original O-Train Bombardier vehicles heading for the scrap heap|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/citys-original-o-train-bombardier-vehicles-heading-for-the-scrap-heap|access-date=March 1, 2021|website=ottawacitizen|language=en-CA}}
In September 2011, Alstom announced that in 2013, it would deliver six new two-car Coradia LINT train sets;{{cite web|url=http://www.alstom.com/press-centre/2011/9/oc-transpo-chooses-alstom-supply-six-new-commuter-trains-Ottawa/|title=OC Transpo chooses Alstom to supply six new commuter trains to Ottawa|date=September 16, 2011|publisher=Alstom|access-date=July 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121117034016/http://www.alstom.com/press-centre/2011/9/oc-transpo-chooses-alstom-supply-six-new-commuter-trains-Ottawa/|archive-date=November 17, 2012|url-status=live}} a model originally designed for the European market.{{cite web |title=Alstom to supply trains for O-Train capacity expansion |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812070026/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/alstom-to-supply-trains-for-o-train-capacity-expansion.html |website=web.archive.org |publisher=Railway Gazette |access-date=5 April 2025 |date=12 August 2015}} The trains were handed over to OC Transpo in June 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.alstom.com/press-centre/2013/6/in-ottawa-alstom-introduces-first-european-style-commuter-trains-for-north-america/|title=In Ottawa, Alstom introduces first European-style commuter trains for North America|date=June 25, 2013|publisher=Alstom|access-date=July 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816170114/http://www.alstom.com/press-centre/2013/6/in-ottawa-alstom-introduces-first-european-style-commuter-trains-for-north-america/|archive-date=August 16, 2013|url-status=live}} These trains were put into service on March 2, 2015, and the Bombardier Talent units were subsequently retired.{{Cite web |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/expanded-o-train-service-to-begin-on-monday |title=Expanded O-Train service to begin on Monday | Ottawa Citizen |access-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327172415/https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/expanded-o-train-service-to-begin-on-monday |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |url-status=live }}
On May 3, 2018, it was announced that the city would be purchasing seven new Stadler FLIRT trains to use on the extended Trillium Line after the completion of Stage 2.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stage2lrt.ca/news/city-secures-funding-to-extend-o-train-trillium-line-to-the-heart-of-riverside-south/|title=City secures funding to extend O-Train Trillium Line to the heart of Riverside South|date=May 10, 2018|website=stage2lrt.ca|language=en-US|access-date=August 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815224841/https://www.stage2lrt.ca/news/city-secures-funding-to-extend-o-train-trillium-line-to-the-heart-of-riverside-south/|archive-date=August 15, 2019|url-status=live}} These trains are approximately {{convert|81|m|ft|0}} long, which is double the {{convert|42|m|ft|0|adj=on}} length of the current Coradia LINT trains. The new trains operate alongside coupled pairs of the existing LINT trains on the main line as part of a mixed fleet. These vehicles were manufactured in Switzerland before being transported to Canada for final assembly.{{Cite tech report|title=Report to: Council|page=52|date=February 22, 2019|url=https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Contract-Award-of-Ottawa%E2%80%99s-Stage-2-Light-Rail-Transit-Projects-and-Related-Matters.pdf|access-date=February 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226172820/https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Contract-Award-of-Ottawa%E2%80%99s-Stage-2-Light-Rail-Transit-Projects-and-Related-Matters.pdf|archive-date=February 26, 2019|url-status=live}} The trains have a diesel-electric drive with the possibility of future electrification. The first FLIRT vehicle was delivered on October 7, 2021,{{Cite web|title=Snapshot of the Stadler FLIRT train C10, outside Walkley Yard MSF - October 7, 2021 - O-Train - Rail Fans Canada|url=https://otrain.railfans.ca/snapshot-updates-2/snapshot-of-the-stadler-flirt-train-c10-outside-walkley-yard-msf-october-7-2021|access-date=October 8, 2021|website=otrain.railfans.ca}} and began testing on the weekend of January 15, 2022.{{Cite web|date=January 15, 2022|title=Ottawa's new LRT cars out for a test ride on the Trillium Line|url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/ottawas-new-lrt-cars-out-for-a-test-ride-on-the-trillium-line/|access-date=March 2, 2025|website=CTV News|language=en}}
class="wikitable"
!Class !Image !Type !Number of doors !Number !Built !Years of service |
Bombardier Talent BR643
|File:O-Train C3 at Walkley Yard.jpg |DMU |3 per side |{{nowrap|3 three-car sets}} | 1999 | Trillium Line {{nowrap|(2001–2015)}} |
Alstom Coradia LINT 41
|File:Alstom Coradia LINT 41 on the Trillium Line 0891.jpg |DMU |2 per side |{{nowrap|6 two-car pairs}} |2013 |Trillium Line {{nowrap|(2015–present)}} |
Stadler FLIRT3
|File:Stadler FLIRT train C10 OC Transpo 6459.jpg |DEMU |8 per side |7 four-car sets |2021 |Trillium Line {{nowrap|(2025–present)}} |
Facilities
Train sets are stored at the Walkley Yard located northeast of the Greenboro station. Before their retirement, the Bombardier Talent trainsets were maintained by Bombardier Transportation at the Walkley facilities. Bombardier continues to perform maintenance of the Line 2 fleet, which included standstill maintenance of the retired Bombardier Talent trains until March 8, 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=97&acctid=6620|title=Lot of Three (3) 1999 Bombardier Talent Trainsets and Parts - govdeals.com|website=www.govdeals.com|language=en|access-date=February 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013324/https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=97&acctid=6620|archive-date=February 1, 2019|url-status=live}} The Walkley Yard was built in 1955 by the National Capital Commission for the Canadian National Railways and later sold to the Canadian Pacific Railway. The yard has enclosed buildings for repairs and outdoor storage tracks.
As part of the Stage 2 project, a new maintenance facility was built adjacent and to the west of the old facilities.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Appendix7.pdf|title=Relocated Walkley Yard MSF, West of Albion Road|date=January 17, 2016|access-date=February 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223020424/https://www.stage2lrt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Appendix7.pdf|archive-date=February 23, 2019|url-status=live}} The construction of the new yard facilities began in 2019.{{Cite web|url=http://ottwatch.ca/meetings/file/627775#page=12|title=Transit Services 2020 Business Plan|date=February 19, 2019|website=ottwatch.ca|page=12|access-date=February 23, 2020}}
See also
{{Portal|Ontario}}
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
- Confederation Line
- Letsgomoose
- Light rail in Canada
- Light rail in North America
- List of tram and light rail transit systems
- Prince of Wales Bridge
- Rapibus
{{div col end}}
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
{{Commons category}}
- [https://www.octranspo.com/en/our-services/bus-o-train-network/service-types/o-train-line-2 OC Transpo – O-Train Line 2 Trillium Line (official site)]
- [https://ottawa.ca/en/planning-development-and-construction/major-projects/stage-2-light-rail-transit-project/o-train-south-extension City of Ottawa - LRT Stage 2 - Trillium Line South Extension] including map and station renderings
- 2002 [http://www.ottawa.ca/calendar/ottawa/citycouncil/ttc/2002/12-04/ACS2002-TUP-TRN-0012.htm O-Train Evaluation Report]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20130517071842/http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/programs/environment-utsp-otrainlightrailproject-973.htm Transport Canada O-Train Light Rail Project Summary circa 2010] (Internet Archive)
- [http://esteemfoundation.org/emdx//rail/Talent/ O-Train construction pictures]
- [https://churcher.crcml.org/candate/Otrain.htm Salient Features of the O-Train (Trillium) Route Between Bayview and Greenboro as of August 2017]
{{OC Transpo}}
Category:Railway lines opened in 2001