The planned pre-trial runs for Ottawa’s eastern O-Train extension are facing a delay in their start date due to software issues, according to OC Transpo. Originally slated to commence early this month between Blair and Trim stations on Line 1, the runs are now expected to be pushed to November as the subcontractor Hitachi, responsible for the train control software, needs to carry out reprogramming.
OC Transpo’s general manager, Rick Leary, emphasized the importance of ensuring passenger safety and interests by addressing these software challenges. Work is ongoing on the extension’s power system as well.
The pre-trial runs, once initiated, are anticipated to span about a week. Subsequently, a 21-day trial run period will follow, focusing on testing the trains’ performance, safety, and reliability. Additional preparatory activities and final certification processes will be required before the extension can officially open to the public.
The extension route, predominantly aligned with Highway 174, will feature new stations near key locations such as the Montreal Road and Jeanne d’Arc interchanges, the Orléans Boulevard overpass, Place d’Orléans mall, and the Trim Road park-and-ride facility. This timeline suggests a minimum of five weeks between the commencement of pre-trial runs and the public launch of the east extension.