Lines 2 and 4 are ready but OC Transpo is waiting on final certifications

TransitNext has achieved substantial completion of Stage 2 of the O-Train South Extension, Lines 2 and 4, OC Transpo wrote in a memo to members of council.

Following a review process, the Independent Certifier issued a Substantial Completion Certificate on Nov. 26, confirming the system is safe and reliable.

This means that the outlines in the project agreement have been met, wrote Renée Amilcar, General Manager of Transit Services. Regulatory reviews and two certificates are required for operation, she added.

The City of Ottawa is working to obtain a Certificate of Fitness from the Canada Transportation Agency and confirmation of the notice of change in operations for the Railway Operating Certificate from the federal agency for the highly-anticipated lines.

These are required before the LRT can open to the public, noted Amilcar.

While the city directs its efforts to achieve revenue service, OC Transpo is working to ensure the system and staff are ready to welcome customers, including:

• Additional drills and scenarios in preparation for regular service
• Multi-stakeholder emergency exercises, including an integrated full-scale exercise with emergency personnel
• Winter readiness drills and planning
• Continued training and development activities for Diesel Rail Operators
• A dress rehearsal of the full revenue service system function

According to the memo, OC Transpo will be having a test run on Nov. 30, inviting staff and their families to test the operations of Lines 2 and 4, simulating in-service conditions.

“This will provide lessons learned to enhance operating procedures and training,” wrote Amilcar.

A technical briefing will be held on Dec. 6, where councillors will be provided details on the progress towards revenue service on Lines 2 and 4.

OC Transpo budget increases property taxes

Lines 2 and 4 continue to be invested in according to the newest budget approved by the Transportation Committee from the City of Ottawa.

“The budget increases (OC Transpo) fares by 5 per cent and the transit levy by 8 per cent amounting to a 1 per cent additional increase on the property tax bill,” Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, said at the Nov. 13 council meeting.

The mayor said that investments in transit are needed to protect it for future uses.

The $120 million transit shortfall was the “most challenging” part of this year’s budget, he noted.

The budget investments support the light rail transit system (LRT), Para Transpo and the bus system. The municipality is investing a further $88 million into the transit agency, an 11.4 per cent increase from 2024.