Transit advocates hoping new LRT sub-committee helps build confidence in system
Posted Dec 19, 2022 11:00:00 PM.
The O-Train Confederation line experienced another mechanical failure over the weekend which forced OC Transpo riders to use the R1 contingency bus service along a section of the East-West line.
On the morning of Sunday, Dec. 18, Renée Amilcar sent an update to Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and members of council informing them of a midday failure on Saturday, Dec. 17 of the Overhead Catenary System (OCS), which delivers electricity to the trains, causing the train to lose power.
While the city's light rail transit (LRT) system is up and running again, some Ottawa transit users are a hoping a new LRT committee will help prevent future incidents.
Steve Desroches, councillor for Riverside South-Findlay Creek ward, is chairing the new light rail subcommittee which also includes councillors Cathy Curry, Tim Tierney, Jeff Leiper, Glen Gower and Theresa Kavanagh.
The committee was created specifically for the handling of the LRT, following the scathing LRT public inquiry report that was released last month.
“I know we are going to have a new city council committee that will look at LRT non-operation issues,” said Laura Shantz, a board member with the Ottawa Transit Riders group on The Sam Laprade Show on Dec. 19. “Maybe there will be some findings there or as we hopefully start implementing the findings from the LRT commission, maybe we are going to start to see some answers and some transparency and all those things that will help build confidence and help prevent future incidents.”
Listen to the full interview with Laura Shantz below:
