(City of Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson accepts keys from RTG for the O-Train Confederation Line at ceremony on August 23, 2019. Photo: Mayor Jim Watson)
Beginning Saturday, September 14, the O-Train Confederation Line will be open for service at all 13 stations along the line, from Tunney’s Pasture Station in the west to Blair Station in the east. Today’s announcement included a symbolic transfer of the key to the system from Rideau Transit Group to the City of Ottawa.
Mayor Jim Watson, Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Jeremy Roberts, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa-West Nepean, today announced the opening date of the O-Train Confederation Line.
Mayor Jim Watson affirmed, “With today’s announcement, we are weeks away from launching Ottawa’s transit future and welcoming passengers to our brand new LRT system. I look forward to joining all our partners on September 14 as we say ‘all aboard!’ Ottawa’s clean and efficient rail transit system.”
(The Confederation West Line Station at Tunney’s Pasture. Photo: OC Transpo)
Friday morning found many Councillors and media members taking a test ride of the Confederation Line system.
Councillor Glen Gower was one of the Councillors taking his inaugural ride and had this to say —
“It was great to finally ride on the train on Friday. I was impressed with room inside the train, design of the stations, and especially the speed. It’s about 1-2 minutes between each station so just a few minutes from Tunney’s to downtown.
“I know there is a lot of cynicism around this project, but this is going to be a game changer for our city. A big boost for commuters and economic development.
“September 14 can come soon enough. Another big milestone is October 6, which is when all of the bus route schedules start – that’s when we’ll see a big improvement in reliability for Stittsville commuters.”
The O-Train Confederation Line is a $2.13 billion transit project that is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Ottawa. The 12.5-km line includes 13 stations. At peak weekday operation, the system is expected to carry up to 10,700 passengers per hour in each direction, which will make it the busiest LRT line in North America.
(Map of the O-Train system showing the Confederation Line – bolder red line – to start running on September 14. Photo: OC Transpo)
Real-time schedule information is available 24 hours a day by calling 613-560-1000 or texting 560560 plus the four‑digit bus stop number. For more details, travel planning assistance and new timetables, customers are encouraged to visit octranspo.com for detailed information. Customers can also call OC Transpo at 613-741-4390 if needed.