O-Train system shuts down 8 times in 3 months since Trillium Line expansion
Train shut down Wednesday after more signal problems, frustrating commuters
The O-Train has been shut down eight times since a $60 million expansion three months ago promised more convenient and reliable service.
Some commuters have expressed their frustration about re-occurring issues with signals.
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OC Transpo runs the Route 107 bus when the train is shut down, but riders like Grenier say the trains unpredictability make it difficult to rely on.
The new system is partially to blame for some of the recent delays, says Coun. Michael Qaqish, vice-president of the City of Ottawa's transit commission.
"There'll be some tweaking that needs to be done and I think we're seeing that as part of the signalization problems in the north-south route," Qaqish said.
Spring mechanism in switch latest issue
Troy Charter, the assistant general manager for transit operations, said in a statement Thursday that since the implementation of a new service on March 2, the Trillium Line "has experienced several issues with track components... a combination of existing and new equipment... that has impacted service."
The most recent shut-down came about because of problems encountered during routine maintenance of the south switch at Carleton Station.
"As the switch was not functioning, the signal system operated as it should and as such the trains did not receive the series of permissive green signals along the Trillium Line allowing the trains to initiate service."
Grenier said he has filed formal complaints to OC Transpo about the issues. He said he worries about what the service will be like when the east-west Confederation Line opens.
The O-Train resumed service Wednesday afternoon.