Confederation Line reopens after train camera problem

Camera malfunctions created a safety problem, says transit GM

Image | r1 bus oc transpo ottawa

Caption: An R1 bus rolls through downtown Ottawa on Sept. 10, 2024, when camera problems kept trains for running for part of the morning. (Francis Ferland/CBC)

Ottawa's light rail line was closed Tuesday morning because of a camera malfunction on trains and at some stations, according to city management.
The agency said in a post on social media around 6:45 a.m. that all train service was temporarily suspended(external link).
It said about an hour later that trains were running again between Blair and Rideau stations, while R1 replacement buses(external link) were taking riders between more western stations.
Regular service had resumed by 8:15 a.m.

Safety concerns

In a memo, transit general manager Renée Amilcar said problems began at 6:10 a.m. with the onboard cameras operators use to exit stations.
Amilcar said the cameras, along with others positioned at the stations themselves, are required for "the safety of customers in stations and the safe operation of trains."
Contractor Rideau Transit Maintenance is investigating what happened, she said.
The disruption comes as Ottawa's largest employer, the federal government, brings its workers back to the office a minimum of three days a week rather than two.
OC Transpo leadership has looked to these returning commuters to help with its dismal financial picture.
The Confederation Line, which has had chronic problems since before its launch, turns five on Saturday.