In the east, final constructi
on activities and train testing are well underway and nearing completion. Remaining major fleet activities include software upgrades and operator training.
Communication rooms and the setup of system parameters, to ensure devices such as switches and cameras function as required, is now complete at all stations in the east. Communication systems testing continues.
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) certifications for elevators and escalators have all been obtained. All Traction Power Sub Stations (TPSS) and station permanent power in the east have been energized.
The communication-based train control system (CBTC) commissioning is well advanced with multiple trains continuing to run in loops. Boundary testing between Stage 1 and Stage 2 territories has been completed. Correction of deficiencies at all stations and in the guideway is ongoing and progressing well.
The works outside the guideway will be completed in two phases: The first phase, currently underway, is required for Substantial Completion and includes grading, drainage, headwall installation, slope finishing, top-lift paving, guardrail installation and landscaping along OR-174. This work is expected to be completed in Q2 2025. The second phase will proceed following Substantial Completion and is considered part of remaining works. This will include work on the slope finishing, top-lift paving, guardrail installation and landscaping to finish the OR-174.
OR-174 upload
As part of the Province’s commitment to upload OR-174, the City of Ottawa is currently providing the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) information related to maintenance of the road. For example, this information includes operating procedures for snow clearing; infrastructure related to the road, such as drainage and bridge specifications; and, specifications related to the Stage 2 LRT project, such as access points. Staff do not believe that uploading the OR-174 will affect the Stage 2 LRT project, either during construction or once the system is operational.
Line 1 East Stations
Station occupancy for the east stations is nearly complete with deficiency closeout, building code service reviews, and occupancy permits expected in Q3 2025.
Line 1 East Rail Activation Management Program (RAMP)
The path to revenue service for the east extension includes Testing and Commissioning, Substantial Completion, Trial Running, and Final Safety Approval.
Substantial Completion will validate that the system infrastructure designed and built by EWC meets the requirements of the Project Agreement.
Trial Running follows Substantial Completion and will demonstrate that Transit Services and the maintainer, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM), can achieve the performance requirements for passenger service.
Final Safety Approval is the final step before Revenue Service and will include a statement from the Independent Safety Assessor and Auditor that the system is safe for passenger service.
The Rail Activation Management Program (RAMP) structure and reporting mechanisms ensure comprehensive tracking and support for all activities and milestones during the transition from construction to revenue service. This work is done in coordination with the Transit Services Rail Operational Readiness (ROR) Program. Regularly scheduled RAMP meetings assemble the Transit Services Departmental Leadership Team and key stakeholders, including RAMP leads, Stage 2 contractors, subject-matter experts (SMEs), and support staff. These meetings serve as a platform to exchange updates, coordinate activities, identify emerging issues, and assign responsibilities for resolution. Identification of critical activities is essential for a successful public launch and take into consideration services that may have high-impact disruptions.
A progress summary of critical activities include:
System Installation, Integration, Testing and Commissioning
Significant work is currently underway to integrate communication systems for the east extension with the existing live systems on Line 1. Testing of systems began in a lab environment and will be migrated to a production environment over the next several weeks. This iterative and complex integration process will be phased and carefully coordinated to minimize customer impact.
The majority of system integration work will be conducted during overnight engineering hours; however, the complexity of some systems, like the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, which receives data from several other safety-critical systems, may require longer closures. As testing and integration work progresses, it determines the readiness for work. Staff will communicate details on potential service impacts as soon as readiness is determined. Any impacts to revenue service are being carefully planned to avoid weekdays and major public events.
The Systems Steering Committee oversees the system integration process and is responsible for all key systems-related decisions. This committee includes representatives from RTM, Hitachi, RCP, OC Transpo and EWC. The focus is mainly around interfaces between the various systems to ensure alignment between the stakeholders.
Safety Certification and Approvals
A comprehensive safety certification program is in place to guide assessment and documentation of system safety through various milestones like Substantial Completion and Revenue Service. This includes safety cases for the Stage 2 East system (EWC), operator (City), and maintainer (RTM) that are required for Trial Running.
A railway level safety case is also under development by the City to assess changes to the Stage 1 system combined with all Stage 2 East systems and activities. Further levels of assessment are provided in all cases by the Independent Safety Assessor and Auditor.
Operations and Maintenance Readiness
Training Program, Staffing and Recruitment, and Maintenance Readiness: Work is progressing in these areas. New Electric Rail Operator (ERO) hiring, and familiarization training is underway on Stage 1, while training on Stage 2 East is expected to commence in late July leading to certification of the required number of personnel in support of Trial Running. Training is also scheduled for Electric Rail Controllers (ERC) and maintainer (RTM) personnel.
Interface Committee
The Stage 2 east extension presents a new challenge of coordination between the City, its constructor, EWC, and its maintainer (RTM). An Interface Committee of representatives from all parties meets regularly to discuss issues and resolve concerns between the three parties. Recent discussions have been centered on establishing an escalation protocol for outstanding issues. Specifically, the committee has discussed spare parts, maintenance of vehicles at the LMSF, and engaging a warranty independent expert for warranty and/or defect management. This process will ensure timely and binding decision-making on critical matters in the lead up to Substantial Completion.
Trial Running Overview
After Substantial Completion, the City will undertake Trial Running of the System Infrastructure on the east extension and existing Stage 1 system. The objective is to validate that the fully integrated system functions in accordance with the requirements of the Project Agreement by demonstrating the specified travel times, headways and operational performance requirements.
Trial Running will exercise and evaluate the performance of system infrastructure, subsystems, vehicles, operating and maintenance personnel, as well as operating procedures to demonstrate the reliability of the system and its ability to deliver passenger service without interruptions.
Trial Running will be integrated with regular revenue service on the existing Line 1 segment. A detailed trial running plan is currently in development and will help ensure successful completion of Trial Running. It will specify staged completion of a Performance Test and Pre-
Trial Running period to progressively demonstrate readiness and allow stakeholders to prepare and adjust for the 21-day Trial Running period.
Line 1 East Communications
As directed by Council, staff will continue the practice of holding technical briefings to provide information on upcoming major milestones and progress towards revenue service for the east extension. This will ensure continued transparency and timely information is shared with Members of Council, public and media partners. Regular progress updates will be also shared on octranspo.com/otrain-x.
