OC Transpo expects to resume two-car O-Train Line 1 service by mid-June 2026 [2] to restore full light rail transit operation in Ottawa.

The restoration of these longer trains is critical for the city's transit capacity. After a prolonged outage, the return to full service aims to improve the customer experience and reduce congestion for commuters relying on the LRT system [1].

Rick Leary, the newly appointed general manager of OC Transpo, said the service timeline [1]. The transition back to two-car trains [1] is intended to stabilize the network and provide a more reliable alternative to busing during peak hours.

Officials said that the target for the middle of June 2026 [2] is a key milestone in the agency's effort to recover from previous service disruptions. The move is part of a broader strategy to ensure the O-Train Line 1 can handle passenger volumes efficiently, a necessity for the city's central transit corridor.

Leary said the focus remains on restoring reliable transit service [1]. By returning the two-car configurations to the tracks, OC Transpo intends to minimize the reliance on emergency bus bridges and other temporary measures that have characterized the recent service gaps [3].

This timeline follows a period of instability for the Line 1 system, which has faced significant scrutiny over its reliability. The return to full capacity is seen as a necessary step in regaining public trust in the city's primary rail link [3].

“Two-car O-Train Line 1 trains are expected to resume service, restoring full LRT operation.”

The return of two-car trains signals a shift from crisis management to operational stability for Ottawa's transit system. By restoring full capacity, OC Transpo is attempting to resolve the capacity bottlenecks that occur when single-car trains or buses are used to replace rail service, which often leads to severe overcrowding and unpredictable commute times.