Double-Car Train Service Restored on Ottawa's O-Train Line 1

Double-car train service on Ottawa’s O-Train Line 1 returned to full capacity on Monday, June 8 ^[1].

The restoration marks the end of a prolonged period of reduced service that strained the city's transit infrastructure and increased passenger congestion. For nearly five months, the system had been forced into single-car operation to manage safety risks ^[1].

OC Transpo General Manager Rick Leary said the return to full capacity was a critical goal for the agency. "Restoring two-car trains was my top priority to improve reliability and capacity," Leary said ^[2].

The service degradation began in January ^[1]. Technical failures related to wheel-bearing axles forced the agency to limit the number of cars per train to prevent further mechanical breakdowns. This restriction significantly lowered the volume of passengers the system could transport during peak hours, a move that sparked frustration among daily commuters.

Leary said that the agency is now able to utilize the full train sets again. "We’re pleased to have the full train set back in service on Line 1," Leary said ^[3].

The transition back to double-car trains is intended to stabilize the LRT Line 1 and reduce the overcrowding that characterized the previous five months. The agency has focused on addressing the axle issues to ensure the fleet can handle the increased weight, and stress, of full-length configurations ^[1].

According to the general manager, full LRT capacity resumed on June 8 ^[4]. The move is expected to bring the system back to its intended operational standards and improve the overall commute for residents of Ottawa and the surrounding region.