OC Transpo resumed double-car train service on LRT Line 1 on Monday morning following a period of single-car operations [1].
The restoration of two-car trains aims to alleviate overcrowding and improve passenger flow on the O-Train system. The reduction in capacity had significantly impacted the commuting experience for residents in Ottawa, Ontario.
Service had been limited to single-car trains because of wheel-bearing problems [1], [2]. These mechanical issues forced the transit agency to operate with reduced capacity to ensure safety and maintain service levels. Repairs to the fleet eventually allowed the return of the larger train configurations.
According to reports, the system had operated with single-car trains for approximately four months [2]. This period of reduced capacity created a bottleneck for passengers during peak travel times, a challenge that the return of double-car trains is intended to resolve.
While some two-car trains returned to service on Monday [1], the agency scheduled full two-car capacity to resume by June 8, 2024 [3]. This phased return followed a transition period where a mix of one- and two-car trains operated on the line [2].
OC Transpo has worked to address the technical failures that led to the capacity cuts. The return to double-car service marks a return to standard operating procedures for the Line 1 corridor [1], [3].
“Double-car train service resumed on LRT Line 1 after a period of single-car operation.”
The return to double-car service indicates that OC Transpo has successfully addressed the critical wheel-bearing failures that compromised fleet availability. For the city of Ottawa, this transition is a necessary step in restoring public confidence in the O-Train's reliability and its ability to handle high-volume urban transit demands without systemic overcrowding.
