Metrolinx is running extra GO service on some lines on April 8 to help customers get to a variety of major events going on across the region safely and affordably.

In Hamilton and Niagara, a total solar eclipse is expected to draw a large crowd to see this once in a lifetime celestial event.

In downtown Toronto, baseball fans will fill the Rogers Centre to catch the Blue Jays home opener. There's also a Toronto Maple Leafs home game at Scotiabank Arena. Both games are scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

With so many big events happening, GO Transit is increasing some GO Train and GO Bus services to get people where they need to go.

Solar Eclipse in Niagara and Hamilton

Thanks to collaboration with partners Alstom and CN, Metrolinx is running special event service to and from Niagara Falls on the Lakeshore West Line to help get customers to and from the solar eclipse celebrations.

Here are the trip times that will help customers travelling to take in the eclipse:

• On April 8, three trips will depart Union Station for Niagara Falls in the morning at 9:02 a.m., 10:02 a.m., and 11:02 a.m.
• Four return trips will depart Niagara Falls that evening at 4:24 p.m., 4:54 p.m., 7:21 p.m., and 10:51 p.m.
• All Niagara trains will be 12 cars long to provide as much room as possible

Your safety is our priority. Metrolinx will have extra staff at various locations across the GO network to help customers along their journey. Please plan ahead and take safety precautions when viewing the solar eclipse, including wearing proper eye protection.

As always, check GO schedules before leaving the house as other trip times will be adjusted to accommodate the extra service.

Blue Jays home opener

Metrolinx is also adding extra service for all the sports fans heading into the city.

The Blue Jays home opener and a Maple Leafs home game are both happening on April 8 at 7 p.m.

To get people there, GO Transit is running special service on the Lakeshore West, Lakeshore East and Barrie GO Lines. Special service includes both extra train and bus trips.

• The Lakeshore West Line will see two extra express trips added in the late afternoon to get fans to the game
• The Lakeshore East Line will see extra trips added in the late afternoon to get to the games and an extra late-night trip to get home
• The Barrie Line will see some trip times adjusted as well as extra train and bus service being added

Make sure to check GO schedules before leaving the house to get the full list of trips available, including the extra service.

Transit is the most affordable option

Ontario's recently launched One Fare Program allows transit riders to only pay once when travelling between the TTC, GO Transit and Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay and York Region Transit.

Simply tap with a PRESTO card, credit or debit, or PRESTO in Google Wallet and Ontario's One Fare Program savings will automatically be applied.

Source: Metrolinx - March 22, 2024 

The City's Light Rail Sub-Committee received a progress update today on the O-Train extension project.

On the O-Train East extension, track installation is complete and overhead catenary system work is nearing completion. Construction on stations and pedestrian bridges is ongoing. Testing began earlier this week when the first Alstom Citadis train travelled past Blair Station to Montréal Station. Handover of the system and launch of the East extension is planned for 2025.

Track installation and station construction continue to progress on the O-Train West extension. The cut and cover tunnels along the Kichi Zībī Mīkan and through Connaught Park are advancing well with excavation complete. Tunnel walls and roof concrete pours are close to completion and the process of filling in the excavated area has begun in some locations. Track installation continues and will advance through the year.

On the O-Train South extension, construction of all 13 stations is almost complete, and train and signal testing along the line is ongoing. Successful operational bus loop testing at Limebank, Bowesville and Leitrim stations is complete. The Light Rail Sub-Committee heard about the safety, training and commissioning activities underway and residual project completion risks that remain. Pending final closeout of signal testing and continued progress on training, completion is expected in Q2 2024.

The Light Rail Sub-Committee also received an update on the Ottawa Light Rail Transit Public Inquiry Action Plan. Of the 95 recommendations the City is responsible for, 89 have now been completed or have been incorporated into ongoing City policies for implementation in future projects. Lessons learned are being incorporated in current and future projects.

Source: City of Ottawa

Due to a severe thunderstorm in the overnight hours of July 24th to the 25th 2022, O-Train Line 1 has suffered some damage and has resulted in the suspension of service from St-Laurent to Tunney's Pasture Stations.

We visited the area where the damage occurred. This area starts from just past the western curve out of Hurdman and stretches to just around the O-Train overpass over Greenfield Avenue (near Lees and King Edward). The damage is mainly on the eastbound side of the guideway and affects the OCS or Overhead Catenary System (the overhead wire that supplies power to the train).

There are two cables on each side of the guideway. The upper cable is there to help support the lower contact wire which is energized and supplies the power to the train. From approximately just west of Hurdman and all the way to the Greenfield Avenue overpass, the lower energized wire appears to be missing. In addition, the upper messenger support cable has snapped or broken from the point of the Rideau River bridge (on the Lees side), and extends to the east side of the Queensway underpass. As that support cable is broken and is under tension, works appear to have installed some chains (at both of these points) to help retain that cable, so that it doesn't get further pulled back the other way and cause further damage. In addition, some of the cantilevers (arms that protrude from the OCS support towers to support the cables) are broken, while others are being pulled east or west along the line, due to the lack of tension from the missing/broken cables.

There is also a stopped LRV pair (1102 & 1147), immobilized just across from TPSS #4 (Traction Power Sub-Station), which is located near the Greenfield Avenue/Mann Avenue intersection (and across from the Minto Rec centre of uOttawa). Each LRV has a pantograph and the pantograph on 1147 has clear signs of having been twisted and bent. The flat contact plate of the pantograph has broken off and is not visible. In regards to the second LRV 1102, I can not comment on the status of the pantograph as it is not visible at all (it is either intact and lowered, or has suffered damage).

While there is a lengthy section of OCS that will need repairs, it doesn't look too substantial and might only involve several days to complete the repairs. However, once more official information becomes available and the true scope of damage is understood, the time required to be able to complete repairs could be higher. During the visit, Alstom technicians were present and working near the stopped LRVs.

Once an official update is provided we should know more of the cause and repair timeline that will result.

********DISCLAIMER******** 

I am not a rail expert, I am a rail and transit enthusiast, transit rider and resident of Ottawa. These are my thoughts and comments from visual observation only of the O-Train guideway area affected.

Official Memo outlining the issues and the service restoration plan.

The purpose of this memo is to provide the Mayor and Members of Council with notification of an important milestone achieved on the Stage 2 O-Train East Extension.

The O-Train East Extension will extend OC Transpo's rail network east from Blair Station to Trim Road. It will add 12.5 kilometres of rail to Line 1 along with five new stations at Montreal Road, Jeanne d'Arc Boulevard, Convent Glen, Place d'Orléans and Trim Road.

Last night, after regular O-Train Line 1 service ended, an Alstom Citadis Spirit train was operated on the O-Train East Extension for the first time from Blair Station to Montréal Station. This milestone was achieved following testing activities including track commissioning, traction power substation testing, and overhead catenary system (OCS) testing. This series of tests culminated in the successful energization of the OCS from Blair Station to Montréal Station.

Travelling at walking speed, the train was escorted by staff on foot to verify the interface between the train's pantograph and the OCS while the train was in motion. Additional testing between Blair Station and Montréal Station is anticipated later this week as crews continue to test and validate the OCS system. Testing of the signal and train control system is expected to start this spring, after which residents will see regular, slow speed testing of trains on the line.

Further information regarding the O-Train East Extension project will be shared at the February 29 Light Rail Sub-Committee meeting. To stay informed of O-Train Extension progress, sign up for the project newsletter, follow OC Transpo on Instagram, or visit the project website. 

Source : OC Transpo

Photos : David Bellerive

Today, the Blue line extension project office awarded the contract for the line's new train control system. The adoption of a communications-based train control (CBTC) system, which is already used by the vast majority of subway network operators around the world, is an opportunity to modernize the Montréal métro's train control system for the entire Blue line.

Train control systems are the brains of underground networks; the use of CBTC will thus be a high‑value upgrade for the Blue line system. The $217,173,941 contract was awarded to Ground Transportation Systems Canada Inc. and includes installation, maintenance and certain options for the CBTC system. The project is funded primarily by the Quebec government, with support from the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).

Replacing the system on the existing Blue line became necessary because the current system is outdated and couldn't be used to operate the extension. The new system consists of devices placed at different points along the tracks and on the train cars themselves that make it possible to detect the location of each train and communicate effectively with them.

The new system will improve train reliability, frequency and passenger comfort when trains stop and start. It will be installed first on the existing Blue line and later on the line extension. The system on the métro network's other three lines will also eventually need to be upgraded.

The Blue line extension is currently under construction. The project office recently issued the final call for tenders for the construction of the tunnel and the excavation of some of the future stations and auxiliary structures (CI12). The project office is currently analyzing the bids received; the bid analysis and assessment results will be available in summer 2024.

The Blue line extension project will add five new stations east of Saint-Michel station, all the way to Anjou, over a distance of some six kilometres.

"Awarding this major contract is another step toward completing the Blue line extension. We've been waiting for this for decades, and now, it's finally happening! This is further proof of our commitment and the significant investments we're making to support and develop public transit in Montréal's east end."

Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Minister and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility

"We're proud to have found the way forward for a public transit project so vital to Montréal's east end. This new milestone shows real progress on the Blue line extension, which has been eagerly awaited for the past 30 years. These five new Blue line stations will see the addition of nearly 15,000 new housing units to the area, fostering growth in Montréal's east end."

Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal

"The adoption of a new train control system reflects our shared commitment to efficient public transit for people in the Greater Montréal area. That's why we're here: to meet the needs of our users by delivering fast, reliable, high‑quality public transit."

Benoit Gendron, Chief Executive Officer of the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM)

"By 2030, 93% of the STM's infrastructure will be more than 40 years into its useful life. We need to take every opportunity to modernize our network, which is what we're doing by replacing the train control system. The extension will allow all Blue line users to benefit from the new system and its advantages. Modernizing the existing network is the best way to boost the appeal of mass transit while improving service quality."

Éric Alan Caldwell, Chair of the STM Board of Directors

"Awarding this contract is a major step toward completing the Blue line extension. The train control system will help coordinate activities at existing and new stations across the Blue line. It's state‑of‑the‑art technology that will benefit both our customers and our operations teams and improve service delivery."

Maha Clour, Lead Project Manager for the Blue line Extension

Source : STM

The City of Edmonton is pleased to announce Phase 1 of the Metro Line Northwest LRT extension has been completed on budget and ahead of schedule. On January 20, the new NAIT/Blatchford Market LRT station will open for passenger service, and the temporary NAIT LRT station will close.

The new NAIT/Blatchford Market LRT station is approximately 300 metres west of the temporary station and is slightly larger to accommodate ridership growth (map below). The added service capacity provides ETS with the option of up to five-car trains on the Metro Line to better serve students and residents travelling to and from the area. Service frequency and bus service to the new station will remain the same.

The Phase 1 extension includes Blatchford Gate LRT station, located further north along the alignment. The Blatchford Gate station will open for service when the criteria for the City's Transit Service Standards, which recommend how and when to add service, are met.

The opening of the NAIT/Blatchford Market LRT station will serve as a critical mass-transit connection into the city's downtown core for the 30,000 future Edmontonians living in Blatchford, the adjacent Westwood community and the growing student population at NAIT.

Courtesy of City of Edmonton

At a joint meeting today, the Transit Commission and Light Rail Sub-Committee received progress updates on transit projects completed this year and information on plans for 2024.

Staff updated the Commission and Committee on OC Transpo's winter readiness plans which include improving communications and planning processes with Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM), enhanced monitoring for O-Train Line 1 during storms, and implementation of a Severe Storm Schedule for buses in the event of significant snowfall of 31 cm or more.

OC Transpo is also making improvements to real-time customer information systems. Recent Transit app updates have introduced additional customer benefits including improvements to information on cancelled trips and crowdsourcing capabilities. Data shows there is an increase in the number of customers using the app to see accurate departure times, track buses and plan trips. Updates were also provided about the on-demand transit pilot project scheduled to launch in early 2024. OC Transpo will share more information about the launch through its regular communication channels, including social media, website and on-street signage.

Staff also presented an update on the wheel bearing issue related to O-Train Line 1 service. Testing will start in the coming weeks on the nut pining of the wheel hub assembly. Data will be gathered and analyzed for safety and improved performance. Staff will continue to provide further updates on the progress of this work as it becomes available.

Members heard that O-Train and conventional bus ridership was at 6.4million trips in October 2023, which was an increase of 800,000 compared to October2022. In November, 97.4 per cent of bus trips were fulfilled and Para Transpo ridership was at 70,600customer trips.

The expansion of the O-Train network is progressing well. This year, many milestones were achieved in the south, east and west. On the O-Train East extension of Line 1, track installation is complete and overhead catenary system work is underway and expected to be complete in early 2024. Construction on stations and pedestrian bridges is also advancing well.

Track installation and station construction is progressing on the O-Train West extension. The cut and cover tunnels have been fully excavated and pouring of concrete roof and walls of the tunnels is underway. Next year, the tunnel structural work will be completed, and track work will begin.The City continues to target an opening in Spring 2024 for O-Train Lines 2 and 4, serving communities to the south. Station construction is almost complete and in November, testing achieved a new milestone when nine trains, the number required for revenue service, began operating on the system. This process tests the integration of the control and signaling systems, vehicles, track infrastructure, operating procedures, and training programs.

A successful full-scale emergency response training exercise with 144 participants was also held at the Ottawa Airport to validate the effectiveness of new emergency responder procedures. 

Source : City of Ottawa

Starting December 4, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) will have teams working at Snowdon métro station to upgrade and refurbish certain equipment and facilities. Once the work is completed, many of the improvements will have a positive impact on customers.

Continuing until December 2024, the $16 million project will involve:

Work in customer-accessible areas:

• Refurbishment of three staircases
• Replacement of floor tile sections
• Refurbishment of lighting and addition of fixtures on the upper central platform
• Refurbishment of gutters and the water pipe system
• Installation of foot grilles to catch water and snow
• Refurbishment of the spandrel above the stairs between the fare booth level and the upper platform
• Landscaping on Dornal Street

Work in non-customer-accessible areas:

• Refurbishment of a slab in an equipment room
• Electromechanical work in some areas
• Structural repairs and injections to seal cracks
• Work on power supply equipment including upgrades

The station will remain open during the project. The work will have no impact on the bus stops, métro service or elevators at the station.

Network upgrades

To live up to customer expectations, the STM must continue to prioritize upgrading and developing its public transit networks. By 2030, 93% of the STM's infrastructure will be more than 40 years into its useful life.

As such, the STM plans to spend $4.9 billion on upgrades to stationary métro equipment (escalators, ventilation, elevators, etc.) and other bus and métro infrastructure by 2033.

VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) recently reached its 100,000^th booking with its new reservation system which offers passengers an easy and intuitive booking process and a wide range of new functionalities.

The scope of this key modernization project goes far beyond the update of a reservation system as the Corporation completely replaced the booking platform and carried out a full overhaul of all related infrastructure and systems (such as the loyalty program and Point-of-Sale systems) along with the integration in other existing systems. Knowing that it was such a complex and large-scale endeavour, VIA Rail is pleased to report that there were very few disruptions for its passengers. Any issues raised were addressed quickly and VIA Rail continues to closely monitor the system's behaviour.

"This new reservation system, designed with our customers in mind, is a crucial element of our transformation," said Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer. "2023 is a pivotal year for all of us at VIA Rail with the realization of various modernization projects and, with the implementation of this nationwide initiative, we are laying the foundations for tomorrow's improved customer experience."

With this new system, our passengers will be able to enjoy, amongst others:

• An increased autonomy and a simplified process to book online for a wider variety of needs (specific needs, pets, service animals);
• A fully user-friendly experience on all devices;
• Autonomous booking modifications and upgrades;
• Autonomous seat selection in the Corridor.

Passenger rail is a future-oriented mode of transportation. As such, this new reservation system was also developed with organizational sustainability in mind and is designed to evolve over time so that VIA Rail can stay aligned with the changing needs and expectations of present and future passengers.

For more information on VIA Rail's new reservation system, we invite you to consult ourwebsite. 

Please find attached a memo regarding the first anniversary of the OLRT Public Inquiry.

Source : City of Ottawa

Mayor Jim Watson, Councillor Allan Hubley, Chair of the Transit Commission, François Gratton, Group President TELUS and Chair TELUS Québec, and John Manconi, General Manager of Transportation Services, today announced that TELUS will provide free Wi-Fi service in the three downtown, underground Line 1 stations' platforms, as well as door-to-door cellular service including through the downtown tunnel. The connection enables transit customers in Ottawa to access one of the most technologically advanced networks built in Canada for public transportation.

O-Train Confederation Line customers will be able to stay connected underground, as there will be a continuous cellular connection, including between stations and in the 2.5-kilometre tunnel, for all passengers.

The O-Train Confederation Line is a $2.13-billion transit project, jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa. Trains will carry up to 10,700 passengers per hour in each direction, between 13 stations. Trains will arrive every five minutes or less at the busiest times.

TELUS' investment in the O-Train project is another example of its commitment to building a superior award-winning wireless network that benefits Canadians across the country. Since 2000, TELUS has invested more than $215 billion in network investments to enhance the coverage, speed and reliability of its world-leading network, and to connect its customers right across Canada.

For more information about the O-Train Confederation Line, visit octranspo.com/ready4rail.

Quotes

"Thanks to this great partnership with TELUS, I am pleased that our transit users will have free Wi-Fi in our downtown, underground light rail transit stations, and cellular service across the entire Confederation Line. Customers will be able to stay connected during their commute on our world-class, light rail transit system."

Mayor Jim Watson

"We are extremely proud of our partnership with the City of Ottawa and look forward to contributing to the city's largest infrastructure project since the Rideau Canal was built. TELUS is again proving its commitment to our nation's capital by providing an award-winning network that will allow commuters to benefit from a 5G-ready mobile broadband network. We are thankful for the opportunity to leverage our expertise to create a superior customer experience for commuters travelling on one of the most technologically advanced light rail transit systems in Canada."

François Gratton, Group President TELUS and Chair TELUS Québec

Source : City of Ottawa

Earlier today, the first Algonquin Wayfinding Wheel installed in an O-Train Line 1 station was unveiled at Pimisi Station on National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Designed by Algonquin artist Simon Brascoupé, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, and inspired by the traditional four sacred directions, the Wayfinding Wheel reflects Algonquin culture and the history of the Algonquin territory. The Wayfinding Wheels are attached to boulders found in Algonquin territory from the beginning of time. They will be installed at all O-Train stations and at Ottawa City Hall along with plaques that describe the significance of the depicted animals and symbols to the Algonquin peoples.

The Wayfinding Wheel was designed through a participatory process involving Algonquin Elders and community members from Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, as well as representatives from the Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) organization. The design includes representations for all four compass directions and an orienting arrow that points north, along with important Algonquin symbols such as the canoe for transportation and animals that are important to the Algonquin peoples, including the moose in the centre of the design symbolizing food and strength.

Pimisi Station is near Chaudière Falls, also known as the Kana:tso or Akikodjiwan Falls. The surrounding area has been a significant meeting place between peoples in the region for millennia and the station design reflects the historical and current significance of the Algonquin peoples. "Pimisi" is the Algonquin (Omàmiwininìmowin) word for eel, which is sacred and has been considered a source of spirituality, medicine and nutrition for thousands of years.

Pimisi Station is a key access point to LeBreton Flats and the closest O-Train station to the new Ottawa Public Library-Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility, scheduled to open in late 2024. Elders from Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation led a blessing ceremony on the site in October 2020 prior to the start of construction.

O-Train Line 1 service began on September 14, 2019, on the 12.5-km line that connects 13 stations from Tunney's Pasture Station in the west to Blair Station in the east. It features underground stations, including Lyon, Parliament and Rideau in the downtown core.

The development and production of the Algonquin Wayfinding Wheels was funded through the Government of Canada Public Transit Infrastructure Fund (PTIF) to help accelerate municipal investments to support the rehabilitation of transit systems, new capital projects, and planning and studies for future transit expansion to foster long-term transit plans.

Quotes

"The installation of artist Simon Brascoupé's Wayfinding Wheel at Pimisi Station, and LRT Stations across Ottawa, will provide a unique opportunity for travelers to engage with images and symbols that represent the culture and history of the Algonquin Anishinabeg people. As we all make our way through the Ottawa transit system, and go about our daily routines, this is a beautiful acknowledgement and reminder that we are on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people, and serves as a uniting symbol for travelers while highlighting the historical and contemporary importance of this people and place."

• The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"The inclusion of Wayfinding Wheels at all O-Train stations honours the people and land of the Algonquin communities in Ontario and Quebec and provides transit users with a unique opportunity to increase their understanding of Indigenous heritage, culture and traditions."

- Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs, Ontario

"The installation of Wayfinding Wheels is respectful of traditional Algonquin territory, history and culture and provides general direction and orientation for travellers while subtly exposing them to meaningful Algonquin symbols. I am proud that the City of Ottawa is a partner in sharing this rich Algonquin culture with residents and visitors."

• Mayor Jim Watson

"The design of the Wayfinding Wheel is an interpretation of what I heard and learned. The design is to help travellers' wayfinding in their journey on the land. The wheels are attached to boulders called Grandfathers that honour Algonquin history in the territory since the beginning of time."

• Algonquin artist Simon Brascoupé

Video Resources

• Artist Simon Brascoupé narrates a video tour of the Algonquin Wayfinding Wheel and provides insight into the significance of the animals and symbols depicted in the design.
• The artist's Community Conversation with Indigenous community members speaks to the importance of having the symbol throughout Ottawa.

Please note, video resources were developed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source : City of Ottawa

On June 9th 2023, Alstom and Quebec City unveiled the final designs for the rolling stock to be used on the Quebec City tramway. The 34 trainsets each composed of 4 cars will  be able to carry 272 passengers comfortably, all year around. Alike Ottawa and some of the Metrolinx projects in Toronto, the network will operate using Citadis Spirit trainsets that will be customized for the needs of the city.

The design takes a lot of inspiration from the vision presented in 2020 to help guide the rolling stock suppliers in developing their vehicles. The exterior livery features a two-tone design of grey and black with LED accents running on either side of the vehicle. Alstom has proposed three different exterior concepts to the City. From left to right: Citadelle, Boréal and Harfang. The city will create an online consultation for the population to vote on their preferred design in 2024.

Inside, the Citadis Spirit allows for a fully accessible layout, with a 100% low-floor design. Passenger information displays will be installed in the rolling stock, which will indicate the upcoming stops. Onboard fare validation equipment will be installed at all doors to allow for quick boarding.

Wood accents can be found throughout the cars, as well as the dark grey accent on the ceiling. Silver colored handle-bars are installed throughout to facilitate standing and siting access. The floor is also heated to reduce snow and sleet accumulation at stations, with a bi-tone design.

For accessibility, each car will have a mutimodal space with foldable seats to adapt to the need of various users. A total of 88 seats can be found throughout.

As with other Citadis Spirit models, the Quebec City Tramway will be 100% electric and be able to reach a maximum service speed of 70km/h. The vehicle will be optimized to perform in the difficult winters and general track geometry.

The contract for the rolling stock between the City and Alstom was signed on April 24, 2023. Construction and assembly of the 34 trainsets is expected to start in Q2 2025 in La Pocatière, with first deliveries in 2027. They will then undergo a strict certification and testing regimen to ensure their performance is satisfactory and identify any issues before their service launch in 2029.

Au cours des derniers jours, la Ville a été informée par le dernier soumissionnaire en lice, Mobilité de la Capitale, que ce dernier ne déposerait pas de proposition financière. Dans les circonstances, la Ville a choisi de mettre fin à l'appel de propositions amorcé au printemps 2022.

Depuis le désistement du consortium ModerniCité à l'automne 2022, Mobilité de la Capitale était le seul joueur à poursuivre le processus. Ce dernier a d'ailleurs déposé une proposition technique de qualité en août 2023. Pour des raisons légales, la Ville n'était pas autorisée à divulguer le nombre de soumissionnaires avant la fin de l'appel de propositions.

Cet appel de propositions visait à sélectionner un partenaire qui aurait eu la responsabilité d'activités de conception, de construction, de financement et d'entretien sur 30 ans. Celles-ci visaient les infrastructures de transport comme la plateforme du tramway, les stations, les pôles d'échanges, le tunnel, le centre d'exploitation et d'entretien, des systèmes modaux, d'exploitation et de mobilité, ainsi que certaines infrastructures municipales, dont des réseaux souterrains, la voirie et les aménagements urbains.

Un plan B en discussion
Au cours des derniers mois, le Bureau de projet du tramway a développé une façon alternative de réaliser le projet dans l'éventualité où les consortiums se désisteraient. Des échanges sont en cours avec le gouvernement du Québec, auquel nous avons présenté ce plan alternatif. Les échanges se poursuivent avec le gouvernement.

« Le premier ministre, M. François Legault, a réitéré la semaine dernière l'importance pour une ville de la taille de Québec d'avoir un transport lourd, plus que juste des autobus. Ce projet c'est le tramway, pour lequel 500 M$ ont été engagés. Est-ce qu'il y a des ajustements à apporter? Absolument. C'est le plan B que nous proposons. Je réitère que les coûts pour la réalisation des grands projets ont augmenté partout. La Ville de Québec ne peut pas se permettre encore une fois de perdre un projet structurant. Québec ne peut pas se développer uniquement avec des intentions. Ça prend des gestes concrets. Le tramway en est un. »

Following the service disruptions and, in particular, the issues encountered in communicating information to users of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), CDPQ Infra would like to apologize to those affected by this situation and reiterate its commitment to providing users with reliable, high-quality public transit service.

In the wake of recent events, CDPQ Infra has taken a series of measures to ensure that the incident management carried out by the Groupe des partenaires pour la mobilité des Montréalais (GPMM) consortium, which is made up of Alstom and AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin), is significantly reinforced. These measures should enable CDPQ Infra to meet its standards and adhere to the terms of its agreement with the consortium as quickly as possible.

As such, CDPQ Infra has asked that its partners:

• Provide a corrected plan to better ensure the quality of operations and significantly improve incident management, ensuring that users are the highest priority
• Implement appropriate resources to adhere to planned response and evacuation times
• Better communicate the backup plan to users
• Reinforce GPMM's communications teams to ensure fluid, real-time communication with users in stations, in REM cars and on digital platforms

CDPQ Infra will be closely monitoring the rollout of this plan, which will take effect immediately and will continue to be implemented in the coming weeks in order to provide the best possible service to users. Although incidents and breakdowns may occur during the operation of a recently commissioned public transit system, the system must be managed in accordance with the highest service standards for users.

Source : CDPQ Infra 

(An English version of the press release can be found below the French version.)

Tel que le prévoit l'entente-cadre visant des projets majeurs d'infrastructure publique, CDPQ Infra a accepté aujourd'hui un mandat du gouvernement du Québec pour faire l'analyse de la mobilité actuelle et projetée de l'ensemble de la Communauté métropolitaine de Québec (CMQ), pour tous modes de transport confondus.

Après une analyse approfondie, CDPQ Infra recommandera la ou les solutions permettant d'identifier un projet de transport structurant pour la Ville de Québec et d'améliorer la mobilité et la fluidité dans l'ensemble de la CMQ. Le travail d'analyse débutera dès la réception des études réalisées à ce jour.

« Pour réaliser ce mandat, CDPQ Infra mettra à contribution l'expérience et l'expertise de ses équipes dans l'analyse et la planification de grands projets de transport acquises au Québec et ailleurs dans le monde, tout en s'appuyant sur la collaboration essentielle du ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable et de la Ville de Québec. »

- Jean-Marc Arbaud, président et chef de la direction, CDPQ Infra

Dans sa volonté de proposer des solutions de transport qui répondent aux besoins des communautés desservies et qui soient attrayantes pour les citoyens, CDPQ Infra s'appuiera sur une méthodologie rigoureuse qui intègre:

1. Une analyse de la mobilité qui prend en compte les études existantes. Cette étape vise à effectuer un diagnostic exhaustif du territoire en termes de desserte de transport afin d'identifier les options de corridors et les modes de déplacements adaptés aux besoins des usagers actuels et futurs.
2. Une évaluation multicritère qui permet de prendre en compte les pôles générateurs de déplacements, les objectifs d'aménagement et les politiques de développement des villes concernées.

Ces analyses seront bonifiées par les informations qui seront colligées auprès des nombreux acteurs concernés par ce projet. 

Tout mandat subséquent qui pourrait découler des recommandations fournies par CDPQ Infra, et qui viserait la réalisation, la gestion ou le financement de projets sera soumis au processus et aux critères de décision prévus à l'entente-cadre entre la CDPQ et le gouvernement du Québec.

SOURCE: Communiqué de presse émis par CDPQ Infra le 20 novembre, 2023

As set out in the framework agreement for major public infrastructure projects, today CDPQ Infra accepted a mandate from the Government of Québec to study current and projected mobility for all modes of transportation combined for the entire Communauté métropolitaine de Québec (CMQ).

Following an extensive study, CDPQ Infra will recommend the solution or solutions for a structuring transportation project for Québec City and improve mobility and ease of travel in the overall CMQ. The analysis will begin as soon as CDPQ Infra receives the studies that have been conducted so far.

"To execute this mandate, CDPQ Infra will leverage the experience and expertise in analyzing and planning major transportation projects that its teams have acquired in Québec and around the world, along with the essential collaboration of the ministère du Transport et de la Mobilité durable and Ville de Québec."

- Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ Infra

Through its commitment to proposing transportation solutions that meet the needs of communities and that appeal to citizens, CDPQ Infra will use a rigorous methodology that includes:

1. A mobility analysis that will consider existing studies. This step involves conducting an exhaustive diagnostic of the area in terms of transportation coverage to identify corridor options and modes of travel adapted to current and future user needs.
2. A multi-criteria assessment to take into account the travel generating centres, design objectives and development policies of the cities involved.

These analyses will be refined with information that will be collected from numerous parties involved in this project.

Any subsequent mandate that may arise from CDPQ Infra's recommendations, including building, managing or financing the projects, will be subject to the process and decision-making criteria set out in the framework agreement between CDPQ and the Government of Québec. 

SOURCE: Press release by CDPQ Infra on November 20, 2023

Source : City of Ottawa 

The High Frequency Rail project will be the largest Canadian infrastructure project in generations. Once operational, the rail line will span the Québec City to Toronto corridor with dedicated passenger tracks. This transformational project will provide clean, safe, and efficient travel, drive our economy, and strengthen our partnerships with Indigenous communities.

Today, the Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, Pablo Rodriguez, announced the launch of the Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFP process will be ongoing until summer 2024. Following the evaluation period, the Government of Canada will select the group who will become the private developer partner to work collaboratively with VIA HFR to design and develop the High Frequency Rail project.

To maximize public benefits and innovation, RFP bidders will have to develop two solutions with respect to speed. One solution must include trains that can reach a maximum speed of 200 kilometres per hour, which is faster than the service offered today. The second solution must include high speed segments for faster travel. This will allow for a rigorous assessment of the costs and benefits of incorporating high speed rail on each segment of the Corridor.

Advancing Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a priority for the Government of Canada, and early engagement with Indigenous communities is already underway. Indigenous engagement is critical to the success of the project. As part of the RFP process, bidders will be required to detail their plans for Indigenous participation in the High Frequency Rail project and how they would facilitate opportunities for sharing the socio-economic benefits with Indigenous Peoples.

The High Frequency Rail project's competitive procurement process follows the highest standards of fairness and transparency. It is overseen by an independent Fairness Monitor, who acts as an objective, third-party observer to safeguard the integrity of the procurement process. National security and related risks will also be assessed, along with measures to address such risks.

High Frequency Rail is a transformational project that will fundamentally change the way Canadians travel in southern Québec and Ontario, notably for communities who will be newly served by passenger rail service such as Trois-Rivières and Peterborough.

On October 12, 2023, the Transit Commission heard updates regarding O-Train Line 1 and the results of the root cause investigation regarding the derailments and issues experienced with O-Train Line 1. Presentations by City Staff, RTG and Alstom were made to the commission.

The presentations provided to Council and an archive of the meeting are attached below.

PRESS RELEASE : Transit Commission receives updates on wheel bearing issue and severe weather incidents affecting O-Train services

Today, the City's Transit Commission received updates on the wheel bearing issue that resulted in O-Train service disruptions and a report on the incidents and investigations undertaken by the City and its contractor Rideau Transit Group (RTG) to mitigate potential impacts to O-Train service caused by severe weather.

Three events related to the axle bearing issue caused full or partial shutdowns on O-Train Line 1 since August 2021. The LRT disruption - root cause review report outlines where further findings are expected to complete the root cause analysis and sets out short-, medium- and long-term actions to permanently resolve the axle bearing issue and increase rail service reliability. While it will take time to design and implement the new axle bearing system, plans are in place to monitor and manage the current axle configuration until the solutions can be implemented.

The Commission received a report on incidents affecting LRT vehicles and services that looks at the incidents and investigations undertaken by the City and RTG since 2022 to mitigate potential impacts to O-Train service caused by severe weather. The report sets out short- and long-term actions to increase rail service reliability.

Transit Commission heard that O-Train Line 1 service delivery was 99.5 per cent in September 2023, a significant recovery from July and August 2023 when service was impacted by a multi-day closure. September 2023 ridership is the highest it's been since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. O-Train and conventional bus ridership is at 6.4 million customer trips in September 2023, which is an increase of 500,000 when compared to September 2022.

Staff also provided an update on key Para Transpo ridership and service levels. Para Transpo ridership is continuing to approach pre-pandemic levels and is 18 per cent higher than it was in September 2022.

The Transit Commission received a report on sponsorship of Transit Services detailing opportunities and challenges with respect to attracting sponsorship of free transit service for special occasions. Staff are exploring whether the approach of using external, specialized resources could be used for transit sponsorship and partnerships in Ottawa. Additional advertising and sponsorship revenue will be included as part of the 2024 Operating Budget process for Council consideration and approval.

OC Transpo updated the Commission on its recognition by the American Public Transportation Association with a Grand Award in the Best Marketing and Communications Educational Initiative category. This award was received for the Travel Training Program that was featured in BBC's online series called The Way We Move.

Source : City of Ottawa

 The City's Light Rail Sub-Committee received a detailed presentation on construction activity for the three O-Train extension projects and a status update on the work being done by the City to address the recommendations in the Ottawa LRT Public Inquiry Action Plan.

O-Train Lines 2 and 4 are progressing well, with station construction nearing completion. Works along the alignment include communications equipment installation, station occupancy approvals, and ongoing construction of park & ride facilities.

The Sub-Committee also received an update on steps required before revenue service. Testing and commissioning is ongoing and will continue through the fall. The Rail Activation Management Program (RAMP) scorecard, which identifies critical activities essential for a successful public launch, was presented, and the committee received an update on the status of each component.

An update on O-Train Lines 1 and 3 progress was also provided. The O-Train East Line continues to make progress with rail and overhead catenary system (OCS) installation advancing well, and stations continuing to take shape. Rail installation at the Corkstown Yard (formerly called the Moodie Light Maintenance and Storage Facility) on the O-Train West Line has begun. The cut and cover tunnels continue to advance, with excavation nearing completion; walls and roof concrete pours are advancing, and backfilling in some areas is now underway. Videos on the progress of the O-Train Lines 1 and 3 east and west extensions are now available.

A status update on the 103 recommendations in the Ottawa LRT Public Inquiry Action Plan was given; this update identifies progress on the 95 recommendations which lie within the City's power to action. The remaining eight recommendations lie within the jurisdiction of the provincial and federal governments.

As of September 20, 2023, a total of 56 recommendations are considered complete or have been incorporated into ongoing City policies for implementation in future projects. Of note, the City has updated its P3 Policy and Administrative Procedures to incorporate lessons learned for future major infrastructure projects.

Staff expect to have approximately 75 of the 95 recommendations fully completed by the end of 2023, with the remaining substantially complete or fully incorporated into ongoing work or processes.

The status update on recommendations in the Ottawa LRT Public Inquiry Action Plan will rise to Council on October 11.

Source : City of Ottawa

Earlier today, Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster informed media and the public about the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project's status and explained what work is being done to deliver the line safely and reliably.

We know that CTS has made progress, but the unpredictable technical risks in the testing and commissioning phase will affect the opening date significantly. 

There are still many risks in the project schedule and we are not prepared to predict a firm date.

Today's briefing is an important step and we intend to provide regular technical reviews and will update the public as the project progresses towards completion and service. Follow us for progress updates, photos and tours inside the stations as work continues. 

Source: Metrolinx

We will attach any additional documents or statements if provided by Metrolinx. At this time, this is the only statement that was provided to Rail Fans Canada.

The Blue line extension Project Office announced an important milestone today: the issuing of the final call for tenders for the construction of a tunnel using a tunnel boring machine and for site preparation work for some of the future stations and auxiliary structures. This is the largest contract to be awarded in this major project. When complete, the Blue line extension will transform the transportation landscape in the east end of Montréal and inject new life into the area's economy.

Given the complexity of this contract, a two-stage call for tenders process was selected. In the first phase of the call for tenders, which began in December 2022, preliminary tenders were received. This phase had the benefit of beginning a discussion process with the pre-qualified bidders. It also provided specificity on the financial and technical aspects of the project. The discussion process with bidders is now complete. Today, the project office is commencing the issuing of the final call for tenders, which will allow the pre-qualified bidders to submit their final tenders.

The winning bidder will be announced in the first quarter of 2024. This bidder will be responsible for providing:

• The detailed design, supply and operation of the tunnel boring machine
• The construction of the tunnel between Pie-IX and Anjou West using a tunnel boring machine
• The construction of the tunnel between Pie-IX and the tail tracks of the current Blue line using conventional tunnelling methods
• The excavation of Pie-IX (main entrance building only), Viau and Lacordaire stations and some auxiliary structures

Following the discussion process with bidders, the timetable was extended to be fine-tuned around market realities. As a result, the Blue line extension will not be put into operation before 2030. The scenario for putting the line extension into operation will be confirmed when the next contracts have been awarded and the final terms of the project have been approved by the Conseil des ministres.

The project office still intends to begin major excavation work in 2024.

The project is officially in its execution phase. Work is continuing as planned, in concert with the partners responsible for the project. 

Source: STM

Media representatives were invited to a technical presentation of the results of an analysis carried out by acoustics experts on the REM segment in service, as well as on the mitigation measures to be rolled out in Griffintown, Pointe-Saint-Charles and Île-des-Sœurs. A copy of the technical report and presentation has been archived below this press release.

"As we have said before, we are not happy about the noise caused by REM operations in certain areas. Over the last few months, we have adopted a strategic approach, with the support of international experts, to establish a diagnosis that will now enable us to implement proven solutions. These will be closely monitored to ensure that our noise reduction targets are met," said Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDPQ Infra.

Beginning in the design phase, noise impact modelling and the subsequent planning for necessary mitigation measures was carried out for the REM. In addition, at the project's inception, a program was implemented to monitor noise levels during operations.

However, following discussions with residents in certain areas, Projet REM s.e.c. launched a new noise measurement initiative to gain a clear understanding of the current situation and determine the measures to be taken based on the results. SYSTRA was commissioned to carry out the assessment.

A total of seven sound level meters were installed in residential areas in Île-des-Sœurs, Pointe-Saint-Charles and Griffintown to continuously measure the impact of the REM. The data collected shows that the situation varies from one area to another. Griffintown and Île-des-Soeurs show higher levels than those indicated by initial modelling.

REM operations are carried out in compliance with the regulatory framework set by the Québec government, including the Politique sur le bruit routier by the Ministère des Transports du Québec et de la Mobilité durable (MTQMD), according to the criteria applicable to the project.

International experts from SYSTRA concluded that the main sources of noise are:

• The transmission of vibrations from the track to the elevated structure, which creates a rumbling noise
• Contact between car wheels and the track, which generates a rolling noise

Based on its worldwide experience in transit systems, the team of experts recommended proven noise reduction measures that can be applied directly at the source: carrying out acoustic rail grinding and installing dynamic absorbers on major sections of the route near residential areas.

Following the implementation of these two measures, a reduction in total noise intensity of 5 to 10 dB at the source is anticipated. Generally speaking, such a reduction is equivalent to a 3- to 10-fold decrease in the level of noise emitted compared to the current situation.

In early November, acoustic rail grinding will be carried out on the entire segment between Île-des-Sœurs and Central Station, continuing as far as Brossard station. Dynamic absorbers will be installed gradually from mid-October to December. REM users and local residents will receive more specific information about these measures in the coming weeks.

The possibility of adding additional noise barriers was also examined. However, given the height of the built environment, this measure is not considered to result in significant acoustic improvements.

Projet REM s.e.c. will continue to monitor noise to ensure that noise reduction targets are met, and will share the results publicly.

The technical presentation is available by clicking on this link: https://rem.info/en/documentation.

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new, 67 km integrated public transit network of 26 stations that will link downtown Montréal, the universities, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore and Montréal–Trudeau airport through a fully automated, electric light metro system. The first segment of the network, between Brossard and Gare Centrale Station, has been in service since July 31, 2023. Offering high-frequency service, the REM will operate 7 days per week, 20 hours per day, and will be connected to the three main lines of the Montréal metro.

SOURCE CDPQ Infra Inc. 

Media representatives were invited to an update on the first weeks of operation of the REM South Shore branch, the next stages of work to be carried out on the entire network, and a financial update on the project.

• More than one million passages reached on the South Shore branch, with a 99% service reliability rate from the first few weeks
• Of 67 km of network, including 17 km already in service, 85% is completed in unprecedented construction circumstances
• Additional costs of $1.65 billion represent a 26% increase over the cost presented when bidders were selected, for a total of $7.95 billion
• Excluding the exceptional $800 million impact of the pandemic limits the cost increase to 13%

"The past few weeks have seen us reach a very important milestone with the commissioning of the South Shore branch, linking Brossard to Montréal's Central Station. In the context of recent years, to have delivered this, in addition to having completed 85% of the network's other branches, within an extremely competitive budget, is exceptional. I salute the commitment of the thousands of people who are still hard at work on completing the REM and creating the world's largest automated light rail transit line, right here in Quebec," said Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and CEO of CDPQ Infra.

Since July 31, REM cars have made over a million trips. With a daily average of 30,000 trips, the busiest day was September 7, with 35,000 passages.

From the start of its run-in period, the REM's reliability rate was high at 99%, i.e. 860 hours of operation and six service interruptions, for a total of eight hours.

Over the course of the run-in period, the teams identified elements that are currently being upgraded, mainly escalators, elevators and communications during service interruptions. The REM team recognizes the importance of quickly solving the issues, and is working on them with its operator GPMM, made up of teams from Alstom and SNC-Lavalin.

For the West Island and North Shore branches, the civil engineering work is largely complete, and CDPQ Infra is now starting to finalize the 19 stations, install the control systems, finalize the rail tracks and electrification. Testing on the branches will begin in spring 2024.

On the airport branch, teams will soon be busy installing the rail tracks in 2024. Commissioning for this section is scheduled for 2027, in line with Montréal Airport's timetable for completing the station.

Over the past five years, the REM construction period has been marked by extraordinary circumstances and exceptional technical challenges. Despite these constraints, CDPQ Infra and its partners were able to keep the project within a very competitive budget compared with other similar major transportation projects around the world.

The project cost $7.95 billion, up $1.65 billion from the original $6.3 billion confirmed when bidders were selected in 2018. This is a 26% increase over the original cost. Excluding the impact of the pandemic limits the cost increase to 13%.

The increase in project costs breaks down as follows:

• Global pandemic ($800 million): the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine had a major impact on supply chains, the price and availability of goods and labour both local and international. Additionally, it led to the closure of worksites and the adoption of stringent sanitary measures for several months. These items account for half of the increase in project costs.
• Mount Royal Tunnel and condition of the underground vault ($350 million): starting in 2020, REM teams had to adopt innovative measures to meet the multiple construction challenges associated with the discovery of a century-old dynamite charge in the Mount Royal Tunnel and the severe deterioration of its central wall in the southern section, under McGill College Avenue. The vault under McGill College Avenue has been completely replaced, and the central wall is now complete. With investments of $350 million, we can count on major transportation infrastructures that have been renovated for the coming decades.
• Optimization, upgrades and improvements ($500 million): This amount includes costs from two sources.
  • $350 million related to work optimization and infrastructure developments carried out by third parties and rail operators.
  • $150 million in response to various requests received from communities to improve access and layout around REM stations to better serve future users.

It should be noted that for the planning period from 2016 to 2018, the value of the project had already been adjusted from $5.5 billion to $6.3 billion to take major improvements into account, including the addition of three new stations and 40 cars to enhance service quality.

Under the REM financing package, the additional $1.65 billion investment required to complete the project will be fully absorbed by CDPQ Infra. In addition, the project's main financial parameters, such as the passenger/km fare adjusted for price indexes and the expected performance target, are not affected.

Click this link for the detailed technical presentation: https://rem.info/en/documentation

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new, 67 km integrated public transit network of 26 stations that will link downtown Montréal, the universities, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore and Montréal–Trudeau airport through a fully automated, electric light rail system. Offering high-frequency service, the REM will operate 7 days per week, 20 hours per day, and will be connected to the three main lines of the Montréal metro. 

Today the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced new spectrum licence conditions which will require carriers to provide all passengers on Toronto's subway system with access to cellular connectivity no later than October 3, 2023.

The Minister made the announcement alongside Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto, in the presence of several Toronto-area members of Parliament.

The new licence conditions are effective immediately and require all mobile carriers currently operating in Toronto to:

• provide equal-quality services to all Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway riders by October 3, 2023;
• quickly begin work to expand existing network coverage in order to provide full voice, text and data services throughout the TTC subway system within ambitious and specific timeframes; and
• provide service in all future stations and tunnels at the same time as they are made operational by the TTC.

Should mobile carriers fail to meet these conditions, the Minister will take action as appropriate. This could include imposing monetary penalties or suspending or revoking a carrier's spectrum licence.

Canadians expect and deserve reliable telecommunications services—and in particular, access to emergency services when riding public transit. This is why the Government of Canada is taking action to require all carriers on Toronto's subway system to provide access to cellular connectivity as soon as possible.

This memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of Council that OC Transpo has completed the testing phase of the O-Payment system and is pleased to today introduce this new and convenient payment option to customers. 

With O-Payment, customers can pay for an Adult fare by tapping a credit card or mobile wallet on fare gates at any station or fare readers on an OC Transpo bus. Customers can tap the same credit card or mobile wallet to transfer between trips, as long as they are within the transfer window. 

OC Transpo is the first transit agency in Canada to introduce fare capping for credit card and mobile wallet payments. Customers can tap their credit card all day and it will never cost them more than the price of a DayPass ($11.25). Customers can tap their credit card all month and it will never cost them more than the price of an Adult monthly pass ($125.50). 

Customers should only tap the card they wish to pay with to avoid accidental charges. 

O-Payment is not available on STO. Customers who transfer regularly to STO should continue to use a Presto card. 

Para Transpo customers have been able to pay with credit card and debit card on Para Transpo vehicles since April 2023 using a separate system managed by Presto. 

The availability of the new O-Payment service will be communicated through OC Transpo's communications channels, including signage, digital and print advertising, social media and on octranspo.com. Details on O-Payment, including how to check credit card transactions on the O-Payment website, will be communicated to customers on octranspo.com and through social media. 

To help share this good news with residents, attached is a toolkit which can be used to promote O-Payment on social media or through newsletters. Thank you in advance for your support.  

Source : City of Ottawa

VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) is pleased to announce the reintroduction of two round trips between Toronto and Ottawa and one round trip between London and Toronto, starting this October.

"The ongoing progressive introduction of VIA Rail's 32 new trainsets is already yielding positive results, as recent increases in equipment availability, coupled with intense recruitment and training efforts, are now allowing us to reintroduce these high-demand frequencies," said Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As we continue to strike a balance between meeting our passengers' evolving travel needs and deploying our limited resources, we remain committed to offering the most convenient, accessible and sustainable service to the highest number of Canadians."

Returning frequencies

Passengers can start booking their trips on train 82/83 as of today and on the other returning frequencies over the next week.

*To accommodate those changes, the Saturday trip on train 44 will be cancelled starting October 28.

Source : VIA Rail Canada

La Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) a présenté ce matin le sommaire final et les recommandations (Rapport 6) de l'Étude complémentaire pour la réalisation d'un système de transport collectif structurant dans l'ouest de la ville de Gatineau.

Rappelons que l'Étude complémentaire a pour principal objectif d'identifier la solution optimale (mode et tracé) qui permettra de répondre aux besoins de déplacements des résidents de l'ouest de Gatineau pour les 30 à 50 prochaines années, dans un contexte de croissance de la population, de congestion des réseaux de transport et d'importance des échanges interprovinciaux.

La solution devait refléter les volontés politiques actuelles envers l'électrification des transports, la mobilité durable et la planification intégrée des transports et de l'aménagement du territoire, dans une perspective tant locale que métropolitaine. Déposé en 2021, le Rapport 6 dresse le portrait de la situation à ce moment précis et se veut un résumé du déroulement des grandes étapes de l'étude complémentaire, qui décrit comment la solution jugée optimale répond aux grands objectifs de cette dernière. Les recommandations mises de l'avant serviront à orienter et approfondir les prochaines étapes d'analyses, de développement, d'ingénierie détaillée et de réalisation de ce projet, qui sont prévues s'échelonner sur un horizon d'une dizaine d'années. Une vidéo explicative du Rapport 6 est disponible ici.

L'étude complémentaire est le fruit d'un travail de collaboration entre la STO et les différents partenaires du projet, soit : le ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (MTMD), la Commission de la capitale nationale (CCN), la Ville de Gatineau et la Ville d'Ottawa.
D'autre part, dans le but de renseigner la population sur le projet et de maintenir un dialogue ouvert et transparent avec la communauté, la STO a également procédé au dévoilement du site Web TramGO. Le public pourra accéder à son contenu en visitant le www.tramwaygatineauottawa.ca ou par l'entremise de sa page Facebook.

« La synthèse de l'étude complémentaire démontre clairement le besoin d'un tramway à Gatineau. Ce n'est plus une option, mais une nécessité pour notre région. On est rendus là », de mentionner le président du conseil d'administration de la STO, M. Jocelyn Blondin. « On veut débuter les études d'avant-projet dès que possible et pour ça, on a besoin de l'appui financier du gouvernement fédéral. On a des signes encourageants depuis quelque temps déjà, mais comme politiciens, il faut qu'on arrive à concrétiser une annonce prochainement, car on veut garder notre équipe du bureau de projet mobilisée. Ces professionnels sont prêts à entamer les prochaines étapes et à aller à la rencontre des citoyens. On souhaite donc avoir de bonnes nouvelles au cours des prochaines semaines. »

Source : STO

Travelling between Bloor GO/UP Station and Dundas West TTC Station is about to get a lot faster and easier.

The contract for the construction of a pedestrian connection between the two transit stations has been awarded to Kenaidan Contractors Ltd and work is expected to start this fall.

Once complete, the Bloor-TTC connection will provide a safe and customer-friendly connection between GO Transit, UP Express and TTC services (subway, streetcar, and bus).

The connection will shorten the distance between the two stations and save travellers on time. It currently takes about 5–8-minute to walk the 500 metres between both stations, depending on the weather conditions and the traffic. The new pedestrian tunnel will be weather-proof and will shorten the distance to just 100 metres that can be walked in 2 minutes. The new tunnel will make it easier and safer for users with mobility challenges or travelling with luggage to get around. 

The project includes:

• Constructing a new concourse in the lower level of The Crossways' building (within the parking structure) and providing elevator access to the TTC platform level

• Building two elevators and a stairwell connecting GO's existing Bloor tunnel and the new TTC concourse

• Creating a new electrical room with an upgraded emergency back-up and life-safety systems to help keep customers safe in case of power outages

At the moment, it is estimated that approximately 600 transfers occur between Dundas West TTC Station, and Bloor GO Station each day making both stations busy transit hubs.

With the GO Expansion program in the works and even more development anticipated for the area, the Bloor-TTC Connection will help accommodate even more customers and support the development of a regional rapid transit network that offers seamless connections to more stations and faster trains.

The City's Light Rail Sub-Committee today received a detailed presentation on construction activity and a schedule update for all three O-Train extension projects – south, east and west.

In the south, work is progressing well at the Albion Yard Maintenance and Storage Facility and on multiple rail bridges and guideway sections. Station construction is well advanced, with wayfinding signage, fare gates and final touches being installed at most stations. Track installation is close to completion, and testing and commissioning has commenced. Critical activities, including further testing and commissioning, and training are being monitored prior to system handover, expected late in 2023.

In the east, work on track and systems is ongoing, and significant progress continues to be made in stations and on the Place d'Orléans and Trim pedestrian bridges. By the end of the year, preparation will begin for vehicle testing on the extension.

In the west, progress continues at Corkstown Yard Light Maintenance and Storage Facility and station construction is now underway on all stations. The Queensview pedestrian bridge structure was successfully installed in July. Excavation in the Byron Linear Park is also ongoing, and cut-and-cover tunnel construction is progressing with ongoing concrete pours for the tunnel structure.

For more information on OC Transpo, visit octranspo.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Source : City of Ottawa

Today, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mario Péloquin, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Françoise Bertrand, were at Winnipeg Union Station, one of VIA Rail Canada's (VIA Rail) Heritage Stations, to announce investments designed to protect these buildings and ensure they reflect today's standards.

VIA Rail is privileged to own Heritage Stations across its network that have played an integral role in Canada's rail history. Between 2020 and 2025, VIA Rail will have invested over $80M for the renovation of four of its Heritage stations: Winnipeg Union Station, Vancouver Pacific Station, Halifax Station, and Gare du Palais in Québec City.

"These iconic stations embody the history of railroading, and by extension the creation of Canada, which we have a responsibility to protect," said Mario Péloquin, President and Chief Executive Officer. "With this announcement we are ensuring that VIA can continue to maintain these landmark buildings and that we improve the customer experience by making these stations more accessible and sustainable for future generations to enjoy."

Winnipeg Union Station

VIA Rail has invested over $25M in the renovation of Winnipeg Union Station, a cornerstone of our Western operations. These improvements will allow VIA Rail to continue to offer the best possible experience to users: one that is safe, comfortable, accessible, and sustainable.

"Our Winnipeg Union Station is a crucial point of our Western operations," said Françoise Bertrand, Chairperson of VIA Rail's Board of Directors. "It plays an important role in our ability to deliver our mandate as it is part of the lifeline service to communities in Northern Manitoba and gives access to the iconic Canadian that travels between Vancouver and Toronto."

Since 2020, VIA Rail has, among others, upgraded interior passenger platforms and created a more accessible experience with the elevators and escalators upgrades and exterior passenger platform replacement, which will be the first fully accessible platform on our long-distance and regional routes once completed at the end of the year.

All renovations to the station and train shed are being done within the guidelines of Parks Canada to respect the Heritage characteristics of the 1911 building. The Winnipeg Station also achieved LEED gold certification in 2022, making it the second station in our network to have received this Canada Green Building Council credential.

Additional Quote

"Union Station is a beautiful historical site right in the heart of our city's downtown. With this investment of over $25 million, VIA Rail is making good on its commitment to regional connectivity and continues to offer riders the safe, comfortable, accessible trip they've come to expect."

The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface-Saint Vital

About VIA Rail Canada

As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail (viarail.ca) and all its employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient, and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional, and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada, and about 180 more communities through intermodal partnerships, and safely transported over 5 million passengers in 2019. The Corporation has been awarded ten Safety Awards and three Environment Awards by the Railway Association of Canada since 2005. Visit the "About VIA Rail" section.

Source : VIA Rail Canada

The following memo outlines the progress made during Q2 2023 on the Stage 2 project and provides an overview of the planned work for Q3 2023.

Subsequent to project handover, the City will make an assessment regarding the timing for start of public service. Final readiness activities and an assessment of system performance and system maturity will be made after handover from the build team.

Stage 2 South: By the end of 2023. No entry in service date has been confirmed as of now.

Stage 2 East: Q1 2025, approximately a 7-week delay from the PA completion date of November 26, 2024.

Stage 2 West: Late 2026, approximately a 17 months from the PA completion date of May 25, 2025.

The Ontario government is making it easier to take transit by giving riders more ways to pay on the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). Starting Tuesday, August 15, riders can use credit or debit cards to pay fares, including cards on a smartphone or smartwatch.

"The launch of credit and debit payment on the TTC is just another way our government is making life easier for people across the Greater Toronto Area," said Stan Cho, Associate Minister of Transportation. "Whether travelling for work, appointments, or anything in between, the transit experience should be as convenient as possible."

The launch of credit and debit payment on the TTC follows the successful introduction of more payment options across many local transit systems in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas. In addition to the TTC, riders can also use credit or debit to pay fares on GO Transit, UP Express, Brampton Transit, Burlington Transit, Durham Region Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, MiWay (in Mississauga), Oakville Transit and York Region Transit.

"Our government is working with our municipal partners to make it easier and more convenient for transit riders to get from point A to point B," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "We are continuing to improve PRESTO services by introducing new and innovative payment options that make fare payments easier."

The Ontario government is also working with Metrolinx to introduce virtual PRESTO cards for mobile wallets in the coming months.

Quick Facts

• The PRESTO open payment pilot launched on UP Express with credit card payment in March 2021 and expanded to include debit card payment later that year.
• Ontario is the first to offer a Canadian debit option to pay for transit by tapping on a PRESTO device.
• PRESTO has approximately 4.7 million active customers.

Quotes

"Giving people the option of paying with their debit or credit cards makes it easier for people to choose the TTC to get to work, school or anywhere else. As a transit rider, I'm pleased to have new options for paying my fare quickly and conveniently. As Mayor, I am committed to making the TTC more reliable and convenient for everyone, and today's announcement is an exciting step in the right direction."

- Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto

"We are thrilled to offer expanded payment options on the TTC, starting August 15. The addition of debit and credit card payment for adult fares on all TTC buses, streetcars, and at fare gates, gives customers more choice and convenience when they travel. Tapping on with a debit or credit card is a feature we know our customers want, and will help to further grow ridership on the TTC. I want to thank the TTC team and our partners at the Ontario government for making it happen."

- Councillor Jon Burnside, TTC Chair

"Adding the option to tap a debit and credit card on PRESTO devices across the TTC is another way for customers to have more choice in how they pay their fares as they travel throughout the region. We are excited to bring this new way to pay to TTC customers, making it easier and more convenient for people to choose transit."

- Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx

The High Frequency Rail project, the largest Canadian infrastructure project, aims to provide clean, safe and efficient transportation to Canadians while supporting our economic growth and strengthening our Indigenous relations. A major milestone in this project's procurement was reached last February with the launch of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). This was a crucial step towards selecting a private developer partner who will work collaboratively with VIA HFR to design and develop the High Frequency Rail project.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, and the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Quebec Lieutenant, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, announced the outcome of the Request for Qualifications stage of the project.

The following groups have been invited to move to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage:

• Cadence (CDPQ Infra, SNC-Lavalin, Systra Canada, Keolis Canada)
• Intercity Rail Developers (Intercity Development Partners, EllisDon Capital, Kilmer Transportation, First Rail Holdings, Jacobs, Hatch, CIMA+, First Group, RATP Dev Canada, Renfe Operadora)
• QConnexiON Rail Partners (Fengate, John Laing, Bechtel, WSP Canada, Deutsche Bahn)

Once the RFP launches this September, participants will be asked to present their proposal, including a technically and commercially feasible solution, a business plan and a management plan for the co-development, construction, and operations phases of the project. This approach will incentivize respondents to identify and prioritize the benefits to Canadians in their proposals, while also providing them with the flexibility to take innovative approaches to meet or exceed the desired project outcomes.

The entire procurement process has been and will continue to follow the highest standards and is overseen by a fairness monitor. This fairness monitor is an independent consultant that acts as an objective, third-party observer, who monitors the procurement process and ensures that it is conducted in a fair manner.

Advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a priority for the Government of Canada, and this is why early engagement with Indigenous communities is already underway. As part of the RFQ process, respondents were required to demonstrate their capacity to work with the government to create mutually beneficial, socio-economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous reconciliation is critical to the success of the HFR project and will be integrated in all phases of the project.

National security and related risks will also be assessed throughout the project, along with measures to address such risks. Selection of the chosen private developer partner will depend on several conditions, including national security.

High Frequency Rail is a transformational project that promises to fundamentally change the way Canadians travel in southern Ontario and Québec, improving accessibility, and providing more travel flexibility.

Cadence

Intercity Rail Developers / Développeurs Ferroviaires Interurbains

Partenaires Ferroviaires QCONNEXION Rail Partners

Courtesy of: Government of Canada

OC Transpo, together with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA), is conducting a final review of RTG's documentation to confirm that the requirements for partial service have been met. These documents will be provided to the Interim City Manager, who has delegated authority in this matter, with a recommendation to resume service. Based on the information, once the City Manager is satisfied that the regulatory regime is in compliance, and agrees with the recommendation, OC Transpo will proceed with partial service resumption. 

As it has been deemed safe, OC Transpo is now able to begin gradually restoring service by providing partial Line 1 service in the west beginning on Tuesday, August 8 at 5am. 

For customers this means:

• Line 1 service will operate between Tunney's Pasture and uOttawa stations.
• Five single-car trains will provide service every five minutes.
• R1, R1 Express and Para R1 services will continue to operate with no changes.
• An additional train can be launched during peak periods to accommodate high customer volumes.
• Customers may notice slower train speeds in the tunnel due to a speed restriction as part.
• of safety requirements during the gradual resumption of service.
• Staff will be at stations supporting customers during their trips.

RTG also continues the required replacement of the wheel hub assemblies on the train fleet, and replacements are now complete on 22 trains. By operating with single-car trains, OC Transpo can accommodate current customer volumes and manage the fleet availability over the long
term.

Preparatory work for the Blue line extension will begin in the Langelier/Jean-Talon area during the week of August 7, 2023. The work will involve relocating urban public utilities for the massive excavation that will be needed to build the new métro station. The utilities that need to be relocated include water pipes, sewers, and underground conduits and cabling.

The work will be carried out in phases to reduce the impact on travel in the area. Work will be done during the day, but streets will remain closed overnight. Detours will be in effect, marked by appropriate road signage. Several bus stops will be closed or relocated. Depending on the phase, this will mainly affect lines 33, 141 and 372. Signage will be put up at the affected stops, and a range of real-time information tools will be available to inform users of detours in effect and help them plan their trips. Access to neighbouring businesses will be maintained at all times.

• Jean-Talon Street: One lane open in each direction
• Langelier Boulevard: All lanes open

• Jean-Talon Street: Open to westbound traffic on the other side of the street / One lane open in each direction coming from the west
• Langelier Boulevard: Righthand southbound lane closed /All northbound lanes open

• Jean-Talon Street: Westbound lane fully closed at Langelier Boulevard only / One lane open in each direction coming from the west
• Langelier Boulevard: Southbound left-turn lane closed / Northbound right-turn lane closed

• Jean-Talon Street: One lane open in each direction
• Langelier Boulevard: All lanes open

The work will then continue until the end of the year but will not impact vehicle or pedestrian traffic.

Visit www.stm.info/plb-langelier to find out more about the Blue line extension and the upcoming preparatory work. The page includes short informative videos where STM experts explain what kind of work will be done and what street closures and mitigation measures will be in place.

Today, with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. François Legault, Premier of Québec and Ms. Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montréal in attendance, CDPQ and its subsidiary, CDPQ Infra, inaugurated the first branch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), connecting Brossard to Gare Centrale.

Dignitaries and members of the public took part in the first official trip on the 16.6-km route connecting downtown Montréal to Brossard in 18 minutes.

This major step marks the start of a new network that is efficient, reliable and will facilitate the daily travel of over 30,000 people as they go to work, school, leisure activities, appointments or to visit friends and family.

Once completed, the fully automated and electric REM will reduce GHG emissions by 100,000 tonnes per year. In addition, with an overall network of 67 kilometres, it will be the longest automated metro in the world.

The public is invited to experience the new light metro for free over the weekend of July 29–30. Activities will also be scheduled on Esplanade PVM at Place Ville Marie during the weekend to highlight this historic milestone. Regular service on the South Shore Branch will begin Monday, July 31.

Users can learn more details about the new service starting today by visiting the Travel section of the REM.info website.

Quotes

"The REM will transform the way people get around the Greater Montréal area. It is the largest public transportation project undertaken in Québec in the last 50 years, and will ensure that Montrealers and all Canadians benefit from a transportation service to Montréal-Trudeau International Airport that is both efficient and clean. We are a major partner in this major project."
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"The REM will improve mobility in the Greater Montréal area. It's a fine example of our efforts to provide Quebecers with fast, environmentally-friendly and practical public transportation infrastructure. Serving citizens living in the suburbs, outside the city centres, is a major challenge, and this is precisely what the REM will make possible. I'm confident that we're heading in the right direction, and that if we provide Quebecers with modern, fast and efficient public transportation, more and more people will use it."
François Legault, Premier of Québec

"A major milestone has just been reached in the realization of this brand new transportation system. It will have an impact on the daily lives of thousands of people in the Greater Montréal area, and we're very proud of it. The REM speaks to our dual mandate, as it will generate significant economic benefits for Québec and each time passengers step on board, they will contribute to financing their retirement. It's truly a signature project that will deliver tangible benefits starting today and for future generations."
Charles Emond, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ

"Taking an idea and bringing it to fruition is quite an accomplishment for the thousands of people who've worked tirelessly for 5 years now on building this major project for the greater metropolitan region. I'd like to personally thank all these REM artisans whose collective effort is now giving thousands of citizens access to a brand-new, sustainable, frequent and efficient mobility service."
Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer, CDPQ Infra

"The inauguration of the first segment of the REM marks an important milestone in the history of the metropolitan area, and the start into a new era of mobility in Montréal. This new structural link is one of the keys to ensuring the vitality of our downtown and, eventually, to redeveloping and densifying the Bridge-Bonaventure area. This ambitious project is part of our vision for a more accessible and resilient metropolitan area for future generations."
Valérie Plante, Mayor of the Ville de Montréal

"The opening of the REM is a historic moment, a true revolution in the way we get around collectively and in how we think about the future of our cities. In Brossard, the three REM stations are major development hubs and living environments that will quickly become prime locations. Imagine leaving the Brossard terminal, crossing the deck of the new Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and arriving at Montréal's Gare Centrale Station, all in just a few minutes. Brossard is very proud to have this innovative public transit project within its city limits. It's a source of pride to us all!"
Doreen Assaad, Mayor of Brossard

"The commissioning of this first segment of the REM marks the beginning of a new era in mobility. This unprecedented mode of transportation, which will be integrated into the various existing networks, will change how we travel in the Greater Montréal area. CDPQ Infra and its partners have every reason to be proud of the work they have accomplished. I encourage members of the public to come aboard and discover for themselves the many benefits of this project."
Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier of Québec, Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility

"The arrival of the REM, the largest public transportation project in Québec since the opening of the metro in 1966, will bring lasting changes to the mobility of citizens travelling between the South Shore and Montréal. It's the culmination of a colossal effort by the metropolitan region's partners – exo, RTL and STM – which have revised their bus networks to ensure fully integrated services. Our teams are ready to welcome users so that they'll have the best experience possible and to encourage them to adopt this modern, 100% electric mode of transportation."
Benoit Gendron, Director General of the Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM)

"We are proud and pleased to launch the REM with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. What a joy it is to develop Alstom's latest driverless metro technologies in Québec and to support the City of Montréal in its effort to decarbonize mobility to make our world and cities easier to live in, greener and more environmentally friendly. We deeply thank CDPQ for their continuous support here in Montréal and beyond as Alstom main shareholder."
Henri Poupart-Lafarge, Chairman and CEO of Alstom

"Building the REM is much more than construction or engineering; it represents an opportunity to build the future. To this end, we brought together more than 4,000 men and women of 59 different nationalities. I'd like to extend my warmest thanks to them and their families, without whom none of our efforts would have been possible. We are very grateful for the collaboration of GPMM and the support received from our partners (SNC-Lavalin, Dragados, Aecon, Pomerleau and EBC) and, above all, for the exceptional leadership and resilience of CDPQ Infra."
Jaime Freyre, Project Manager, NouvLR consortium

"We are proud of our investment in the REM, one of Canada's most important transit infrastructure projects, whose initial opening will relieve congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Montréal. Initial operations of our first and largest investment demonstrate the impact of our work. This is one of nearly 30 investments by the Canada Infrastructure Bank that are under construction or in development across the country."
Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

"The launch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) clearly shows how the electrification of transportation is not only about individual electric vehicles. Electric public transportation is an essential pillar of a low-carbon economy, and Hydro-Québec is honoured to have played a crucial role in this project."
Claudine Bouchard, Executive Vice President, Chief Infrastructure and Energy System Officer at Hydro-Québec

The REM's South Shore Branch at a glance:

• 16.6 km of double track
• Thirteen four-car trains
• Five new stations
• Operating 20 hours per day
• Brossard to downtown Montréal in 18 minutes
• Frequency varies from every 3 minutes 45 seconds during peak hours to every 7 minutes 30 seconds outside of peak hours
• Integration of a sustainable and structuring transportation system on the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge
• Two new bridges (l'Île-des-Sœurs channel and Lachine Canal)
• A maintenance centre and control centre using cutting-edge technology

Source : CDPQ Infra

The TTC is today confirming the comprehensive investigation into the July 24 derailment on Line 3 Scarborough will take at least another three weeks to complete. Frequent bus shuttle service will continue to run.

A decision about the reinstatement of train service will only be made once the review is complete.

"I want to thank Scarborough residents for their patience as the TTC continues to investigate this very serious incident," said Mayor Olivia Chow. "The safety of the public transit system is everyone's top concern and the SRT service can only return when we know it is safe to do so."

"The TTC Board stands behind every effort to ensure the root cause of this derailment is fully and thoroughly looked into," said TTC Chair Jon Burnside. "CEO Rick Leary and his team are keeping us fully informed every step of the way and I am confident they will not rush into a decision without all the facts."

"We have enlisted the support and help of some of the transportation industry's leading experts in rail, infrastructure and vehicles to assist and ensure we are leaving no stone unturned," said TTC CEO Rick Leary. "Safety is paramount to all we do and only once we know exactly what happened can we make a decision about the future operations of this line. In the meantime, we are making contingency plans to ensure we are providing the people of Scarborough with frequent and reliable transit options."

On July 24 at 6:45 p.m. a southbound SRT train leaving Ellesmere Station had its trailing car derail approximately 500 feet from the station.

In addition to the investigation, the TTC is using this time to inspect the entire SRT fleet and the infrastructure's structural integrity. The results of the investigation will inform next steps.

Source : TTC

This memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on the ongoing O-Train Line 1 service disruption and the safe, gradual return to service. 

At this time, OC Transpo continues to anticipate that the gradual resumption of service will begin on Monday, July 31. In order to safely resume service, three items are required: 

• Inspection of all rail vehicles, which was completed on July 24; six vehicles are undergoing additional investigations 
• Texelis report based on the manufacturer's disassembly and analysis of the out of tolerance axle hub, expected on July 28 
• Safety Note from Alstom and RTG, outlining the parameters of the new containment plan for the safe operations of Line 1 

Earlier today, Alstom and RTG provided the draft Safety Note. The document is being reviewed by OC Transpo. At a high level, the Safety Note lays out plans for a new inspection and replacement regime that requires: 

• Continuing with all mitigation measures already in place 
• Replacement of the leading and trailing wheel hub assemblies and axles every 60,000 kilometres 
• Implement a new inspection regime for middle bogies 

As a result of this enhanced inspection and replacement program, not all trains will be available to operate as they undergo wheel hub assembly replacement based on their current mileage. OC Transpo is committed to restoring O-Train service as soon as it is safe to do so. Based on this information, current reduced ridership levels, and that Line 1 can operate with either single or double-car trains, customers can expect the following progressive return to service: 

• Eight single-car trains serving all stations on Line 1, approximately every seven to eight minutes 
• R1 bus service will continue to operate in parallel to Line 1 service 
• OC Transpo staff will continue to be at key stations to support customers during their trip 
• The Transit Operations Control Centre will be closely monitoring passenger volumes at stations 

This fleet size in combination with the ongoing R1 bus service will provide the capacity required to meet current customer volumes. This temporary single-car train configuration enables OC Transpo and RTG to manage the supply of rail vehicles while meeting the more frequent inspection and replacement regime in order to ensure the sustainable delivery of service. 

OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group (RTG) conducted a risk assessment and confirmed that since the system was originally designed to accommodate both single and double-car train operations, there are no additional risks to customer safety at station platforms. 

As RTG progresses with the wheel hub assembly replacement, more trains will become available to maintain the sustainability of the eight trains in operation. Once OC Transpo can be assured that there is a sustainable number of vehicles available for service, we will assess an increase to the number of operating trains. 

OC Transpo continues to work with RTG and Alstom to finalize the Safety Note and the gradual safe return to service plan. Once plans are final, full details will be communicated to customers prior to the start of service through all of OC Transpo's channels. 

There will be a media availability at 4 p.m. today and we will continue to share information as it becomes available.

Source : City of Ottawa

RFC - Questions and Answers from the Media Availability today.

• There have been a lot of discussion on the wheel/rail interface, as well as the axle bearings over the past few years. Will the redesigned axle address both of these two investigations? And can you give a brief explanation of the root cause that was found.
• In the interim until such time that all LRVs have been modified with a new redesigned strengthened axle, what maintenance and inspection changes will be done to limit and control the state of the LRVs to keep them in service, such as lower inspection intervals (currently 3750km), continued or expanded use of smartbugs, or onboard vibration detection systems on the LRVs themselves. And should we expect the current temporary speed restrictions to continue for the next year?

This memo is to provide an update to the Mayor and Members of Council on the current service levels, completed and planned work on the ongoing investigation, and an update on the safe resumption of service, which is expected by July 31st .

We will continue to provide further updates as they become available. A media availability will be held at 10 a.m. today, and at 4 p.m. daily for the remainder of the week.

• An update was sent early this morning regarding R1 service.

The difficult decision to suspend service was made to ensure the ongoing safety of our customers and staff.

Since then, there has been important progress on all three key areas of the ongoing investigation and the suspension of service on Line 1.

The following tests have been undertaken since the temporary suspension of service:

Ongoing Investigation – Instrumented Bogie Tests

Return to Service Plan

Line 1 service will resume when it is safe to do so.

We continue to meet with Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom to finalize a safe return to service plan that is sustainable. Our focus is ensuring the increased reliability and long-term sustainability of the system.

The Return to Service Plan has several critical activities and includes a safety letter provided by Alstom, through RTG, and a report from Texelis, the manufacturer of the axles. These documents will be reviewed by OC Transpo, in association with Transportation Resource Associates (TRA), OC Transpo's third party expert.

Return to Service Plan

Additionally, I am very pleased to announce that Alstom and RTG have agreed to a design modification to the wheel hub assembly. This means that Ottawa will finally have a permanent fix to this bearing issue, which will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of Line 1.

Reminder: We will continue to provide further updates as they become available. A media availability will be held at 10 a.m. today, and at 4 p.m. daily for the remainder of the week.

Source : City of Ottawa

Afin de souligner l'inauguration du Réseau express métropolitain (REM), le gouvernement du Québec est fier d'annoncer qu'il rendra gratuit, pendant une fin de semaine complète, l'accès à ce tout nouveau mode de transport.

Composée de cinq stations, cette première antenne reliera Brossard, l'Île-des-Sœurs et la Gare Centrale. La gratuité des 29 et 30 juillet, entre 9 h et 19 h, permettra aux usagers d'emprunter le REM et de l'apprivoiser, avant sa mise en service officielle le 31 juillet prochain.

De plus, afin de célébrer en grande pompe cet événement unique, CDPQ Infra organise de nombreuses activités durant la fin de semaine inaugurale. Il est possible de consulter le calendrier sur le site Web de l'organisation : https ://rem.info/fr .

Deux autres phases de construction sont en cours pour déployer le REM vers Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Deux-Montagnes et l'aéroport Montréal-Trudeau. À terme, le REM reliera les différents pôles stratégiques de la région métropolitaine, soit la Rive-Sud, la Rive-Nord, l'ouest de Montréal et l'aéroport.

Citations

« Les 29 et 30 juillet prochains seront deux journées très spéciales, puisqu'elles visent à encourager la population à essayer le REM, que ce soit pour tester leur nouveau trajet ou découvrir ce mode de transport. En offrant l'occasion à chacun de constater les avantages du REM, nous espérons que les usagers voudront l'adopter au quotidien. Cette fin de semaine de gratuité est un gage du soutien de notre gouvernement envers le transport collectif. »

Geneviève Guilbault, vice-première ministre et ministre des Transports et de la Mobilité durable

« L'arrivée du REM va révolutionner le transport collectif à Montréal et j'invite tous les Montréalais à participer à l'inauguration pendant la fin de semaine du 29 et du 30 juillet. Une telle occasion ne s'est pas produite depuis 1967, et il s'agira d'un moment marquant pour la métropole et aussi pour tout le Québec. »

Pierre Fitzgibbon, ministre de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie, ministre responsable du Développement économique régional et ministre responsable de la Métropole et de la région de Montréal

« La mise en service du REM est synonyme de grands changements pour les usagers de la Montérégie. En effet, la refonte des réseaux entamée par les sociétés de transport a fait en sorte que beaucoup d'usagers se rapprocheront d'un nouveau moyen de transport et, par le fait même, du REM. Je remercie l'ensemble des partenaires pour leur travail acharné en vue d'intégrer le REM dans leur desserte, ce qui permettra aux citoyens de bénéficier d'un mode de transport rapide et fiable. Le 29 et le 30 juillet prochains, venez vivre un moment historique à bord du REM. »

Suzanne Roy, ministre de la Famille, ministre responsable de la région de la Montérégie et députée de Verchères 

Gracieuseté de: Gouvernement du Québec

L'Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM), exo, le Réseau de transport de Longueuil (RTL) et la Société de transport de Montréal (STM) saluent l'annonce de la date de mise en service de l'antenne Rive-Sud du REM, le 31 juillet prochain. Au cours des prochaines semaines, le REM s'intégrera à des réseaux de transport repensés pour maximiser l'expérience des usagers et l'efficacité de leurs trajets dans le corridor de l'autoroute 10 et ses bassins.

À la suite d'importantes consultations publiques, exo, le RTL et la STM ont procédé au dévoilement de la refonte de leurs réseaux respectifs au cours des derniers mois. Les changements à venir concernent à la fois l'accès au REM et les déplacements locaux. Les partenaires finalisent les derniers préparatifs du plan de déploiement des réseaux locaux pour faciliter l'expérience des usagers dans une transition harmonieuse vers les nouveaux services.

« Le REM changera notre façon de nous déplacer dans la Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal. Je salue le travail colossal effectué par les partenaires. C'est avec fierté et fébrilité que j'invite les citoyens à adopter le REM dès le 31 juillet. Notre gouvernement continuera de soutenir cette nouvelle colonne vertébrale de la mobilité durable au Québec », a déclaré Geneviève Guilbault, vice-première ministre et ministre des Transports et de la Mobilité durable.

« Grâce aux titres Tous modes, le REM est déjà intégré à la tarification régionale depuis le 1^er juillet 2022. Dans la foulée de la mise en service, c'est non seulement le plus important projet de transport collectif au Québec depuis 50 ans qui se déploiera, mais également la refonte de 3 réseaux locaux de bus. Exo, le RTL et la STM ont réalisé un excellent travail en plaçant les besoins de la population au cœur de cet exercice afin de profiter de l'arrivée du REM pour optimiser le service local de nombreux secteurs. La concertation de l'ensemble des partenaires était incontournable pour donner à l'arrivée du REM son plein potentiel structurant. Concrètement, les usagers auront droit à une meilleure couverture locale et, pour se rendre au REM, à plus d'amplitude et de fréquence de service avec un accès performant entre le centre-ville de Montréal et la Rive-Sud », a déclaré Benoit Gendron, directeur général de l'ARTM.

« Exo mettra en service son nouveau réseau d'autobus complètement repensé dans les secteurs Chambly-Richelieu-Carignan et Le Richelain/Roussillon. Alors que plus de 60 lignes ont été entièrement redessinées, 25 d'entre elles se rendront directement au REM. Le nouveau réseau améliorera considérablement les déplacements locaux et intermunicipaux en plus d'offrir des trajets directs vers le REM, pour un accès facile au centre-ville et à d'autres destinations sur la couronne sud. Durant les prochaines semaines, exo sera présent sur le terrain pour accompagner sa clientèle dans ce changement d'habitudes », déclare Josée Bérubé, présidente du conseil d'administration d'exo.

« Toute l'équipe du RTL est heureuse d'offrir aux citoyens de Longueuil, Brossard, Boucherville, Saint-Lambert et Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville un réseau redessiné qui sera encore plus branché sur leurs besoins, mieux connecté au REM grâce à 29 lignes qui desserviront les 3 stations sur la rive-sud, soit Panama, Du Quartier et Brossard, et plus flexible puisque les horaires seront adaptés aux nouvelles habitudes de déplacement. Il sera également plus accessible avec des temps de parcours améliorés, simplifié grâce à des liens plus faciles à l'intérieur de l'agglomération de Longueuil et aura une meilleure desserte des centres commerciaux, des parcs industriels, des lieux d'enseignement et des installations de santé », déclare Geneviève Héon, présidente du conseil d'administration du RTL.

« C'est avec enthousiasme que j'accueille ce moment historique et tant attendu! En effet, la mise en service du premier tronçon du REM, qui reliera la Rive-Sud au réseau du métro du centre-ville de Montréal avec la station Bonaventure, est une excellente nouvelle pour la mobilité, tout comme notre nouvelle desserte bus à l'Île-des-Sœurs qui pourra être modulée selon les besoins. Celle-ci constitue la première étape de la grande démarche de la refonte du réseau bus sur l'ensemble du territoire de l'île de Montréal. Rappelons que cette refonte vise à repenser le réseau de surface pour le rendre plus attrayant et adapté aux besoins de mobilité des Montréalais, tout en s'arrimant à la mise en service de grands projets de transport collectif », a déclaré Éric Alan Caldwell, président du conseil d'administration de la STM.

Les refontes de réseaux d'autobus qui accompagnent la mise en service du REM ont été annoncées par le RTL, exo et la STM au cours des derniers mois.

Toute l'information sur les changements à venir peut être obtenue sur leurs sites respectifs :

• Refonte du réseau du RTL : visionrtl.ca
• Refonte du réseau d'exo : exo.quebec/monreseau
• Refonte du réseau de la STM : refontebus.stm.info

The Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, issued today this statement to mark the tenth anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy:

"The Lac-Mégantic tragedy took place ten years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday. The gripping images of the worst rail accident in Canadian history that took the lives of 47 people still terrify us. We will never forget what happened on the night of July 6, 2013.

Today is a solemn day, a day of reflection and a day of mourning. For many, the memories of that night and the days that followed, as well as today's ceremony, will reopen a wound that will never fully heal.

No community, no family should have to endure what Lac-Mégantic did, and I can't imagine what the citizens of the municipality and surrounding area had to go through. I speak from the heart when I say that Lac-Mégantic is a town full of brave and resilient people who have persevered under unimaginable circumstances. They have shown us hope and the better side of our humanity. That is why in return, I want to convey to you, that we are with you, and will always be with you, in remembrance, in mourning, and in the promise of a better future.

This means honoring those we have lost and those who remain and mourn, ensuring that such a tragedy can never happen again. I assure you that we are continuing our efforts to strengthen rail safety across Canada so that such an event never happens again, and we are determined to get the train out of downtown Lac-Mégantic. Rail safety remains one of my top priorities.

Together, let us honor the memory of those who left us ten years ago. We can never forget, and we must never let ourselves forget."

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

Source : Transport Canada

Ten years ago today, a train that was parked unattended for the night at Nantes, Quebec, started to roll uncontrolled, reaching a speed of 65 mph. When the train approached the centre of the town of Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, 63 tank cars derailed, spilling about 6 million litres of petroleum crude oil. Forty-seven people were fatally injured, and the centre of the town was destroyed.

On this difficult day, we extend our continued condolences to all those impacted by this tragic occurrence.

As part of our investigation (R13D0054), the TSB issued five recommendations to Transport Canada (TC), three of which - related to improved tank car standards, route planning and analysis, and emergency response assistance plans - have been fully addressed by TC and industry and are now closed. Two recommendations, related to the prevention of uncontrolled movements and enhanced regulatory surveillance, remain open.

Despite significant safety action taken by TC and the railway industry to reduce the number of unplanned and uncontrolled movements of rail equipment, such events continue to occur, posing a significant risk to people, property, and the environment.

Today, as we think of the people of Lac-Mégantic, I want to emphasize that the TSB remains firmly committed to advocating for changes that will advance rail transportation safety, so that no other Canadian community will ever have to face such a catastrophic event.

Kathy Fox
Chair, Transportation Safety Board of Canada

The TSB is an independent agency that investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences. Its sole aim is the advancement of transportation safety. It is not the function of the Board to assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability.

The TSB is online at www.tsb.gc.ca. Keep up to date through RSS, Twitter (@TSBCanada), Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Flickr.

Source : Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Since the start of the dry run on June 28, the Reseau express métropolitain (REM) cars have been running at frequencies similar to those of the future service. In light of the results of this period of intensive testing, CDPQ Infra announce that the REM between Brossard and Gare Centrale stations opens to the public on July 31st.

The dry run will continue over the next few weeks, allowing the teams to make the final adjustments to deliver the best possible customer experience.

Future users can find out more about the new service today at REM.info. In the coming weeks, the REM will also be introducing additional communication tools to support users.

With its 5 stations, the REM's South Shore branch will provide access from Brossard to downtown Montréal in under 18 minutes.

Source : CDPQ Infra

27 June 2023 – It is a first in Canada and in the Americas, driven by Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, with its partners the Government of Quebec, Chemin de fer Charlevoix, Train de Charlevoix, Harnois Énergies, HTEC and Accelera by Cummins. On June 17, 2023, a hundred passengers boarded the Coradia iLint for the first hydrogen train journey ever on the North American continent. The train connected the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency in Quebec City to Baie-Saint-Paul, a 90-kilometre trip in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve along the St. Lawrence River. The Coradia iLint, which generates its own energy using fuel cells supplied by Accelera by Cummins, which has operations in Ontario, is powered by green hydrogen produced by Harnois Énergies at its Quebec City site.

"Hydrogen technology offers an alternative to diesel and demonstrates our ability to provide more sustainable mobility solutions to our customers, agencies and operators, as well as passengers. It will also provide an extraordinary showcase for Quebec's green hydrogen ecosystem, which is under development."

Michael Keroullé, President of Alstom Americas

TransEd, the company responsible for the design, build, operations and maintenance of the Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT, is pleased to provide an update on the project.

As previously announced, TransEd has been conducting performance demonstration line-wide testing of the 13-kilometre LRT to demonstrate the full functionality of Valley Line Southeast.

System demonstration testing began in early March 2023. We are happy to announce this testing period has met our performance expectations. "This is a huge milestone and brings us one step closer to delivering and operating a new transportation option that will serve the needs of a growing and changing Edmonton population," says Ronald Joncas, TransEd's Chief Executive Officer. "As I have said previously, we have designed and built this LRT to be a long-lasting system as per City requirements, and we are committed to delivering a safe, reliable and high-quality system that Edmontonians expect and deserve."

The objective of the testing period is to validate the LRT systems, infrastructure and signalling to optimize the passenger experience before the system opens. Various service levels and combinations of trains are being tested across the entire system to validate the efficiency, accuracy and reliability in peak and off-peak periods to reflect future service schedules. Testing has been done in a variety of seasonal and climatic conditions, further proving the full functionality and performance of components under different scenarios, including snow, rain, salt, high winds, and extreme cold and heat.

TransEd continues to look for opportunities to improve the LRT's performance and strengthen its reliability for the benefit of passengers' experience. Recent testing identified cables that need to be replaced to improve long-term system reliability. Replacing the cables now rather than during the operational phase will allow TransEd to operate Valley Line Southeast with more reliability once the line opens, while also reducing future operational impacts. The cables are easily accessible to crews, and train testing will continue concurrently. This work will be done at TransEd's expense.

"To ensure future reliability, we have decided to replace and upgrade the cables now to ensure the system will perform to our high standards while we operate it over the next 30 years, and for many years beyond," Mr. Joncas continues.

Concurrent with this upgrade, TransEd will finalize and submit the required documentation for review by the independent certifier needed for Service Commencement. We are working closely with the City and more information about a potential opening date for Valley Line Southeast will be provided as cable upgrades and independent certification nears completion later this summer.

As the Valley Line Southeast is a low-floor, urban-style mode of transit, it will not use warning bells and crossing gates, and trains will behave differently at intersections than the current LRT. This means Edmontonians should be vigilant and carefully follow all traffic rules and signage around the new line. More information on public safety around the Valley Line can be found at transedlrt.ca and edmonton.ca/projects_plans/transit/pedestrian-and-traffic.

Courtesy of TransEd

CDPQ Infra confirms that the final pre-commissioning stage of the project, the dry-run, will begin between the stations of Brossard and Gare Centrale station as of Wednesday, June 28th.

The final phase consists of simulating the future service, without passengers. Over the next few days, REM cars will run at frequencies similar to those of the future service. To reach this final stage, the teams have completed a number of decisive milestones over the past 12 months, including the complete electrification of the 16.6 km South Shore antenna, the crossing of the Samuel-De Champlain Bridge and a third consecutive winter of intensive testing.

CDPQ Infra will be back in the public space regarding the process of the dry run, to confirm the official commissioning date for the REM between Brossard and Gare Centrale station.

About the REM

The Réseau express métropolitain (REM) is a new 67-km, 26-station integrated mass public transit network designed to link downtown Montreal, the South Shore, the West Island, the North Shore and Montreal-Trudeau airport by means of a fully automated, electric light metro system. Offering high-frequency service, the REM will operate 7 days a week, 20 hours a day, and will be connected to the existing Montreal's three metro lines.

Source : REM

Today, the City's Light Rail Sub-Committee received a report and detailed presentation on the projects being coordinated by staff to ensure a successful launch of O-Train Lines 2 and 4 this fall.

The Rail Operational Readiness (ROR) program and the Rail Activation Management Program (RAMP) involve numerous complex projects that will deliver on the planned Stage 2 of Ottawa's light rail transit (LRT) system.

ROR is a structured project management approach that supports the development and implementation of the strategic projects and activities models that ensure a seamless and positive end-to-end customer journey.

RAMP tracks and reports on all deliverables required for the launch. RAMP provides for a successful transition to launch, from construction to operations, including vehicles, system testing and commissioning, operations and maintenance, and customer-facing elements.

Most importantly, ROR and RAMP were created to ensure a positive customer experience on LRT from Day 1.

ROR and RAMP represent a coordinated team effort, which includes planning dress rehearsal activities with a variety of situations. These preparations include the regulatory framework and tabletop exercises, Transit Operations Control Centre readiness, contracts, and systems. Customer facing elements such as traffic and transit connectivity, station design, wayfinding, and safety, play an important role in staff preparations.

OC Transpo will continue to deliver on its commitment to transparency, and to ensuring that lessons learned from the Line 1 experience are implemented to ensure a successful delivery of Stage 2 for customers and residents alike.

For more information on OC Transpo, visit octranspo.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Source : City of Ottawa

Today, the City's Light Rail Sub-Committee received a construction update on the Stage 2 O-Train South Extension and approved a detailed report on the preparations, testing, and trial running reporting that will precede the opening of the system, expected this fall.

The Trillium Line, to be renamed O-Train Lines 2 and 4, originally ran between Bayview and Greenboro stations. The extension adds approximately 12 kilometres of new track to the existing eight kilometres and will stretch to the Riverside South community at the new terminal, Limebank Station. The project also includes an additional four-kilometre extension to the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Rail installation and station works are nearing completion.

The Sub-Committee received an update on steps required before revenue service. These include construction status, plans for testing and commissioning, trial running requirements, required bus network changes, and public launch plans. Testing and commissioning have already started and will be enhanced throughout the summer. The Sub-Committee approved the reporting process to Council for the trial running period. Staff will provide daily summaries of the previous day's performance and a technical briefing following completion.

The Sub-Committee also received a peer review report from SYSTRA Canada and RAPT Dev Canada, who worked in partnership to provide a comprehensive review of the Stage 2 project. The firms analyzed TransitNEXT's work on the Trillium Line to identify any potential issues or challenges that might arise when service begins. The report made 47 recommendations involving project management, rail infrastructure, rail systems, operations and maintenance, and safety. The City and TransitNEXT have formulated and implemented a comprehensive response and action plan to address all 47 recommendations.

Items from today's meeting will rise to Council on Wednesday, June 14.

Source : City of Ottawa 

This Sat., May 27, the TTC is giving the public a unique chance to experience the inner workings of North America's third largest transit system, when it opens the doors to its McCowan Carhouse and Danforth Garage as part of Doors Open Toronto.

At the McCowan Carhouse, TTC fans will have a chance to look behind the scenes before Line 3 Scarborough is decommissioned later this year. And, more than a century of Toronto public transit history will be on display at the Danforth Garage, a site rarely open to the public.

"Doors Open Toronto is a great opportunity for transit fans to get an inside look at two TTC sites," said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie. "Thank you to the TTC for working to open up the McCowan Carhouse and Danforth Garage. I encourage people to come out and explore this weekend."

"We are so pleased to once again host Doors Open Toronto events at the TTC," said TTC Chair Jon Burnside. "We hope that visitors enjoy this unique opportunity to experience the size and complexity of TTC infrastructure and maintenance operations that keep Toronto moving every day."

At the 4,146,000-square-foot McCowan Carhouse, Doors Open visitors will experience the full scale of TTC train maintenance operations, with an SRT car, wheels, axles, and snow-removal vehicles on display. The prefabricated metal maintenance facility was built for the Scarborough RT, the world's first intermediate-capacity transit system, and houses four tracks, including a giant train carwash.

At Danforth Garage, a vintage GM New Look bus and the all-new TTC e-bus will be on display, along with more than a century of public transit history. Originally called Danforth Carhouse, the Edwardian-style facility began servicing streetcars for Toronto Civic Railways in 1915, until 1921 when the TTC took over operations and introduced the new Peter Witt streetcars. After the Bloor-Danforth subway opened in 1966, the facility was converted to an all-bus garage, and it served in that capacity until 2002. Today, Danforth Garage is home to TTC heritage barns and serves as an office for subway operations.

"The TTC is proud to invite the public behind the scenes as part of Doors Open Toronto," said TTC CEO Rick Leary. "We hope visitors will take the opportunity to explore Toronto's transit history, and learn more about the evolution of transit, starting from the first streetcars and leading up to some of our newest eBuses that are on the road today."

Doors Open visitors can go on self-guided tours and take photos of TTC trains and equipment. TTC staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and a BBQ lunch in support of the United Way will be held at both locations.

At Danforth Garage, there is one accessible entrance and no accessibility between levels. Accessible portable washrooms will be available. At McCowan Carhouse, everything is accessible at street level. There is no accessibility between levels and there are no public or accessible washrooms.

Date: Sat., May 27, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admittance at 4:30 p.m.)
Where: McCowan Carhouse, 1720 Ellesmere Road, M1H 2V5
Danforth Garage, 1627 Danforth Avenue, M4C 1H7

Doors Open visitors are encouraged to share their experience on social media using #DOT23.

Source : TTC

Please find attached a memo regarding work on O-Train Line 1 from Monday, June 5 until Monday, June 19.

Source : City of Ottawa

The Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) today released the findings of the public consultation conducted between June 22 and July 19, which gave Gatineau and Ottawa residents the chance to comment on the two options for integrating a future tram into downtown Ottawa, one at grade on Wellington Street, the other under Sparks Streets.

The following observations reflect the opinions of the 1,500 respondents, 60% of whom were Gatineau residents, and 40% Ottawa residents:

- The large majority of residents, between 84% and 87%, believe it is important to provide proper service to both downtowns and to connect Gatineau's and Ottawa's transit systems.

- The three most important factors for respondents in regard to the integration options are the performance of the public transit system, i.e. commercial speed, reliability and resilience (84%), the quality of the pedestrian environment (67%), and the quality of public transit, i.e. the importance of limiting the number of transfers (65%).

- The option of running the tram under Sparks Street is the preferred choice of six out of ten respondents: 56% of Gatineau residents and 67% of Ottawa residents.

- Half of the respondents believe that the presence of a tram on Wellington Street is compatible with preserving the image and heritage value of the nation's capital and Parliament Hill.

- A large majority of respondents, i.e. 89% of Gatineau residents and 78% of Ottawa residents, believe that not all STO buses should be eliminated from downtown Ottawa.

For details, go to the dedicated page on the STO website.

"The public consultation findings confirm that more than 80% support a system that connects the two downtowns. This is the point on which there is the highest level of agreement, in addition to the findings confirming that performance, quality of service and quality of the environment are determining factors in promoting public transit," indicated STO President Myriam Nadeau. "Essentially, the idea is to get customers as close as possible to their destination to avoid the need for more transfers or a significant increase in the distance they have to walk.

For example, getting customers beyond the Lyon Station would encourage the use of public transit."

The preferences and concerns of respondents in terms of both the scenarios and the modes of transport will be taken into consideration in the next phases of the study. These findings were presented to Gatineau Municipal Council this week, and will be presented at Ottawa's September 2 Transportation Committee meeting. 

Source : STO

Consultations on options for a future tram linking Gatineau's west end and the downtowns of both cities now open 

The Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO), in partnership with the City of Ottawa, will start public consultations today on the options to link Gatineau's future rapid transit system to Ottawa's transit system. 

Following presentations to Gatineau, and Ottawa City councillors in May, residents from both cities are now invited to review and comment on the work completed to date. The consultation, in the form of a questionnaire available on sto.ca aims to determine which of the two corridor options for the tram integration into downtown Ottawa is the most appropriate: 

• On Wellington Street 
• A tunnel under Sparks Street. 

The feedback will be analyzed and posted on the STO's website. The information will also be shared with the study's government stakeholders: the Ministère des Transports du Québec, Public Services and Procurement Canada, the National Capital Commission, Ville de Gatineau, and the City of Ottawa. 

The final recommendations will be presented this winter to Gatineau City Council and to the City of Ottawa's Transportation Committee. 

"Public transit projects have to involve everyone. This is fundamental to the very nature of such projects! Taking part in the public consultations means taking part in the development of a unique infrastructure that promises to improve the quality of life for our residents," indicated STO Chairman Myriam Nadeau. 

"This electric tram project supports Ottawa's goals towards sustainable transportation and promises to provide improved transit connections between our two cities. I encourage residents to take this opportunity to have their say on this transformative project that will shape how people move between Ottawa and Gatineau in the future." said Mr. Jim Watson, Mayor of Ottawa. 

Source : Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO)

Audio of the meeting and media availability.

Recently, the City of Ottawa delivered an update on Stage 2 LRT progress in the city. Stage 2 expands the O-Train service in the East from Blair to Trim, in the West from Tunney's Pasture to Algonquin and Moodie, and in the South from Bayview to Limebank and the Airport. 

In this video, I discuss and provide my take on some of the important progress being realized on these massive construction and infrastructure projects across the city. 

The photos contained in this video were provided by the City of Ottawa and mostly date from Q2 2022. 

• 00:00 - Introduction 
• 00:44 - East Extension (Blair to Trim) 
• 15:26 - West Extension (Westboro to Moodie and Algonquin) 
• 33:36 - South Extension (Bayview to Limebank) 
• 50:08 - Wrap Up and Closing 

---ERRATUM—

In the video, it is mentioned that the new East pathway that passes over Green's Creek will continue to Jeanne d'Arc. This was an error, the pathway will run from Blair and end at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier Parkway. Existing pathways from there can be used to reach Jeanne d'Arc (via the parkway and not alongside the 174). 

--------------- 

To see the latest photos of the stations, please check out our Snapshot Updates at otrain.railfans.ca/snapshot

The Rail Fans Map features Ottawa's O-Train, Toronto's Subway and Kitchener-Waterloo's ION systems in high detail. Illustrating all track positions, switches, crossovers and yards. We speak to Derek Ellis, creator of the map, on this impressive project.

You can check out the map here : map.railfans.ca

The City of Toronto operates an extensive Streetcar system, consisting of 9 streetcar lines, 685 stops across 83km in length. All this makes it the 3rd largest light rail system in North America.

The TTC Streetcars are very iconic and emblematic of the City of Toronto. They are also an essential and integral part of the public transit network.

In this conversation with Helen Lee, Creator / Executive Producer / Co-Host of The Next Stop Podcast, we talk about the Streetcars and touch on the following points of interest:

• What is the Toronto Streetcar System.
• The history of the Streetcar system.
• The rolling stock, recent past and present.
• The Mystique of the Streetcar system and what makes it unique to Toronto.
• How the Streetcars in Toronto endure, while most other cities systems have been discontinued.

The Ottawa LRT Public Inquiry has found there were persistent failures in leadership, partnership and communications in the construction and maintenance of the Ottawa LRT.

Commissioner the Honourable Justice William Hourigan released the Inquiry's final report today in Ottawa. "Our mandate," he said, "was to find out for the residents of Ottawa what happened and why, and how to avoid similar problems in the future."

In releasing the report, Commissioner Hourigan said both the City of Ottawa and the private consortium, Rideau Transit Group (RTG), lost sight of the public interest during the project. "It was unconscionable that RTG and its main sub-contractor knowingly gave the City inaccurate information about when they would finish building the LRT." He also found that City Council was not told that the testing criteria for the LRT was lowered to allow it to pass its final testing phase. "This conduct irreparably compromised the legal oversight ability of Council and raises serious concerns about whether the City of Ottawa can properly complete significant infrastructure projects."

The Commissioner found there were many reasons Ottawa residents did not get the reliable transit system they deserved, including that:

• The City chose unproven technology for the trains that strained the limits of what an LRT system could do.
• RTG did not coordinate the work of its sub-contractors and failed to ensure the integration of the various systems and components.
• An adversarial relationship developed between the City and RTG.
• The City rushed the LRT system into service before it was ready.
• RTG and its subcontractors did not provide adequate maintenance.

The Public Inquiry made 103 recommendations to fix the problems with the Ottawa LRT and ensure they don't reoccur on other major infrastructure projects. Commissioner Hourigan recommended that an independent monitor keep Ottawa City Council or the Transit Commission informed about on-going corrective measures. And he said governments and public procurement agencies should examine whether to use a public-private partnership (P3) or another model when building complex infrastructure projects.

Other recommendations include:

• Collaboration and the public interest should be at the heart of the relationship between the public entity and private-sector partners.
• Systems integration must be prioritized from the design phase through to construction and manufacturing.
• Safety requirements should be designed and built in from the outset, to avoid expensive, retroactive changes. An independent safety auditor should be engaged early in the construction of complex infrastructure projects.
• Reliability and safety issues must be honestly identified and communicated to project partners and the public. The province should give legal protection to whistleblowers who bring forward concerns about major infrastructure projects.
• Trial testing requirements should be detailed in the relevant contracts and used as the basis for any performance scoring.
• There should be timely and proper responses to problems related to maintenance and operations by all parties once they arise. The safety and needs of the public should be prioritized.
• Prior to public opening, there should be an extensive running of the entire system under conditions designed to mirror those of public service.

"More than three years after opening," said Commissioner Hourigan, "some of the LRT's problems still have not been fixed. While relations between the City and RTG have improved, both need to do more work to ensure the public interest is at the core of everything they do." 

Source :Ottawa Light Rail Transit Commission

A resilient rail transportation system is critical to strong supply chains and keeping those who live along rail lines safe. Recent events like the 2021 wildfires and floods have shown the impacts climate change and extreme weather events can have on communities and our transportation networks. We must continue to adapt and prepare for these impacts. This is why the Government of Canada is taking important steps towards addressing climate change on railway infrastructure.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced the launch of the first call for proposals for the Climate Change and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Infrastructure initiative under Transport Canada's Rail Safety Improvement Program.

The Climate Change and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Infrastructure initiative will provide up to $10.5 million in funding this year. This initiative specifically targets rail infrastructure projects meant to increase resilience to extreme weather events and advance measures to address climate change measures. It will also support rehabilitation projects that repair damage from significant weather events.

Transport Canada will be accepting applications for the Climate Change and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Infrastructure initiative through an open, competitive call for proposals from now until January 6, 2023.

Further, earlier today, Environment and Climate Change Canada launched Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy for engagement. This strategy includes $1.6 billion in new federal funding commitments to help protect communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

"We must take immediate action to protect our planet from climate change. Our Government will continue to invest in measures which address the impacts of climate change. This is why we are providing funding under the Climate Change and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Infrastructure initiative: to address severe weather impacts on railway operations."

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

• Canada's railway system has approximately 23,000 railway crossings, and over 40,000 kilometres of track.
• Transport Canada's Rail Safety Improvement Program plays an important role in addressing safety needs due to ongoing and emerging safety concerns across Canada. Funded projects have contributed to an overall reduction of risk and increased safety for Canadians.
• The Rail Safety Improvement Program has an annual budget of $21.3 million in support of rail safety infrastructure, technology and research, and education and awareness projects across Canada.
• Since the program's inception, 774 projects have been funded across Canada which contribute to increasing safety at grade crossings and along rail lines, and to increase public confidence in Canada's rail transportation system.
• On July 5, 2022, the Minister of Transport also announced the Rail Climate Change Adaptation Program, which will provide up to $2.2 million in contribution funding to Canadian railways to cost-share research. Its objective is to support research, development, and implementation of innovative technologies, tools, and approaches to better understand and address the increasing risks and impacts of climate change on Canada's rail sector.
• The Supply Chain Task Force recognized climate change as a driver of instability in transportation supply chains. For example:
  • Wildfires in July 2021 reduced railway operations by 30%, representing around $163 million per day in terms of blocked shipment value.
  • Flooding in November 2021 hindered the movement of goods estimated to be more than $170 million per day due to lost train capacity and increased congestion at the Port of Vancouver.

• Rail Safety Improvement Program
• Climate Change and Adaptation to Extreme Weather Infrastructure initiative
• Canada's National Adaptation Strategy—building resilient communities and a strong economy

The Ottawa Light Rail Transit Public Inquiry will release its final report on November 30, 2022. "We made a commitment to the people of Ottawa," says Inquiry Commissioner, the Honourable Justice William Hourigan. "We said we would find out why problems occurred in the construction and maintenance of the LRT, and how to avoid these in the future. I believe we have done that."

The Inquiry will release the report simultaneously on the Inquiry's website, ottawalrtpublicinquiry.ca, and at a news conference in Ottawa. The news conference will be livestreamed on the Inquiry's website.

Committee hears about milestones for Stage 2 LRT

The Finance and Economic Development Committee received a detailed update today on Stage 2 LRT construction.

The project has progressed significantly in 2022: rail installation is underway along the O-Train East extension, as well as covering works for the cut-and-cover tunnel on the O-Train West extension. Testing and commissioning of seven new Stadler FLIRT vehicles is underway; they will run on the O-Train South extension. By the end of the year, seven of the 11 new pedestrian bridges will be installed to help enhance resident's active transportation connectivity.

Today's update included forecasted schedules for each alignment. Anticipated completion dates are:

• September 2023 for the O-Train South extension
• End of 2024 for the O-Train East extension
• Late 2026 for the O-Train West extension

During the FEDCO meeting in Ottawa, further delays were announced regarding Stage2LRT throughout Ottawa. 

• South: Fall 2023 (A year late) 
• East: Early 2025 (36 days) 
• West: Late 2026 (17 months) 

It goes without saying that we are saddened by this news. We do hope that some of the schedule pressures can be addressed and allow for the extensions to open when they are ready. We will continue to track progress throughout the city and share our excitement about passenger rail becoming an even bigger part of Ottawa.

Please visit https://otrain.railfans.ca/snapshot to see for yourself the progress throughout the city.

High Frequency Rail will transform passenger rail service in Canada through the creation of a faster, more frequent, accessible, and sustainable rail service among the major centres of Québec City, Trois-Rivières, Montréal, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Toronto.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, announced the next steps in the procurement process for High Frequency Rail (HFR) through an update to the Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI). This update reflects input and provides answers to key questions received through the RFEOI process. It provides industry and Canadians with new information about the HFR and its procurement.

Feedback from the RFEOI includes:

• Responses from a total of 54 interested parties, confirming a high level of domestic and international interest in the project.
• Responses confirming support for the overall approach; seeking clarifications on some elements of the project, including roles and responsibilities of the Government and private partner; and suggesting ways to enhance the design of the procurement process.
• Recommendations for strategic changes to the procurement timelines, such as shortening the Request for Proposal period.

The next step in the procurement process, the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), is anticipated to begin in early 2023.

Launched in March 2022, the RFEOI marked the first step in the procurement phase and delivering benefits for Canadians. The RFEOI was undertaken to share the Government's vision for the project and to obtain the market's feedback on the HFR Project.

The Government of Canada is committed to an ongoing dialogue and building nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples. Input and feedback from Indigenous Peoples throughout the life of the project will be essential to developing an effective project.

VIA Rail and its employees are central to the success of High Frequency Rail and will continue to play a key role across Canada as our national passenger rail provider. A subsidiary of VIA Rail is being established to act as a dedicated Project Development Office. It will be responsible for leading several key project activities, and will work collaboratively with the private partner to co-develop and optimize the HFR project. Canada will work with VIA Rail and the private partner to ensure that workforce changes required for the advancement of the HFR project would be done in consultation with unions to protect the interests of VIA rail employees.

Please visit the HFR website for a full list of changes and clarifications to the procurement process, or to get involved in the project by providing feedback, asking questions, and signing up for project updates.

"High Frequency Rail is a transformational project that promises to fundamentally change the way Canadians travel in southern Ontario and Quebec, improving accessibility, and providing more travel flexibility. We're pleased with the market's interest in this project and in the Government obtaining over 50 responses from interested parties. Feedback from these parties was critical in making this project even better and will be used to move the next phase of the project forward – the request for qualifications."
The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

• HFR is expected to transform intercity passenger rail in the Corridor through a variety of project outcomes, including, but not limited to:
  • Shortening travel times, with reductions of up to 90 minutes on some routes;
  • Increasing trip frequencies between major cities;
  • Offering more reliable and improved on-time performance;
  • Adding new services to Peterborough and Trois-Rivières; and,
  • Providing a greener rail system and cleaner travel option using electrified technology.
• As with any large-scale infrastructure project, the Government of Canada is using a phased approach to leverage input collected throughout the procurement process and to inform the next steps and decisions regarding the implementation of the High Frequency Rail Project.
• Budget 2022 provided Transport Canada and Infrastructure Canada with $396.8 million over two years, starting in 2022-23, to continue advancing key project activities and undertake the procurement phase of the project.
• The next steps in the High Frequency Rail project and expected dates include:
  • Government of Canada issues Request for Qualifications: early 2023
  • Request for Qualifications period ends: early spring 2023
  • Government of Canada evaluation of Request for Qualifications and identification of Qualified Respondents: Early spring 2023
  • Government of Canada issues Request for Proposals: Late spring 2023
  • Request for Proposals period ends: early spring 2024
• High Frequency Rail will transform passenger rail services for Canadians in the Toronto to Québec City corridor. In parallel, VIA Rail continues the important work of rebuilding the passenger rail business in Canada following the pandemic.
• The Government of Canada is committed to engaging the public, including communities currently served by VIA Rail between Toronto and Québec City, and consulting Indigenous Peoples to inform the Project's design and development. Anyone interested in sharing their views on the project, asking questions, or signing up for project updates is encouraged to visit the HFR website.
• The Government of Canada is committed to forming meaningful nation-to-nation relationships with Indigenous Peoples through an ongoing dialogue to better understand their priorities and concerns , and how best to engage with them throughout the different phases of the project.

• High Frequency Rail Project website
• Procurement update High Frequency Rail (HFR) Project

QUESTION: For the past several months, there are several segments of O-Train Line 1 that are operating under lower speed restrictions. With the work that was done over the summer (which involved some early closures), the previous normal speeds have not returned in all areas. Is there a timeline or ETA as to when the train will resume normal speeds on all parts of the alignment? (Notable areas include east of Rideau Station into the curve and beyond, Lees to Hurdman, among a few others).

ANSWER: As previously communicated to Mayor and Council on July 23, one light rail vehicle was removed from service for further inspections following an abnormal vibration report. The removal of light rail vehicles (LRVs) following unusual sound or vibration reports is required in accordance with OC Transpo's operating procedures, in order to perform further vehicle inspections. The LRV inspection for this vehicle showed a failure occurred in one of the wheel hub assemblies.

A second memo was issued on August 18 to share that out of an abundance of caution, Rideau Transit Group and Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) commenced the replacement of the axle wheel hub in the leading and trailing wheel assembly of LRVs with more than 175,000 kilometres in service. These replacements continue and components are removed from the vehicles to undergo further testing, as required. Further issues have not been discovered during the replacement of the axle wheel hubs and train availability remains capable of meeting daily service requirements.

A root cause analysis of this incident began immediately and continues. To ensure the ongoing safety and operation of O-Train Line 1, a number of precautionary measures have been put in place including temporary speed restrictions along sections of the track. Staff continue to work with RTM, Alstom and Transportation Resource Associates to identify longer term solutions to the axle issue, which may be informed from a final root cause analysis report, track design and vehicle analyses.

Though the trains continue to operate at slower speeds at certain sections of the track, we are seeing improved performance of the rail line, which will provide greater reliability. Until the root cause analysis and/or the investigation process determines that the temporary speed restrictions can be safely removed, the speed restrictions along sections of the track will remain in place.

-Attributed to Troy Charter, Director, Transit Service Delivery and Rail Operations 

 Réseau express métropolitain: updating the timeline of the project to ensure successful implementation for future South Shore users

• Infrastructure and electrification work completed
• Ongoing testing between Brossard and Central Station
• Decision to extend the final testing period to ensure system reliability

Today, CDPQ Infra provided an update on the status of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) project and the many critical milestones that have been reached in recent months, particularly on the South Shore, where the opening schedule has been updated.

This year was marked by several important achievements, including the completion of infrastructure work, the complete electrification of the South Shore branch and, since July, the test run of the circulation of the REM cars between Brossard and Central Station.

"We fully understand the users who are eager to see the REM's service launch. Our teams have worked hard in the last few months in a challenging environment to deliver a reliable network. Taking a few more months to deliver an experience that lives up to expectations was the responsible decision to make."

Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDPQ Infra

For the past 30 months, the construction of the future network has been taking place in an exceptional context. As in all sectors, supply chains, the price of goods, and the availability of manpower are major challenges. Thus, the final tests that must be performed would have led to a commissioning in the middle of winter 2023.

However, this period is not optimal for the implementation of a new transportation network, nor for the required redeployment of our partners' bus networks. CDPQ Infra has therefore decided to update the timetable for the opening of the five South Shore stations to the spring of 2023.

"We are now in the final stage of completing the final testing required to meet our commitment to deliver a reliable, high-quality network into service.

Work on the REM began in 2018; today, the observation is that in five years, the project has taken shape at an exceptional speed, despite a global pandemic that spanned half of that period. This is a major accomplishment and a source of great pride. Adding an extra period of testing to reinforce the full reliability of the system will ensure a successful rollout for future users."

Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDPQ Infra

About the REM Project

The REM, with its 67 km and 26 stations, will be one of the largest automated light metro systems in the world. In preparation for the system's commissioning, many steps have been taken. Since winter 2020, an exhaustive and rigorous testing program is underway to validate the functionality and reliability of the systems. For example, for the South Shore alone, this represents more than 1,000 tracking beacons, 425 surveillance cameras, and nearly 11,000 different signals to be analyzed and processed continuously. Each REM car must also travel more than 500 km before being put into service.

The TTC's modernized Automatic Train Control (ATC) signaling system is now fully operational on Line 1, bringing with it improved service and reduced operating costs.

"Automatic Train Control is up and running on Line 1. This is a big milestone for the TTC and our efforts to modernize our current transit system. This technology will ensure subway trains can travel faster and more reliably which will result in us being able to move more people across the line as quickly and efficiently as we can. I want to thank commuters for their patience while we implemented this new technology and I want to applaud TTC employees for their work on completing this major project," said Mayor John Tory.

"The successful completion of this project is a significant milestone for the TTC and the entire City of Toronto. Transit riders can look forward to faster, more reliable service when travelling on Line 1. On behalf of the TTC Board, I'd like to congratulate the TTC employees and contractors who worked tirelessly to make this transformative project a reality," said TTC Chair Jaye Robinson.

"The completion of ATC installation on Line 1 is a major accomplishment for us, and will have significant benefits for our customers," said TTC CEO Rick Leary. "This system will improve existing service, and ensure that we can accommodate expected additional transit growth. I want to thank our customers, local businesses, and the public, for their patience and understanding as we worked towards this milestone. I also want to express my appreciation to the TTC employees who have worked tirelessly over the past few years to complete this project."

Portions of the TTC's previous signaling system dated back to the 1950s, when the subway first opened. This included a "fixed block" signaling system where trains needed to have large gaps between them as they entered and exited each "block". With ATC, train speed and separation between trains is controlled automatically, through a computerized "moving block" system. Train location can be monitored more accurately, allowing more trains to operate closer together. This means more frequent and reliable service for customers, and fewer signal-related delays.

The completion of ATC on Line 1 also means that trains can use electricity more efficiently, leading to lower operating costs for the TTC. In addition, it will allow for more service flexibility if there is an operational issue on the line, with additional turn-back locations now available.

The project was completed on schedule according to the updated plan approved by the TTC's Board in April 2019.

Due to the scale of the project, the installation and testing process for ATC could only be done during non-revenue service hours, and was completed during weekend and early weeknight closures.

Crews performed special track work in the tunnels, installing thousands of pieces of trackside signaling and radio equipment. This includes two thousand beacons, two hundred and fifty-six signals, and more than one million feet of cable.

This past weekend, crews completed testing and commissioning, and the system went live during the subway closure on Saturday.

Learn more about ATC and the benefits for the TTC here: https://youtu.be/RTc0N0zRTJE

Source : TTC 

Please find attached a memo providing an O-Train Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project Quarterly Update (Q2 2022)

Veuillez trouver ci-joint une note de service concernant une mise à jour trimestrielle (T2 2022) sur l'Étape 2 du projet de train léger sur rail de l'O-Train.

Source : City of Ottawa / Ville d'Ottawa 

Councillor Theresa Kavanagh, along with members of the Stage 2 LRT team, held a virtual information session, to discuss the Western extension in Ward 7 of the Confederation Line, as well as upcoming work that is planned.

Stations covered include Sherbourne, New Orchard, Lincoln Fields, Queensview, Pinecrest, Bayshore and Moodie.

This video was recorded from the Zoom informational session held with the community and is archived on Rail Fans for informational purposes.

The following memo outlines the progress made during Q1 2022 on the Stage 2 Confederation Line and Trillium Line extension projects and provides an overview of the planned work for Q2 2022. 

At today's Finance and Economic Development Committee, Transit Services provided a detailed update on its Stage 2 construction activities. Work continues on the O-Train network, extending it farther south, east and west.

In the south, work is progressing at the Walkley maintenance and storage facility and on multiple rail bridges and guideways. Station construction has begun at all sites, and preliminary vehicle tests are underway on a test track.

In the east, road work and utility relocation are ongoing on Highway 174, and work has begun on stations and tracks. The bridge from Blair Road to the Highway 174 median is nearly complete, and the overpasses at the Montreal Road highway interchange are progressing well. Track installation has begun between Montréal and Jeanne d'Arc stations.

In the west, work is ongoing at the Moodie light maintenance and storage facility, Pinecrest Station, Queensview Station, Iris Road and Pinecrest Creek, Algonquin Station, Lincoln Fields Station, and Byron Linear Park excavation. Tunnel construction is progressing along the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. Work is progressing well at the highway interchanges at Pinecrest and Holly Acres roads.

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a memo regarding the independent expert review of the Confederation Line.

Source : City of Ottawa

Today, Mayor Jim Watson and Transit Commission Chair Allan Hubley joined the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, and Marie-France Lalonde, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and Member of Parliament for Orléans, representing the Government of Canada, to celebrate the start of track installation on the O-Train East Extension. This is a significant progress milestone for Stage 2 LRT.

The O-Train East Extension will travel mainly within the OR 174 median, between Blair Road and Trim Road, adding 12.5 kilometres of new rail and five new stations. The extension connects 95 percent of residents in the communities of Orléans, Blackburn Hamlet and Beacon Hill within five kilometres of rail.

Construction on the O-Train East Extension is well underway, and all 25 kilometres of track installation will be complete by the end of 2022. A 240-metre test track west of Jeanne d'Arc was installed in December 2021, and the main line track installation began in April, near the future Jeanne d'Arc Station. Construction of all O-Train East Extension stations are in progress.

Stage 2 LRT will transform travel in Ottawa as it expands the reach, comfort and convenience of light rail transit. It will connect communities, as well as Ottawa's major employment centres, postsecondary institutions, shopping and recreation destinations, and arts and culture hot spots. When Stage 2 is complete, LRT will ultimately be capable of carrying 24,000 people per direction per hour at peak capacity. The O-Train network will relieve congestion, reducing approximately one sixth of Ottawa's total vehicle kilometres travelled and save commuters time and money. The project will also reduce greenhouse gases by 110,000 tonnes and contaminants such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and sulphur oxides by 3,000 tonnes over a 25-year period.

The Stage 2 Light Rail Transit Project is a $4.66 billion project, jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Ottawa. Stage 2 supports healthy transportation, gives residents more options for how they move around, including biking to destinations. Ottawa is integrating the city's pathway network with all light rail developments in support of mixed-mode travel.

O-Train East Extension quick facts:

• Approximately 32,000 concrete ties across 12.5 kms of the O-Train East Extension will be installed.
• Concrete ties are installed as they get delivered. Each tie weighs 600 pounds.
• Approximately 90,000 tonnes of ballast will be installed. Ballast is composed of granite rock that comes from Wakefield, Quebec.
• Steel clips are set in place by specialized temper machinery.
• Crews will begin installation between Montréal and Jeanne d'Arc stations and continue west. Final installation will be from Blair Station to Montréal Station.

Quotes

Ensuring Canadians have access to safe and efficient public transit is a priority for our Government. The O-Train East Extension will cut pollution and transform transit service for thousands of residents in Ottawa's east end, making their trips to work, to school and across the city easier, greener and faster.

The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.

Stage 2 LRT will forever change the way we move around Ottawa by extending the benefits of the O-Train network farther south, east and west. The new O-Train East Extension will be a simple and convenient travel option for residents in Ottawa's rapidly growing eastern communities. It will also provide transit improvements to major centres of employment, shopping and education and improve connectivity to encourage more active transportation.

Jim Watson, Mayor, City of Ottawa

Source : City of Ottawa

Photo Credit : Jim Watson - Twitter

City councillors from the east end of Ottawa, along with members of the Stage 2 LRT team, held a virtual information session, to discuss the Eastern extension of the Confederation Line, as well as upcoming work that is planned.

Stations covered include Blair, Montreal, Jeanne d'Arc, Convent Glen, Place d'Orleans and Trim.

This video was recorded from the Zoom informational session held with the community and is archived on Rail Fans for informational purposes.

As travel demand continues to progress, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) is pursuing its gradual service resumption plan and is pleased to be returning most of its services across the country by the end of June 2022.

"This is a celebratory and crucial milestone in our service resumption plan after an incredibly challenging two years," said Cynthia Garneau, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to welcoming more of our customers back on board our trains and doing our part to encourage Canadians and tourists to get out and explore this beautiful country for the summer travel season."

VIA Rail's objective has always been the safe resumption of services when conditions allowed it, and we are pleased to offer our passengers more options this summer with service resumption from coast to coast.

Throughout the pandemic our decision to add frequencies has been based on various factors, including demand, and continuing to employ a balanced approach in order to fulfill VIA Rail's important public service mandate and manage financial impacts.

Throughout this crisis, the health and safety of our passengers and employees have always been our top priority. The Corporation will revise its service offering in line with the latest developments if necessary.

Existing safety measures implemented by VIA Rail in response to COVID-19 remain in effect. Those include, amongst others, a mask wearing policy on our trains and mandatory vaccination required by the federal government.

The train remains one of the safest ways to travel this summer and we are pleased to be offering our passengers more frequencies and more flexibility.

REMINDER

Wearing a mask is required at all times in VIA Rail's stations and on-board VIA Rail trains. For the health and safety of all passengers and employees, passengers who do not wear a mask during their trip will be required to disembark the train or will be refused entry upon boarding.

Furthermore, VIA Rail asks that passengers stay informed of public health guidelines and respect those that apply to them and their travel plans, including mandatory vaccination. The Corporation also constantly reminds its passengers and employees of the importance of following recommendations from public health authorities and to rigorously follow good hygiene practices (wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of the arm, avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth without first washing their hands).

Passengers will be denied boarding if they are experiencing symptoms similar to a cold or flu (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) or if they have been denied boarding for travel in the last 14 days due to medical reasons related to COVID-19.

The most recent updates are available on VIA Rail's website.

Source : VIA Rail Canada

-- Original French Version Below --

Quebec City, April 13 2022.

Following the request for qualification for the acquisition of its rolling stock and the approval by the council of ministers of the Quebec Government, qualified bidders can now submit their proposal starting today.

Qualified bidders are now invited to consult and study the detailed documentation, containing over 2000 pages that presents the requirements set in place to ensure that the tramway is effective, well integrated in Quebec's environment and the high standards of quality desired. Technical and financial proposals are expected in September, with the ultimate goal of announcing the private partner by the end of 2022.

The autorisation by the council of minister will also allow the city to launch, on April 26th, its second request for proposals for infrastructures. The autorized consortiums are also invited to consult the detailed documentation of 3000 pages. Proposals and their technical and financial packages are expected in March or April 2023, with the objective of selecting the private partner in the summer of 2023.

In either case, the provided documents and multiple sessions held between the project bureau and the bidders regarding certain specific topics will allow them to prepare their proposals. The alternative mode of realization was retained because of the scope of work, the number of assets to build, the mix of skills required and the overall complexity of the project.

Source: Ville de Québec

Québec, 13 avril 2022.

Les candidats qualifiés invités de matériel roulant peuvent, déjà aujourd'hui, répondre au premier appel de propositions, à la suite de l'autorisation du Conseil des ministres du Gouvernement du Québec, obtenue le mercredi 6 avril dernier.

Les entreprises seront invitées à prendre connaissance des documents détaillés, comptant 2 000 pages, qui présentent les exigences attendues afin que le tramway de Québec soit performant, bien intégré à la trame urbaine et réponde aux hauts standards de qualité recherchés. Les propositions techniques et financières pour le matériel roulant sont attendues en septembre, en vue de sélectionner le partenaire privé à l'automne 2022.

L'autorisation du Conseil des ministres permettra aussi de lancer, le mardi 26 avril prochain, son deuxième appel de propositions pour la réalisation des infrastructures. Les consortiums seront aussi invités à consulter les documents détaillés de 3000 pages. Le dépôt des propositions techniques et financières s'échelonnera de la mi-mars à mi-avril 2023, ce qui mènera au choix de ce partenaire privé dès l'été 2023.

Dans chaque cas, les documents remis et la tenue d'ateliers de discussion bilatéraux entre le Bureau de projet et chaque soumissionnaire sur des thématiques précises leur permettront de préparer leurs propositions. Le mode alternatif de réalisation est retenu en raison de l'envergure des travaux, de la quantité d'actifs à construire, de la mixité des disciplines requises et de la complexité du projet. 

Source: Ville de Québec

Councillors Theresa Kavanagh and Jeff Leiper, along with members of the Stage 2 LRT team, held a virtual information session, to discuss the Western extension in Kitchissippi Ward of the Confederation Line, as well as upcoming work that is planned.

Stations covered include Westboro, Kichi Sibi (Dominion) and Sherbourne.

This video was recorded from the Zoom informational session held with the community and is archived on Rail Fans for informational purposes.

TransLink will continue working with Indigenous Nations, stakeholders, and government partners to ensure the station receives necessary upgrades and operates efficiently for years to come.

The next step is to develop a new scope, budget, and construction timeline. TransLink will communicate details when they are known.

More information:
TransLink Maintenance and Upgrade Program
Previously announced upgrades

Source : TransLink

The Toronto Railway Museum (TRM), a non-profit organization located in the iconic Roundhouse Park across from the CN Tower, is happy to welcome Katie Daubs, a journalist and a feature writer at the Toronto Star and the author of the Missing Millionaire, for an online lecture about the Small Mystery on April 21st at 8 pm. In this talk you will learn about the stranger-than-fiction characters in the Ambrose Small saga, and the development of Toronto as the drama around his disappearance unfolded. 

The railway was central to Small's business, as traveling shows of the era sent all their actors, props, and scenery by rail. It was expensive for theatre companies, and Daubs will explain how Small used that to his advantage as he built a cross-Ontario network of theatres, connected by rail. 

Tickets for this event are free, although registration is required on TRM's website here. 

Attendees will get access to our exclusive Zoom meeting room, where they can engage directly with the presenter and museum historians in a post-lecture Q&A. The event will begin at 8:00pm Eastern Standard Time, and will end at 9:30pm EST.

ABOUT KATIE DAUBS

Katie Daubs is a journalist and a feature writer at the Toronto Star, where she writes about many topics, including local history. Before joining the Star, she worked at the Ottawa Citizen and she was a graduate of Carleton University. The Missing Millionaire is her first book, which was shortlisted for the 2020 Arthur Ellis Award for Excellence in Crime Writing (Best Non-Fiction Book) and the 2020 Toronto Book Awards. Honours and Awards: Nomination — National Newspaper Award, Long Feature (2017) Winner — William Southam Journalism Fellowship (2016) Nomination — National Newspaper Award, Long Feature (2015) Nomination — National Newspaper Award, Multimedia Feature (2014) Winner — National Newspaper Award, Presentation (2012) Winner — Diane King-Stuemer Fellowship (2008) 

ABOUT THE TORONTO RAILWAY MUSEUM 

The Toronto Railway Museum (TRM) brings people together by telling stories of Toronto's railway heritage. The Museum is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and is typically open year-round. TRM presents exhibits, tours, educational programs and publications that broaden the understanding and appreciation of Toronto's rich railway history. TRM is committed to telling the stories of the railways, and welcoming conversations of its varied experiences through its lecture series, exhibits and integrated programming with a mission to learn from the past to make the future better. The Toronto Railway Museum would like to acknowledge the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Community Building Fund. More information is available here. 

ABOUT TORONTO RAILWAY HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION (TRHA) 

Established in 2001 to work with the City of Toronto to establish a railway museum at the John Street Roundhouse. The TRHA is incorporated and is a federally registered charity. Its primary purpose is to promote the development of the TRM. 

Source : Toronto Railway Museum

High Frequency Rail will transform passenger rail service in Canada through the creation of a faster, more frequent, more accessible and more sustainable rail service among the major centres of Québec City, Trois-Rivières, Montréal, Ottawa, Peterborough and Toronto.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, along with the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Annie Koutrakis, announced that the Government of Canada is launching a Request for Expressions of Interest seeking the advice and views from industry on the High Frequency Rail project through Buyandsell.gc.ca.

High Frequency Rail is the largest transportation infrastructure project that Canada has seen in decades. Recognizing the project's size and scale, the Government of Canada is seeking world-class knowledge and private sector expertise for all aspects of the project.

The Request for Expressions of Interest marks a major step in supporting the procurement phase for the High Frequency Rail project. It is an opportunity to:

1. communicate the Government of Canada's plan for advancing the project;
2. seek feedback from experienced private sector companies to help shape the High Frequency Rail project; and
3. provide information to industry so interested parties can prepare for subsequent phases of the procurement process, including the Request for Qualifications and the Request for Proposal.

As the participation of Indigenous Peoples is essential to the success of High Frequency Rail, the Government of Canada will seek a private sector partner that prioritizes and values meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples. The Government of Canada will carefully consider the views of Indigenous Peoples throughout the project and encourage collaboration with Indigenous businesses.

VIA Rail and its employees are central to the success of High Frequency Rail and will continue to play a key role across Canada as our national passenger rail provider.

The High Frequency Rail service could be fully operational in the early 2030s. The Government is providing a High Frequency Rail Project website where Canadians can get information, track progress on the project and submit their views and questions.

QUOTES

"High Frequency Rail is a transformational project that promises to fundamentally change the way Canadians travel in southern Ontario and Quebec, improving accessibility, and providing more travel flexibility. The Request for Expressions of Interest marks the first major step in the development and advancement of this project."

The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

"Many key benefits would be provided to travellers through an electrified High Frequency Rail system, including shorter travel times and faster trains, improved on-time performance, higher frequencies, and more direct routes with improved connectivity between cities and to other modes of transportation."

Annie Koutrakis
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

"High Frequency Rail is the largest transportation infrastructure project that Canada has undertaken in decades. This project will make an incredible difference in the lives of so many people, especially those in Mauricie. Today's announcement is another big step that will connect our communities and one that will bring more economic opportunity to the region."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

"High Frequency Rail is an infrastructure project with a size and scope that is unprecedented in modern Canadian history, which is why we are seeking to leverage the advice and views of private sector companies with concrete experience in designing and implementing complex infrastructure projects across the world. This is a very exciting opportunity for private sector companies to make their mark on the procurement and development of this project."

The Honourable Filomena Tassi
Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick Facts

• The next steps would include:
  • Virtual information session on Request for Expressions of Interest: April 2022
  • Deadline for response to Request for Expressions of Interest: May 2022
  • Government of Canada issues Request for Qualifications: Fall 2022
  • Deadline for response to Request for Qualifications: Winter 2022-23
  • Government of Canada evaluation of Request for Qualifications and identification of Qualified Respondents: Winter 2022-23
  • Government of Canada issues Request for Proposals: Spring 2023
  • Deadline for response to Request for Proposals: Fall 2024
• The size and scope of High Frequency Rail would drive transformational changes in how VIA Rail provides services in the Toronto to Québec City corridor to Canadians. In the meantime, VIA Rail continues the important work of rebuilding the passenger rail business in Canada following the pandemic.
• The Government of Canada is committed to engaging the public, including communities currently served by VIA Rail between Toronto and Québec City, and consulting Indigenous Peoples to inform the project design and development.
• Indigenous Peoples and Canadians interested in the project are encouraged to visit the High Frequency Rail Project website for additional information or to submit their views and questions.
• The Government of Canada plans to incorporate strategies to enable socio-economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in the subsequent phases of the High Frequency Rail project.
• In follow-on stages of the procurement process, the Government of Canada plans to evaluate the Indigenous participation plans of proponents to encourage collaboration opportunities with Indigenous Peoples, businesses, communities, and organizations.
• As with any large-scale infrastructure project, the Government of Canada is using a phased approach to leverage input collected throughout the procurement process and inform the next steps and decisions regarding the implementation of the High Frequency Rail Project.

Associated Links

• High Frequency Rail Project website

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to e-news or stay connected through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram to keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

Source : Transport Canada

Photo Credit : David Bellerive

Please find attached a memo regarding the O-Train Light Rail Transit Stage 1 and Stage 2 Quarterly Update (Q3 and Q4 2021).

Source : City of Ottawa

https://forms.gle/RceXyTiWL9KeyF8H8

It's finally here... The Rail Fans Canada System Map expansion to Toronto. Now live at https://map.railfans.ca!

See all your favourite TTC Subway stations and yards in high (approximated) detail.

The map also features the under-construction Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT.

The map legend has been redesigned to be easier to browse, and clicking an item in the legend will now focus the map on that item.

Other proposed and under-construction projects and extensions will also be added (Ontario Line, Hurontario LRT, various Subway extensions, etc.) and you can help! The project is open-source and contributions are always welcome. https://github.com/RailFansCanada/RailFansMap

A sneak peek into the future: the map will also be expanded to cover the entire GTHA featuring the entire GO system. Other regions will also be added eventually (e.g. Montreal )

Lastly, if you have a suggestion for a new feature, spot a mistake on the map, or have any other feedback, you can now also email it to map@railfans.ca

The System Map was created by Derek Ellis

Committee receives construction update on Stage 2 LRT

The City's Finance and Economic Development Committee received an update today on the three extensions of the Stage 2 LRT project, to the east, west and south.

In the south, work is progressing at the Walkley Maintenance and Storage Facility and on multiple bridges, with girder installation underway at the Ellwood Diamond and Hunt Club rail bridges. Station construction has begun at all sites to the south. The first Stadler vehicle has been delivered and assembly is underway. The remaining vehicles will arrive in 2022.

In the east, Highway 174 roadwork is underway, and utilities are being relocated to make way within the centre median for LRT infrastructure. Construction has started on four of the five planned LRT stations. Construction of the East Rail Flyover bridge and Montréal Station bridge has been completed.

In the west, work continues at the Moodie Light Maintenance and Storage Facility, as well as at Queensview, Iris and Lincoln Fields stations, and along Byron Linear Park. Work is progressing at the slurry plant at Rochester Field and the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway. Cut-and-cover tunnel construction is underway on the Byron Linear Park Tunnel and the Parkway Tunnel, which will run between Kìchì Sìbì and Lincoln Fields stations travelling under the Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway.

The Committee received an updated schedule outlining the anticipated substantial completion dates for the three extensions. The COVID-19 pandemic has had impacts on major construction projects across Ontario, and City staff are closely monitoring construction schedules and any anticipated delays as a result. The Committee was informed that the O-Train South extension is now anticipated to open in spring 2023, as a result of contractor delays, which pushes out the original schedule of summer 2022. The O-Train East Extension is tracking toward its anticipated completion date in 2024. The O-Train West Extension has some pressure on its scheduled completion date of 2025, but the City and contractor are working together to resolve the critical timelines.

The Committee also approved the acquisition of 3101 Albion Road from the Canadian Pacific Railway, for possible future expansion of the Walkley Maintenance and Storage Facility. The Committee also delegated authority to the director of the rail construction program to negotiate and carry out both station construction and operating agreements for the Airport Link with the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Authority.

Source : City of Ottawa

Stage 2 LRT - Construction Photos 

East Extension

West Extension

South Extension

Please find attached a memo regarding a detailed, side-by-side comparison of the technical design and construction of the Stage 1 Confederation Line and Stage 2 Trillium Line projects.

Source : City of Ottawa

Please find attached a memo regarding an Update on O-Train Line 1 service.  

Beginning on Mon., May 17, the TTC will once again take advantage of continued low ridership and close the portion of Line 1 between St George and St Andrew stations. The closure will last 10 days and will allow crews to carry out tunnel lining repairs, asbestos removal, power cable removal and repair and station cleaning.

This will be the final 10-day closure in this section of the downtown "U". The completion of this work will allow the TTC to eliminate between 75-100 planned weekend closures over the next few years, significantly reducing disruptions and customer inconvenience. Customers who travel along the impacted part of Line 1 were surveyed during the previous two closures and the vast majority are supportive of the TTC's approach.

"The City is committed to investing in the TTC and making vital upgrades to our existing transit system as quickly as possible. I want to thank the TTC and all its employees for working throughout the pandemic to get as much of this work done as possible while ridership is low," said Mayor John Tory. "Getting harmful asbestos removed, tunnel linings repaired, power cables repaired and stations cleaned now will make sure our system is ready to welcome back more riders as the pandemic comes to an end."

"The TTC is continuing to make significant progress on major state-of-good-repair projects while ridership remains low due to ongoing COVID-19 public health restrictions. These closures will allow us to rapidly accelerate necessary capital work in a condensed timeframe, saving riders years of future disruption," said TTC Chair Jaye Robinson.

"We've taken a different approach to some of our most critical state-of-good repair work and, as a result, we've made significant progress," said TTC CEO Rick Leary. "With the completion of this series of closures, we will have accomplished 18 months of work in three weeks and saved customers travelling in this area, a two-year-long inconvenience. I want to thank all our customers for their patience and everyone at the TTC who worked hard to make this work happen and improve the subway system for our great city."

During the closure, customers can expect shuttle bus service every 60 seconds or better during peak periods and very consistent service to continue throughout the day. Service levels have been designed based on current customer volumes. Designated pick-up and drop-off locations will be outside each station, at street level.

East-west service will be available, as usual, on College (506 Carlton), Dundas (505), Queen (501) and King (504) streets, for customers to connect from Yonge St.

Museum, Queen's Park, St Patrick and Osgoode stations will be closed during this work. Customers should note that all subway entrances/exits will also be closed, including TTC connections to hospitals. St George and St Andrew stations will remain open for fare sales and connection to surface routes and Line 2. Customers are encouraged to start their journey at any station on the Yonge side of Line 1 to avoid the closure area.

Customers who require Wheel-Trans service can speak with any TTC customer service staff member for assistance.

Customers are reminded that face coverings are mandatory while travelling on the TTC. More information on how to wear a mask properly is available at ttc.ca. Some exceptions apply.

This is the TTC's fifth 10-day closure while taking advantage of reduced ridership to complete essential system improvements and upgrades. During this closure, asbestos abatement work will be performed on the southbound platforms at St Patrick and Queen's Park stations, which will complete asbestos removal in this area. Similar successful shutdowns were carried out in March and April 2021.

The TTC is using a variety of tactics to ensure customers are aware of this extended closure and to minimize the inconvenience as much as possible. Customers looking for more information or assistance planning their trips are advised to visit ttc.ca or call Customer Service at 416-393-4636.

The TTC thanks its Board, local City Councillors, and the essential workers based along University Ave., for their assistance and patience with this closure.

The TTC is committed to keeping customers informed about work and events that impact service and about alternate routes. For the most up-to-date information, follow @TTCNotices on Twitter or sign up for eAlerts.

Source : TTC

TransLink is launching a new round of engagement for Transport 2050, the region's transportation blueprint for the next 30 years. After a record-breaking 31,700 responses during the first phase of engagement, we are launching a second engagement for the 30-year plan and asking for more specific feedback on key transportation priorities.

From April 19 until May 14, we are asking the public for their opinions on the following priorities and recommendations which were developed based on Phase 1 responses:

• Creating urban spaces that support active transportation
• Developing the optimal rapid transit network that is fast and frequent
• Integrating automated vehicles efficiently into the transportation system

Once engagement has concluded, TransLink will take the results from both phases of engagement and create a draft 30-year transportation plan. That plan will be released later this year to gather more feedback from the public, our government partners, and key stakeholders before it becomes final. Once finalized, Transport 2050 will be the next major long-term transportation strategy that outlines regional transportation priorities for the next three decades.

Members of the public are invited to participate in engagement in the following three ways:

• Through an online survey
• By using our online Q+A tool
• By attending one of four Virtual Open Houses

Visit transport2050.ca to take part. For anyone with feedback specifically about building rapid transit to UBC, visit the Millennium Line UBC Extension page, as it's part of a separate engagement.

Gigi Chen-Kuo, TransLink Interim CEO –

"I am thrilled that TransLink has adopted one of the Vancouver-Fraserview Transit Working Group's recommendations for improved service. This investment in our community will ensure commuting remains affordable and transit is accessible for seniors and young families, all while reducing congestion and carbon pollution."

George Heyman, BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –

"People in Metro Vancouver expect and need high-quality, affordable transportation options that support action on climate change and strong, healthy communities for everyone. Our government is committed to continuing our support and development of better public transit and active transportation that help shape healthy communities for decades to come. Feedback from this public engagement help us make informed decisions that will build a more sustainable and accessible province for all British Columbians."

Jonathan X. Coté, Chair of the Mayors' Council on Regional Transportation –

The long-term transportation strategy is the foundation the Mayors' Council uses to make major transportation investment decisions. The region recently completed nearly everything that was outlined in Transport 2021, which was possible because of critical long-term planning from 30 years ago. I was excited to see that Phase 1 saw responses from people throughout the region, and we need that continued enthusiasm from the public as we map out the next 30 years of transportation."

• Transport 2050 Website
• Transport 2050 Video
• Millennium Line UBC Extension Engagement

VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) has been recognized as one of the most trusted companies in Canada in 2021 by the Gustavson Brand Trust Index (GBTI), presented by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria. The Corporation ranked first in the "Transportation" category for a third year in a row. Since 2015, the GBTI has been investigating overall consumer trust in brands, the factors that affect it and the brands that succeed at it. Comprising top researchers in their fields, the GBTI team emphasizes the role of brand values as part of its study of nearly 400 brands across the country.

"Despite the challenges faced since the beginning of the pa ndemic, we are humbled by the unwavering trust that Canadians have granted us for the third consecutive year. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication and exemplary work of our employees," says Martin R. Landry, Chief Commercial Officer. "Not only does this vote of confidence reinforce the crucial role of passenger rail, it also drives us to work together and carry out our mission of putting passengers first. At VIA Rail, we are committed to enhancing our customers' travel journey by continuously improving our services, and offering the safest, most accessible and reliable experience. We believe this can only be achieved by listening to and integrating the needs of Canadians in our everyday decisions."

About the Gustavson Brand Trust Index

The Gustavson Brand Trust Index is provided by the University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business. Nearly 9,000 Canadians were consulted between January 13 and February 8, 2021 on the way they view certain brands, including their consumer advocacy and social equity.

Source : VIA Rail Canada

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNUAL REPORT

From January 1st to December 31, 2020

• Ridership decreased by 77% in 2020 compared to 2019
• Operating expenses decreased by 21.2%
• Essential services maintained during the pandemic
• Continuous implementation of preventive measures in response to the pandemic
• Sustained progress on VIA Rail's modernization program

The Government of Canada is committed to keeping Canadians safe by improving rail safety and increasing public awareness and confidence in Canada's rail transportation system while contributing to the economy during the pandemic.

Today, the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Omar Alghabra, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Guelph, Lloyd Longfield, and Member of Parliament for Milton, Adam Van Koeverden, announced more than $21 million in funding for new projects under the Rail Safety Improvement Program – Infrastructure, Technology and Research to enhance rail safety in Canada.

Today's investment contributes to 135 initiatives across Canada that will support a wide range of eligible grade crossing safety improvements, small infrastructure projects such as fencing, pedestrian crossings and overpasses, as well as implementation and research into new safety technologies.

The Rail Safety Improvement Program is key to the Government of Canada's efforts to address ongoing and emerging safety concerns across Canada. Over the past four years, more than $85 million has been invested in the form of grants and contributions to fund projects that have contributed to an overall reduction of risk, and increased safety for Canadians.

"Investing in rail safety is one of our commitments to keeping Canada's communities safe. Since its inception, the Rail Safety Improvement Program has provided more than $85 million in funding to enhance rail safety. We will continue to invest in projects that keep Canadians safe, and that also contribute to the economic recovery during this challenging time".
The Honourable Omar Alghabra
Minister of Transport

"Supporting activities such as research and the development of innovative technologies are important parts of the Government's comprehensive approach to reducing incidents and enhancing the safety of Canadian communities on railway properties."
Soraya Martinez Ferrada
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport

"As we work to increase frequency and speed of trains to reduce commuting times, and reduce automobile and transport truck traffic and the corresponding greenhouse gas emissions, it is critical we invest in rail safety.
Increasing rail safety awareness and improving lighting, signals, level crossings and separating pedestrians from train traffic are critical to saving lives."
Lloyd Longfield
Member of Parliament for Guelph

"It is crucial that Miltonians are aware of the risks that are associated when trespassing on and around railways, some of which result in devastating accidents and collisions, largely from a lack of public awareness. Our community is grateful that Canada's Rail Safety Improvement Program is launching six projects here in Milton which will work to address the ongoing safety concerns in our community. This investment will improve safety and increase public confidence with respect to our government protecting people and communities from the potential risks surrounding Canada's rail transportation system."
Adam van Koeverden
Member of Parliament for Milton and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth and to the Minister of Canadian Heritage (Sport)

• Through infrastructure, technology and research, along with public education and awareness activities, this program provides grants and contributions to provinces, territories, municipalities, and local governments, road and transit authorities, crown corporations, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations (including academia), Indigenous groups, communities, organizations and individuals to help improve rail safety and reduce injuries and fatalities related to rail transportation.
• Funding through the Rail Safety Improvement Program enables recipients to improve rail infrastructure, explore innovative solutions, and educate Canadians on railway safety.
• The Rail Safety Improvement Program funds projects and initiatives that contribute to increasing safety at grade crossings and along rail lines, and increase public confidence in Canada's rail system.
• This year, the funding will go towards 103 grade-crossing improvements, 18 crossing infrastructure projects, eight grade crossing closures and six technology and research projects across the country.

• Rail Safety Improvement Program
• 2021-2022 Rail Safety Improvement Program – Infrastructure, Technology and Research (RSIP ITR) projects
• Apply for 2022-2023 Rail Safety Improvement Program – Infrastructure, Technology and Research (RSIP-ITR) funding