Transit Commission meeting - February 17, 2021
Today, the Transit Commission received a service update on the O-Train Line 1: Confederation Line, in addition to OC Transpo Performance Measurement and Reporting.
The Transit Commission today approved OC Transpo's new performance measures and reporting structure, which includes a twice-annual report to Transit Commission and a monthly results scorecard published on octranspo.com.
Until 2014, OC Transpo presented regular performance reports to the Transit Commission. This reporting was temporarily suspended during the construction of O-Train Line 1, to resume after Line 1 had opened, and with revised measures to report on aspects of the new multimodal transit network. The new measures and structure are based on existing performance measures, industry best practices and feedback from the Transit Commission steering committee. The new performance measures for OC Transpo fall into four categories: safety, ridership, customer service, and service reliability. The first report will be presented to the Transit Commission in April 2021.
The Transit Commission is recommending that Council confirm and extend the delegation of authority to the General Manager, Transportation Services, to allow and regulate the transportation of bicycles, electric kick-scooters and power-assisted bicycles onboard O-Train cars and on transit property and amend the Transit By-law to reflect this change. Since the launch of O-Train Line 1 service, there have been no operational issues observed with bicycles and no complaints received by Customer Service. In addition to the health benefits associated with using bicycles, allowing customers to transport these additional transportation methods on the O-Train system can help decrease the number of automobile trips customers may have otherwise opted for. The report also recommends that, for safety, Council amend the Transit By-law to prohibit the use of unmanned air vehicles (drones) on or over transit property where a permit has not been issued by the General Manager. This recommendation will be presented to Council on February 24.
The Commission received an operational update on O-Train Line 1 service today. Rideau Transit Group (RTG) continues to make progress on its rectification plan, and has to-date completed substantive work on the following items:
- Switch heater failures
- Overhead catenary system
- Vehicle traction power
- Vehicle passenger doors
- Vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
Rideau Transit Maintenance and Alstom continue to perform the daily inspections on the train wheels, and a total of 16 vehicles have had their train wheels replaced to-date. RTG has secured specialised equipment from Europe that allows wheel replacement work to occur at two work sites, which has helped accelerate the work. The Transportation Safety Board's (TSB) investigation continues. All elements associated with the wheels have been shared with TSB, and their report is expected in 2021. In addition, an independent assessment report on RTG's rectification plan is nearing completion, and additional information has been requested from RTG to complete the assessment.
To reduce costs, provide additional capacity and further improve reliability on Line 1, the City is implementing the following:
- Effective the first week of March, rail service will be adjusted to operate on an 11-train peak period service schedule for two months.
- Due to the pandemic, ridership continues to be low. An 11-train schedule provides a minimum of 5-minute service throughout the day and provides physical distancing for customers.
- Monthly savings to the City will include a $100,000 reduction in service payments to RTG and a reduction in electricity consumption estimated at approximately $50,000 to $60,000.
- A reduced service plan provides RTG with an opportunity to expedite work to continue to improve reliability and consistency on vehicles, train wheels, vehicle modifications, etc.
On February 3, OC Transpo held a one-day Operation Mask Up blitz to reinforce the importance of wearing masks while onboard buses or trains or while in stations. Overall, customer compliance was very high. Specific results of the blitz include the following:
- No customers were denied access to the system for refusing to wear a mask
- 3 customers were fined for not wearing a mask ($260 fine per person)
- 67 customers were told to adjust their masks as they were not wearing them properly
- 9 customers had medical exemptions
Source : City of Ottawa
•Rectification plan items related to the following are complete:
- Switch Heater Failures
- Overhead Catenary System
- Vehicle Traction Power
- Vehicle Passenger Doors
- Vehicle HVAC
RTG continues to progress towards completing the work related to:
- Vehicle Auxiliary Power (CVS units)
- Fine-tuning of Vehicle Braking Systems
- Independent assessment is nearing completion. Additional information requested from RTG in order to complete the assessment.
Rail Reliability Continued Monitoring
- Track–like all railroads, there are on-going requirements for continued track maintenance plans and activities to mitigate against rail corrugation, reduce wear on track and vehicles, and improve ride quality (noise and vibration).
- Train Couplers–RTM is currently reviewing vehicle couplers as they have been identified as a potential cause of some recent service interruptions.
- Wheel replacement is complete on 16 vehicles;
- Daily inspections continue on the fleet until all wheels are replaced and/or set screw is adjusted;
- RTG has received and installed specialized equipment from Europe enabling wheel replacement work to occur at two work sites;
- Independent TSB investigation continues, and all required parties are engaged, including the Chief Safety Officer, the RMCO, wheel and metal experts, Transport Canada;
- RTM has advised they are adjusting the wheel replacement schedule. Revised schedule being finalized, etc; and,
- The TSB and Transport Canada have been advised of a pending updated schedule for wheel replacements.
Adjusted Service Plan
- In an effort to reduce costs and provide additional capacity to further improve reliability, the City is implementing the following;
- Effective the first week of March, rail service will be adjusted to operate on an 11-train peak period service schedule for two months;
- Due to the pandemic, ridership continues to be low;
- An 11-train schedule provides a minimum of 5-minute service throughout the day and provides physical distancing for customers;
- Monthly savings to the City include a $100K reduction in service payments to RTG and a reduction in electricity consumption estimated at approx. $50K to $60K; and,
- A reduced service plan provides RTG with an opportunity to expedite work to continue to improve reliability and consistency on vehicles, train wheels, vehicle modifications, etc.
Audio from the Meeting and the Virtual Media Availability.
O-Train Confederation Line Service Update Presentation.
OC Transpo Performance Measurement and Reporting