O-Train: Ottawa Light Rail

Der O-Zug, der die Hauptstadt Kanadas Ottawa befährt, hat es zu einer sehr großen Beliebtheit gebracht. Es handelt sich bei ihm um ein Stadtbahnnetz, das Teils des ÖPNV-Netzes von Ottawa ist. Derzeit verkehrt der O-Zug zwischen Greenboro und Bayview.

Though initially conceived as a means of local mass transport the system enjoys a status of a mainline railway. For its efficient service, it has received many awards like FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Award, CUTA’s Corporate Innovation Award etc.

At this moment, only one line, namely, the Trillium Line is operational. The complete track length is 5 miles and there are 5 stations along it. OC Transpo is responsible for operating the line and the stations. As per 2011 data, every day, around 12000 passengers use the system.

Historical Background

O-Train started operation on 15th October 2001. It was developed as an alternative to the bus system already operating in the city. The Trillium Line was built spending only $ 21 million. It used the already built track of the Canadian Pacific Railway. But the stations were all newly constructed. Initially, the frequency of trains was every 15 minutes. In 2015, it was increased to every 12 minutes.

Canada being an extensively French spoken country, the system has got a name that is meaningful in English as well as in French. Acart Communications, an advertising firm working with OC Transpo has suggested the name. Initially, the Trillium Line was named O-Train. But with the construction of a second line, the name now applies to the complete system and the two lines got their individual names.

Hours of Operation

The O-Train system is open from 6 in the morning till the midnight. On Saturdays, the first train starts at around 6:30 AM and on Sundays and other holidays at around 7: 30 AM. On Sundays, the system closes after 11 in the night. Trains have 12 minutes headway on all days.

Get the O-Train timetable here.

Lines and Stations

The Trillium Line is a north-south line and is diesel-powered. The track is completely separated from other road traffic but is also used by other trains. Low floor, multiple car trains run on the track. The current stretch includes the following 5 stations. All of them are built at the ground level. Both the terminus stations have transit ways.

Greenboro

It is the currents southern terminus of the system. A nearby attraction is the South Keys Shopping Center. From this station, you can make transfers to rapid transit route 99 and others.

Confederation

Near the station located are the Brookfield High School and multiple Government of Canada offices. You can take the pedestrian route from the station to the Brookfield Road. The station gets its name from the surrounding area Confederation Heights.

Carleton

The station is named after the Carleton University. It has two tracks and two platforms to facilitate trains’ crossing. It is located near the Rideau River.

Carling

The station is located near the junction of Preston Street and Carling Avenue. It gives you easy access to the Rideau Canal skating rink, Booth Street Complex, Sir John Carling Building, Dow’s Lake and to Canadian Tulip Festival. Though the entry point is at the surface level, the tracks and the platform are all one level down.

Bayview

It is also an important transfer station. This station is located near downtown Ottawa. The Parliament Building is visible from this station. Ottawa’s tallest office tower, Tom Brown Arena are all located in the nearby.

Expansion

In 2006, the city council decided to expand the system by replacing the diesel service with an electric one. However, it was later cancelled. Currently, a second line, called the Confederation Line is being constructed. It is an east-west line with 13 stations and 7.8 miles long track. It should start operation in 2018. In near future, the Trillium Line may be extended to connect to Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.

Fare and Ticket

For ticketing, O-Train uses the proof-of-payment system. There is no entry barrier as well as ticket checker on the stations. However, if any OC Transpo staff asks you, you are bound to show your proof of payment. You can buy the ticket from the ticket vending machines located at the stations.

There are single journey tickets, day and monthly passes and Presto e-purse. Of course, the fare is much less if you’re paying with presto card. Standard fare for an adult with Presto e-purse is $3 and on cash purchase is $3.65. A day pass costs $8.50 and a monthly pass is $105.75. Children under age 12, seniors over age 65, students pursuing full-time study get discounts on the standard fare.

Get details on price and fare here.

Facilities and Services

OC Transport corp. offers a plethora of services and facilities for the convenience of the passengers.

• The stations will offer you Park and Ride facility. Parking is generally free of cost except during the morning time, till 11 AM on weekdays.
• CCTV cameras are installed in every station.
• All stations have elevators.
• A support person can accompany you on the O-Train free of charge by producing necessary documents.
• O-Train is 100% accessible.
• All the stations have shaded waiting areas.

Rules

Make sure you obey the rules set by the authority to avoid monetary penalty and harassment.

• Passengers with Presto card should always use the rare door to board the O-Train. Those passengers who are going to pay cash to buy the ticket must use the front door.
• Animals are generally not allowed on O-Train except for service animals.
• While waiting for the O-Train, never come to the edge of the platforms.
• Cycling, skateboarding etc. are not allowed on the stations.
• Seniors to avail discounts on fare must produce valid age proof.

Tips

These are few tips to ensure a better riding experience.

• In case you face a trouble while using the designated Park and Ride area, don’t hesitate to contact the Security Control Center through the yellow colored call box. These boxes, you’ll find in every Park and Ride lots.
• If you are riding late in the evening, you may ask the O-Train driver to drop you at a safe stop near your destination.
• After 9 O’ clock in the evening, get off only at the night stops.
• While onboard, if the designated place for the wheelchair is unoccupied, you can use it to park your stroller.

Video

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