OC Transpo is currently facing significant operational challenges on Line 1, with approximately 70% of its fleet unavailable for service. Interim General Manager Troy Charter provided insights into the situation, stating that only 30% of the cars are operational.
Current Status of Line 1 Service Cars
As of last week, OC Transpo discovered an issue with the cartridge bearing assemblies of its train vehicles. This prompted the transit operator to remove all trains with mileage exceeding 100,000 kilometers from service. In total, only 18 vehicles remain available for operation, leading to overcrowding concerns.
Increased Frequency to Combat Overcrowding
To manage the situation, OC Transpo has increased service frequency from every 10 minutes to approximately every three to four minutes. This adjustment has resulted in a higher number of passengers on the trains; however, there have been no reports of unsafe crowding conditions.
Future Projections and Safety Measures
Looking ahead to Monday, Charter anticipates that up to 20 vehicles may become available for service. He emphasized that OC Transpo has an adequate number of vehicles to support the regular service needs, particularly for the west and east end extensions. During peak operations, 26 vehicles are typically required.
OC Transpo is collaborating with external experts to address the issues effectively and promptly. Safety remains a top priority, with Charter affirming, “We can and we will do better for our customers.” Progress is being made, but further time is required to restore service levels to their normal state on Line 1.
