O-Train will not return to service until all vehicles are inspected, councillor says

An Ottawa councillor says the O-Train will not return to service until Rideau Transit Group and OC Transpo inspect all 45 LRT vehicles, meaning the shutdown of Ottawa's light-rail transit system could extend into next week.

An Ottawa councillor says the O-Train will not return to service until Rideau Transit Group and OC Transpo inspect all 45 LRT vehicles, meaning the shutdown of Ottawa's light-rail transit system could extend into next week.

This is the third full day without LRT service after an axle bearing issue was discovered in one vehicle during a 50,000 km inspection on Monday. OC Transpo general manager Renee Amilcar ordered the immediate shutdown of all LRT service in the middle of the afternoon commute to allow for a full inspection of the vehicles and an investigation into the bearing issue.

R1 replacement bus service is running between Blair and Tunney's Pasture stations.

As of Thursday afternoon, 15 LRT vehicles have been assessed, with no issues discovered. Amilcar said the inspection of the LRT vehicle where the wheel hub assembly was identified "uncovered no additional issues."

In a memo to council, Amilcar said Rideau Transit Group is discussing return to service scenarios with the city, but did not say when the LRT will return to service to alleviate gridlock on R1 replacement bus service.

However, Coun. Riley Brockington said after a meeting with Amilcar on Thursday that OC Transpo "will inspect all 45 trains before return to service."

With only 15 of the 45 vehicles inspected since the O-Train was taken out of service on Monday, it will take several days to complete the inspection.