"Substantial Completion" for Stage 2 O-Train Line East
Next major step will be "Trial Running" – but when will it begin?
(Adapted from a memo sent to City Council from OC Transpo staff)
The Independent Certifier has issued the “Certificate of Substantial Completion” for the Stage 2 East Extension.
Substantial Completion is an important contractual milestone and confirms that the constructor, EWC, has delivered all new system infrastructure and that it is functional and can be safely operated and maintained.
Having achieved Substantial Completion, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) now assumes responsibility for the maintenance of the new East Extension. There will be a period of startup and familiarization for RTM, as they take over the maintenance of the new infrastructure.1
Over the coming days, OC Transpo will continue to work with RTM during the handover and their startup phase.
In parallel, work continues to safely restore full capacity and fleet availability on the existing Line 1 for customers. OC Transpo and Rideau Transit Group are working to complete new containment and monitoring measures for the Cartridge Bearing Assemblies (CBAs) that would allow the full fleet to be safely returned to operations. This will also allow Trial Running to commence.
These are critically important steps, and the work will continue as OC Transpo and RTG apply lessons learned to date. A technical briefing will be held to provide further information and timelines once plans are finalized. At this time, OC Transpo says they are on track to launch the East Extension in Q2 2026, as previously stated at Transit Committee. An update will be provided at the Transit Committee on Thursday, March 12.
Q&A
Now that Substantial Completion has been achieved, what does this mean for Trial
Running and when can we expect it to begin?
Achieving Substantial Completion is a key contractual milestone, but it does not mean the extension is ready for passengers. Now that Substantial Completion has been achieved, there will be a familiarization period for Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) as they take over the maintenance of the new infrastructure. Trial Running will be able to proceed once RTM restores fleet numbers and capacity. Further information will be shared at the next Transit Committee on March 12. OC Transpo remains focused on ensuring that all systems are fully verified, safe, and ready before moving to the next stage.
What does the current fleet availability mean for the start of Trial Running?
Substantial Completion is an important milestone. RTM is now immediately proceeding with familiarization and start-up activities. This work is happening now, so that when the Line 1 fleet availability improves, OC Transpo can proceed to Trial Running.
Work continues on the action plan to safely restore capacity and fleet availability on O-Train Line 1. OC Transpo and RTG are working to complete new containment and monitoring measures for the Cartridge Bearing Assemblies (CBAs) that will allow for the full fleet to be safely returned to operations. This will also allow Trial Running to commence.
What other construction work is left to complete for the extension?
As with any major construction project, there will be activities that will continue after Substantial Completion. On the East Extension, these include:
Updates to the train control system software prior to Revenue Service
Adjustments to the platform edge cameras to optimize their performance
Landscaping, final paving on Highway 174 and other final works
This familiarization period is a best practice from the preparations to successfully launch O-Train Lines 2 and 4.