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The start of pre-trial runs for Ottawa's eastern O-Train extension has been postponed from early October to November after the train-control software subcontractor determined additional reprogramming was needed. The testing and certification process could add at least five weeks before the extension opens to passengers.
Ottawa's eastern O-Train extension is no longer expected to start pre-trial runs in early October, OC Transpo said Friday, citing software problems. Posted: Oct 02, 2026 1:49 PM EDT | Last Updated: 2 hours agoThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology.
Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. Trim station, the eventual terminus of the O-Train's Stage 2 eastern extension, late last month. Ottawa's eastern O-Train extension is no longer expected to start pre-trial runs in early October, OC Transpo said Friday, citing software problems.
On Sept. 10, OC Transpo said it expected the runs, a necessary step toward final testing and eventually full service, would begin between Blair to Trim stations on Line 1 early this month. On Friday, OC Transpo general manager Rick Leary said subcontractor Hitachi handling train control software needs to do some reprogramming, so the pre-trial runs are now expected to begin in November.
"While some people may view this as unfortunate, this is exactly what is necessary to protect the safety and best interests of our passengers. … We will hold the contractors accountable for delivering a safe and reliable system for our customers," Leary wrote. Once they start, the pre-trail runs are expected to take about a week.
If successful, they'd be followed by 21 days of trial runs, a formal testing period where trains are put through the motions to see if they meet performance, safety and reliability targets. Even after that phase, the extension would require five to 10 days of preparatory work and final certification before it can finally open to passengers. That means at least five weeks could pass between the start of pre-trial running and the east extension's public launch.
The line will run largely along Highway 174, with new stations near the Montreal Road and Jeanne d'Arc interchanges, the Orléans Boulevard overpass, Place d'Orléans mall and the Trim Road park-and-ride.
O-Train Ottawa OC Transpo Software Problems Service Delay
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