Line 1’s Fleet Faces 70% Vehicle Downtime, Limiting Service Capacity

OC Transpo’s public transit system is facing significant challenges, as only 30% of Line 1 vehicles are operational. Interim General Manager Troy Charter revealed this concerning statistic amidst ongoing vehicle issues.

Vehicle Downtime and Service Capacity

Last week, OC Transpo announced it had to remove several trains from service due to a critical problem identified in the cartridge bearing assemblies. This issue affects all trains that have exceeded 100,000 kilometers in mileage.

• Only 18 vehicles are currently available, out of a total fleet.
• This represents a dramatic impact on service capacity, with peak service requiring 26 vehicles.
• OC Transpo has increased service frequency from every 10 minutes to every 3 to 4 minutes.

Short-Term Solutions and Future Outlook

To manage overcrowding during peak hours, OC Transpo has made temporary adjustments to its service schedule. Although there are large numbers of passengers aboard each train, Charter assured that safety is not being compromised.

Looking ahead to Monday, Charter anticipates that up to 20 vehicles will be back in operation. He emphasized that while the agency has more vehicles than necessary for routine service, the returning fleet will still fall short of ideal operating conditions.

OC Transpo is collaborating with external experts to address the ongoing issues swiftly. Charter expressed optimism about progress but acknowledged that restoring full service on Line 1 will take more time. “We will not compromise on safety,” he stated, reinforcing the dedication to passenger well-being.