Line 1 LRT Resumes Service Between Tunney’s Pasture and Lees
Ottawa’s Line 1 light rail transit (LRT) has resumed service between Tunney’s Pasture and Lees stations after a disruption that lasted nearly six hours on Sunday. OC Transpo confirmed the interruption and the subsequent restoration of trains along this key stretch, which connects several neighborhoods to the city’s rapidly expanding LRT network.
What Happened and How It Unfolded
According to OC Transpo, service was not operating along the Tunney’s Pasture-to-Lees corridor around the early hours of the morning. The authority posted updates online around 8 a.m., noting that trains were not running on that segment while crews worked to resolve the issue. The specific cause of the pause has not been detailed in the initial notices, but such interruptions can stem from mechanical concerns, track issues, or signal system faults—common challenges for transit networks as they balance routine operations with safety requirements.
Impact on Riders
Commuters relying on Line 1 for morning trips faced delays, with many seeking alternatives such as buses or other segments of Ottawa’s transit system. The six-hour disruption is a reminder of how linked service reliability is to larger urban mobility plans, especially as the city continues to expand its LRT footprint. OC Transpo urged riders to check real-time updates during the outage and to plan for possible delays or crowding once service resumed.
Service Resumption and Current Status
Late in the morning, After crews completed the necessary checks and changes, trains began moving again along the Tunney’s Pasture to Lees corridor. Transit officials stressed that normal operations would be restored as the system stabilized, with potential residual delays as crews continued to clear the backlog from the outage. Riders are encouraged to monitor the OC Transpo app and official social channels for the latest information on arrival times and any service advisories still in effect.
What Riders Should Do Next
For travelers heading to work, appointments, or events, a few practical steps can help navigate Line 1 disruptions:
- Check live service statuses before leaving home to gauge expected wait times.
- Consider alternate routes, including buses feeding into other LRT lines, if you are near affected stations.
- Travel earlier or later than peak times to mitigate crowding and delays.
- Allow extra time for commutes when planning your day after a disruption.
Looking Ahead: Reliability and Improvements
Disruptions, while unfortunate, often serve as catalysts for transit agencies to review maintenance practices and contingency planning. OC Transpo has previously highlighted investments in rolling stock, signaling, and track maintenance as critical components of Line 1’s long-term reliability. With the city continuing to expand its LRT network, riders can expect ongoing updates as crews address current issues and as new infrastructure comes online.
Bottom Line
Line 1 service between Tunney’s Pasture and Lees stations is back in operation after a six-hour outage. While delays may linger as the system stabilizes, OC Transpo has resumed regular service on this corridor, and riders should stay tuned to official updates for any evolving information and safety advisories.
