OC Transpo announced plans to increase the frequency of Line 1 light rail transit service this fall, aiming to reduce wait times and accommodate growing ridership. The change will add more trains during peak hours, with trains running every 3-4 minutes instead of the current 5-minute intervals.
Details of the Service Improvement
The frequency increase will be implemented in September 2026, according to a statement from OC Transpo. The move comes after months of operational adjustments and track improvements following the 2025 derailment that disrupted service. OC Transpo General Manager Renée Amilcar said the system is now performing reliably enough to support higher frequency.
“We’ve seen consistent improvements in our on-time performance and system reliability,” Amilcar said in a news release. “This increase in frequency will provide a better experience for our customers and support the growing demand for transit in our city.”
Ridership Growth and Capacity
Ridership on Line 1 has rebounded to 85% of pre-pandemic levels, with peak-hour trains often reaching capacity. The new schedule will add approximately 10 additional trips per hour during morning and evening rush hours. OC Transpo expects the change to reduce crowding and improve overall travel times for the 120,000 daily riders on the line.
Operational Adjustments
To accommodate the increased frequency, OC Transpo will deploy additional double-car trains, adding 50% more capacity during peak periods. The agency has also hired 30 new operators and completed maintenance upgrades at the Belfast Yard maintenance facility. The total cost of the frequency increase is estimated at $2.5 million annually, funded through existing operating budgets.
Community and Stakeholder Response
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe praised the announcement, calling it a “significant step forward” for the city’s transit system. “This is what residents have been asking for—more frequent, reliable service,” Sutcliffe said. “We’re committed to making OC Transpo a transit system that works for everyone.”
The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279, which represents OC Transpo operators, expressed cautious optimism. President Clint Crabtree said the union supports the frequency increase but urged the agency to ensure adequate staffing and maintenance to prevent breakdowns. “We want to see this succeed, but it requires sustained investment in both people and infrastructure,” Crabtree said.
Future Plans
OC Transpo also outlined plans for further service improvements in 2027, including extended evening and weekend service. The agency is conducting a comprehensive review of Line 1 operations to identify additional efficiency gains. The review is expected to be completed by early 2027.
