Alice Hui, a transit user and accessibility advocate, expressed frustration but not surprise at the frequency of elevator outages on OC Transpo's O-Train lines. 'I'm not surprised by it, but I'm not accepting of it, either,' Hui said in response to a recent Transit Committee report.
Background of the Inquiry
The report was prompted by a formal inquiry from Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr, who asked the committee in February 2026 to disclose the frequency of unplanned elevator outages at Line 1, 2, and 4 stations. Carr also sought information on the causes of these outages and OC Transpo's role in supporting customers during service disruptions.
Key Findings from the Report
In its late May 2026 response, the Transit Committee revealed that between September 2024 and February 2026, O-Train's Line 1 experienced 435 unplanned elevator outages. This line, which runs between Tunney's Pasture and Blair Station, has a total of 59 elevators. Rideau and Lyon Stations each have eight elevators, the highest number per station, while Cyrville has only two.
The report highlighted that unplanned outages on Line 1 are concentrated during winter months, though October 2025 recorded the highest monthly total with 39 incidents. Common causes include debris and salt interfering with elevator doors. The most affected stations are Blair (92 outages), Rideau (85), Lyon (62), and St-Laurent (44), which account for a disproportionate share of total outages.
Lines 2 and 4 Also Affected
O-Train Lines 2 and 4 saw a combined total of 91 unplanned elevator outages in the same period. These lines have 26 elevators in total. Stations such as Limebank (27 outages), Uplands (16), Bowesville (14), and Leitrim (14) account for the majority of incidents.
Response and Challenges
For planned outages, OC Transpo schedules them in advance and notifies the public. For unplanned outages, the Transit Operations Control Centre receives elevator alarm notifications. However, at Blair Station's north tower, staff rely on manual identification via an E-tel phone or customer reports. Once an outage is detected, staff deploy resources to inform customers and implement accessibility measures.
Hui noted that these measures were not evident when she encountered a mother of two struggling at Parliament Station in late April 2026. She emphasized the need for more proactive support and reliable elevator service.
