The recent successful launch of Ottawa’s north-south O-Train extension represents a significant milestone in the city’s transit transformation. As a key partner in this $4.6 billion (Canadian) infrastructure program, STV, in joint venture with AECOM, Stantec, and Delve, has built on our prior success in delivering Stage 1 of Ottawa’s O-Train Line 1 to further make the City of Ottawa’s vision a reality.
The O-Train South extends transit service from Bayview to Limebank and includes a new spur to the Ottawa Airport, offering quick and efficient connections to both the airport and the EY Centre. The addition of 1,800 parking spaces at the Greenboro, Bowesville and Leitrim park-and-rides increases capacity, helps to alleviate north-south traffic congestion by offering residents in the south and nearby communities reliable public transit alternatives.
With new passing sidings along the right-of-way and upgraded facilities and amenities throughout the system, the extension significantly enhances the city’s transit capacity, supporting increased ridership demands.
Additionally, the extension’s opening marks a pivotal moment in Ottawa’s Stage 2 Light Rail Transit (LRT) program. This comprehensive initiative, spanning 50.5 kilometers of new rail and 24 new LRT stations, demonstrates Ottawa’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
Other stats to consider about the opening include:
- About 36 minutes from Ottawa South to Downtown
- 7 new LRT trainsets, 80 meters in length
- 12-minute headways between trains
- Multiuse pathway connections
- 1 fare (including train-to-bus transfers) to get commuters around the City
Together, all these elements create shorter commutes, cleaner air, a stronger economy and improved quality of life for residents. In short, the expansion underscores Ottawa’s commitment to creating vibrant, connected communities while meeting its growing population’s needs through newer transportation options.
STV supported this design, build, finance and maintain program by providing a suite of services with our joint venture team, including preliminary engineering, design oversight, construction management, program management and operations support. Our team leveraged our existing relationships with the City of Ottawa and other stakeholders to help deliver for this client and community.
As Ottawa prepares for the opening of the O-Train East Extension later this year, the city moves closer to its vision of a comprehensive, accessible transit network that will serve generations to come. STV and the joint venture are proud to be serving as leading partners in delivering transformative transit infrastructure.
