LRT Line 1 shut down, replacement bus service launched after issue found with bearing

Published Jul 17, 2023 • Last updated 39 minutes ago • 1 minute read

People catch a bus at Hurdman Station in Ottawa Tuesday, July 18, 2023. LRT trains have been shut down by the city since Monday evening due to a bearing issue. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia

Full replacement bus service is operating in place of the city’s problem-plagued Confederation Line LRT Tuesday after a serious issue was discovered with a bearing on one of the light rail vehicles.

The discovery was made during a routine, 50,000-kilometre inspection of the vehicle and announced early Monday evening.

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“The safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority and, out of an abundance of caution, Line 1 service was suspended to allow for a complete investigation,” Renée Amilcar, general manager of the city’s transit services, said in a memo to councillors.

All light rail vehicles have been returned to the city’s maintenance and storage facility so that every axle can be inspected for similar issues, Amilcar said. Meanwhile, Alstom is conducting an inspection of the track for flaws.

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Line 1 – Until further notice: R1 buses running between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair. No train service on Line 1 and all stations are closed. Staff are onsite to assist customers with directions and information. More info: https://t.co/gizFp8DUqT pic.twitter.com/sjRNguUc0a

— OC Transpo (@OC_Transpo) July 18, 2023

A faulty bearing on an Alstom Citadis Spirit train caused an August 2021 derailment on the Confederation Line that closed the LRT for five days.

Replacement bus service is running with 12 buses providing service every 10 minutes, as of 5 a.m. Tuesday, Amilcar said. During peak travel periods, 28 buses will provide service at stops every five minutes.

The Confederation Line stations are now closed.

Serving 13 stations, the $2.1 billion Confederation Line has suffered a long series of breakdowns since its launch four years ago.

People lining up to catch a bus at Hurdman Station in Ottawa Tuesday. LRT trains have been shut down by the city since Monday evening due to a bearing issue. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia People catch a bus at Hurdman Station in Ottawa Tuesday. LRT trains have been shut down by the city since Monday evening due to a bearing issue. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia People catch a bus at Hurdman Station in Ottawa Tuesday. LRT trains have been shut down by the city since Monday evening due to a bearing issue. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia People catch a bus at Hurdman Station in Ottawa Tuesday. LRT trains have been shut down by the city since Monday evening due to a bearing issue. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia People lining up to catch a bus at Hurdman Station in Ottawa Tuesday. LRT trains have been shut down by the city since Monday evening due to a bearing issue. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia Hurdman Station in Ottawa Tuesday. LRT trains have been shut down by the city since Monday evening due to a bearing issue. Photo by Tony Caldwell /Postmedia