In what’s becoming an unfortunately familiar scenario for Ottawa transit users, the entire O-Train Line 1 will be out of service this Sunday. The closure comes as crews continue essential work on the Stage 2 expansion project that will eventually extend our light rail system further east, west, and south.
As I stood at Tunney’s Pasture Station yesterday speaking with commuters, the mood was mixed. “Not again,” sighed Maria Kowalski, a federal employee who relies on the train for weekend shifts. “I understand why they’re doing it, but the replacement buses take twice as long.”
The shutdown will last the full service day on Sunday, with R1 replacement bus service operating along the entire route from Tunney’s Pasture to Blair Station. OC Transpo officials confirmed these buses will attempt to mirror train frequency but warned travelers to expect longer journey times.
This marks the fifth full-day closure in recent months, part of a coordinated effort to integrate the existing system with the ambitious Stage 2 expansion. City transportation services director Troy Charter explained the necessity of these disruptions.
“These planned closures allow crews to safely conduct critical work that simply can’t happen while trains are running,” Charter said. “We’re working to minimize inconvenience while ensuring the expanded system meets all safety and operational standards.”
The Stage 2 project represents a $4.6 billion investment that will add 44 kilometers of track and 24 new stations by 2026. The eastern extension will reach Trim Road, while western service will extend to Moodie Drive and Algonquin College. The Trillium Line south extension will connect to Riverside South and the Ottawa International Airport.
For Sunday travelers, OC Transpo recommends allowing an extra 30 minutes for journeys. R1 buses will follow the red route signs at each station, though exact stop locations may differ slightly from regular bus platforms.
Transit advocate Sarah Macintosh from Ottawa Transit Riders expressed concern about the communication of these closures. “Many people still don’t realize these shutdowns are happening until they arrive at stations,” she told me. “The city needs better advance notification, especially for those who rely on weekend service for essential travel.”
The frequency of these closures highlights the complex balance between maintaining current service and building for the future. As someone who’s covered Ottawa’s transit evolution for over a decade, I’ve witnessed both the promise and complications of major infrastructure projects.
Regular transit user Jamal Williams, whom I met at Lyon Station, offered a philosophical take: “It’s short-term pain for long-term gain, right? I just wish the ‘short-term’ wasn’t feeling so long.”
OC Transpo has committed to providing real-time updates throughout Sunday via their social media channels and official website. Riders can also use the Transit App for the most current information on replacement bus arrivals.
For those with accessibility requirements, para-transport services will be enhanced during the closure period. Customers are encouraged to book these services in advance through the regular reservation system.
Looking ahead, transit officials have indicated more weekend closures are likely throughout the spring and summer months as integration work intensifies. The ultimate goal remains delivering a more extensive, reliable transit network that better serves Ottawa’s growing population.
As we navigate these growing pains, it’s worth remembering that cities with established rail systems went through similar disruptions during their expansion phases. The question for many Ottawa commuters isn’t whether the expansion is necessary, but rather if the current implementation approach is properly balancing present needs with future benefits.
In the meantime, pack your patience if traveling this Sunday. As my neighbor wisely noted while we waited for a delayed R1 bus during the last closure: “At least it’s not minus thirty.”
