Ottawa’s light rail transit (LRT) system has been plagued by problems since its launch in 2019, and the latest issue has forced some stations to close for the second time in less than a weekA water leak in the downtown tunnel caused significant damage to the electrical system and the tracks, leading to the suspension of service between Lyon and Rideau stations on Wednesday morning.
The impact of the shutdown
The shutdown of the LRT system has caused major disruptions for commuters and residents who rely on public transit to get around the cityAbout 40,000 people use the LRT every day, and many of them had to switch to buses or other modes of transportation to reach their destinations. Some reported long delays, overcrowded buses, and confusion at the stations.
The city has deployed more than 100 buses to provide alternative service along the affected LRT route, as well as increased service on other routes. However, some riders said that the buses were not frequent enough, or that they did not know where to catch them. Others said that they preferred to walk, bike, or drive instead of taking the bus.
The shutdown also affected some businesses and attractions in the downtown core, such as the Rideau Centre mall, the National Arts Centre, and the ByWard Market. Some reported a drop in customers, while others said that they had to adjust their hours or operations to accommodate the transit situation.
The cause and the response of the leak
The water leak in the tunnel was first detected on Monday night, and the LRT service was suspended between Lyon and Rideau stations for about three hours. The service resumed on Tuesday morning, but the leak worsened overnight, and the city decided to shut down the same section of the LRT again on Wednesday.
The city said that the leak was caused by a crack in the concrete lining of the tunnel, which allowed groundwater to seep in and damage the electrical components and the rails. The city said that it was working with the LRT contractor, Rideau Transit Group (RTG), to fix the problem and restore the service as soon as possible.
The city also said that it was seeking compensation from RTG for the costs and inconveniences caused by the shutdown. The city has been in a legal dispute with RTG over the poor performance and reliability of the LRT system, which has been beset by numerous technical glitches, breakdowns, and delays since its opening. The city has withheld millions of dollars in payments from RTG, and has threatened to terminate the contract if the issues are not resolved.
The reaction and the outlook of the public
The public reaction to the latest LRT shutdown has been one of frustration and disappointment, as many people have lost faith in the system and its ability to provide reliable and efficient transit service. Some have called for more accountability and transparency from the city and RTG, and demanded that they fix the problems and improve the communication with the riders.
Others have expressed concern and skepticism about the safety and the quality of the LRT system, and wondered if the tunnel leak was a sign of a bigger structural issue. Some have also questioned the wisdom and the feasibility of the city’s plan to expand the LRT network to the suburbs and the airport, which is expected to cost billions of dollars and take several years to complete.
The city has acknowledged the challenges and the frustrations faced by the public, and has apologized for the inconvenience and the disruption caused by the LRT shutdown. The city has also assured the public that it is committed to improving and enhancing the LRT system, and that it is working closely with RTG and other partners to address the issues and restore the confidence in the transit service.
The city has not given a timeline for when the LRT service will resume between Lyon and Rideau stations, but it has said that it will provide regular updates and information to the public. The city has also asked the public to be patient and understanding, and to plan ahead and check the transit schedules and alerts before travelling.
