To Carleton University students’ disappointment, Ottawa’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 (Trillium Line) extension project has been delayed another six months.
The north-south line has been unavailable to Carleton students since 2020 and has seen several delays in construction since then. It was originally scheduled for completion by August 2022.
The Trillium Line was formerly scheduled to reopen this September. The LRT sub-committee was set to decide on an opening date this month, only to announce another delay on Sept. 29.
The sub-committee’s report stated system-wide testing beginning last summer hasn’t progressed at the originally scheduled pace. Additional risk and safety measures have contributed to this delay, the report added.
Following recent freight derailments, Transport Canada has mandated new bearing technology according to the report.
“The original Trillium Line was never equipped with this technology and there is currently significant market pressure for these units given recent freight incidents,” the LRT sub-committee report wrote.
“Line 2 buses will continue to provide service between South Keys and Bayview Stations, with stops on Campus Avenue and University Drive at Carleton,” the university said in a statement to The Charlatan.
“The university is continuing discussions with the city to ensure appropriate levels of bus service to the Carleton campus during the 2023-2024 academic year.”
Several Carleton students expressed disappointment at the latest delay and called for more communication from OC Transpo as the situation unfolds.
Blake Maskell, a third-year psychology student, said the delay affects many students.
“I know a lot of people that use transit won’t be surprised, but disappointed. For Carleton students, a running Trillium line would be a huge relief,” Maskell said
Maskell added Carleton students hope for transparency from OC Transpo about Trillium Line progress.
“There’s definitely work being done, but I think there could be more transparency. It’s difficult not knowing as students — we’re playing a guessing game.”
The sub-committee added the Rideau River pedestrian bridge that was set to launch alongside Trillium Line is expected to be complete by December 2023.
Featured photo from file.
