OC Transpo opens O-Train Lines 2 and 4

OC Transpo has opened O-Train Lines 2 and 4, which will deliver vital north-south connections, linking neighborhoods, universities, hospitals and key employment hubs throughout Ottawa. 

According to the agency, the Jan. 6 launch of the lines is the first phase of the planned launch. The initial launch is just for weekdays, as the lines will expand to Saturdays and Sundays in the following weeks. OC Transpo notes each phase will last a minimum of two weeks and has been carefully planned to ensure smooth, safe and reliable operations. To start, service will be open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight. 

More connections across Ottawa 

• Line 2 stretches 19 kilometers (11.8 miles), connecting key neighborhoods like Carleton University, Little Italy and Riverside South. 
• Line 4 offers a direct connection to Ottawa International Airport, making travel easier for flyers and visitors. 

The new lines offer seamless and free transfers, as riders can: 

• Switch between Lines 2 and 4 at South Keys Station. 
• Connect to Line 1 at Bayview Station for quick access to downtown Ottawa. 
• Transfer from train to bus and back at no extra cost. 

New and upgraded stations and trains 

Both lines feature bigger platforms and updated designs that OC Transpo says will make boarding easier for all riders. New and updated station features include tactile wayfinding, wide entryways and double elevators to ensure smooth travel for riders with strollers, mobility devices or luggage.  

Line 2 has Stadler FLIRT trains that can accommodate up to 420 passengers while Line 4 has Alstom LINT trains that are compact and efficient. OC Transpo notes LINT trains will also be coupled at times and run on Line 2. 

Single track system with passing tracks 

OC Transpo notes parts of the lines run on single tracks where trains share the same rail. Along Lines 2 and 4, there are passing tracks that allow trains to pass each other safely. The agency says many Lines 2 and 4 stations also have two tracks, enabling trains going in opposite directions to serve the station at the same time. 

There are five areas on Line 2 where trains can pass each other: 

1. Six kilometers (3.73 miles) of double track from north of Leitrim Station to Limebank Station. 
2. Bayview Station to south of Corso Italia Station. 
3. South Keys Station. 
4. Carleton Station. 
5. Brookfield siding: The rail section between Mooney’s Bay and Walkley stations. 

OC Transpo notes that occasionally during a ride on one of the lines, a train will sometimes slow down or briefly stop on the passing tracks to allow a train heading in the opposite direction to pass. 

The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) congratulated the opening of Lines 2 and 4 and says the expansion marks an important moment for public transit in Ottawa and demonstrates the city’s commitment to building a sustainable and connected urban future. 

“This is a powerful statement about Ottawa’s vision for the future,” said CUTA President and CEO Marco D’Angelo. “By prioritizing investment in modern, accessible public transportation, the city is creating opportunities for economic growth, reducing emissions and enhancing the daily lives of its residents.”