Ottawa’s troubled LRT faced yet another major disruption on Sunday as Line 1 service was suspended for nearly six hours between Tunney’s Pasture and Lees stations due to a defect in the overhead power system.
This marks the second time in less than a month that the Confederation Line has experienced issues with its catenary system—the network of overhead wires that powers the trains. Weekend commuters were forced to rely on R1 replacement buses as crews worked to repair the defective equipment near uOttawa station.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s Line 1 LRT was shut down for approximately six hours on Sunday, December 14, due to a defect in the overhead catenary power system near uOttawa station. This is the second power system issue in the same location within a month. R1 replacement bus service operated between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations during the outage.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Sunday, December 14, 2025 |
| 📍 Affected Stations | Tunney’s Pasture to Lees |
| ⏰ Duration | ~6 hours (8 AM - 1:45 PM) |
| 🎟️ Service | R1 replacement buses provided |
What Caused the Disruption
According to interim transit general manager Troy Charter’s memo to city council, the disruption stemmed from a “defect” with the overhead catenary system discovered late Saturday afternoon near uOttawa station.
OC Transpo initially kept Line 1 running, with Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) planning to repair the defective piece once LRT service ended for the night. However, RTM couldn’t complete the repairs in time, necessitating the lengthy Sunday closure.
Around 8 AM Sunday, OC Transpo posted online that trains were not running between Tunney’s Pasture and Lees stations. R1 replacement bus service was activated to transport riders between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations.
“We are working to resolve as quickly as possible,” the transit agency stated, without initially specifying the cause of the stoppage.
Shortly after 1:45 PM, OC Transpo announced that train service had resumed and that replacement buses would soon stop operating.
Second Power System Issue in Under a Month
This weekend’s disruption marks the second time problems with the overhead power system have affected service near uOttawa station in less than a month.
On November 20, a defect involving an insulator was found near the eastern entrance of the Line 1 tunnel during the morning commute. That incident caused one track to be shut down between uOttawa and Rideau stations, with full service not resuming until the following morning.
Despite the similar location and timing, OC Transpo’s director of engineering Marko Kroenke stated that the two defects are not believed to be related at this time.
“An investigation is underway to prevent any further reoccurrences,” Kroenke said in a statement to CBC.
A Troubling Pattern
The weekend outage adds to a growing list of LRT disruptions that have frustrated Ottawa commuters throughout 2025. Just last Wednesday, December 11, Line 1 service was delayed when two different trains ended up stalled on the line during a snowfall warning.
That same day, service was also disrupted on Lines 2 and 4 because of a switch problem—highlighting the system-wide challenges facing Ottawa’s transit network.
The Confederation Line has struggled with reliability issues since its troubled launch in 2019. Despite ongoing maintenance efforts and system improvements, riders continue to experience delays, breakdowns, and service interruptions that undermine confidence in the LRT.
Impact on Weekend Commuters
Sunday’s six-hour outage significantly impacted weekend transit users relying on the LRT for work, shopping, or leisure activities.
The R1 replacement bus service, while available, adds considerable time to journeys and presents accessibility challenges for some riders. Buses operate in mixed traffic and cannot match the speed or capacity of the rail service.
For downtown businesses and the Rideau Centre—particularly busy during the holiday shopping season—LRT disruptions translate to reduced foot traffic and lost sales.
“Every time the LRT goes down, we see fewer customers,” one Rideau Street retailer noted. “People just don’t want to deal with the hassle.”
What’s Being Done
OC Transpo and RTM continue to work on improving system reliability. The investigation into the latest power system defects aims to identify root causes and implement preventative measures.
The city has invested in additional maintenance resources and training for staff working on the catenary system. However, aging components and the complexity of the overhead power infrastructure present ongoing challenges.
Transit commissioners have called for more detailed reporting on LRT reliability metrics and maintenance schedules. Some councillors have expressed frustration with the pace of improvements and the frequency of disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Sunday’s LRT disruption?
A defect in the overhead catenary power system near uOttawa station was discovered Saturday afternoon. Repairs couldn’t be completed overnight, requiring a Sunday service shutdown.
How long was Line 1 out of service?
Line 1 was suspended for approximately six hours, from around 8 AM until shortly before 2 PM on Sunday, December 14.
Were replacement buses available?
Yes, R1 replacement bus service operated between Tunney’s Pasture and Hurdman stations throughout the outage.
Is this related to previous LRT problems?
The defect occurred in the same area as a November 20 incident, but OC Transpo says the two issues are not believed to be connected. An investigation is ongoing.
How can I check for LRT service alerts?
Follow @OC_Transpo on Twitter/X, check the OC Transpo website at octranspo.com, or use the OC Transpo app for real-time service updates.
Final Thoughts
Another weekend, another major LRT disruption. For Ottawa commuters who have grown accustomed to service interruptions on the Confederation Line, Sunday’s six-hour outage represents more of the same frustrations that have plagued the system since launch.
While OC Transpo and city officials work to improve reliability, trust in the LRT continues to erode with each high-profile failure. The investigation into these power system defects must result in meaningful changes—not just temporary fixes.
Ottawa invested billions in its light rail transit system. Residents deserve a reliable service that matches that investment.
Source: CBC Ottawa
