After almost five years of construction, Ottawa’s O-Train Lines 2 and 4 finally opened on January 6, 2025, expanding the O-Train network south from Bayview to Limebank and Airport Stations. These two lines collectively known as the Trillium Line connect downtown Ottawa to several diverse neighbourhoods, including the charming Little Italy, always busy South Keys, and quiet suburban Riverside South, as well as Carleton University and the Ottawa International Airport. Despite the brutal cold weather, I set out to explore the new line and I'm very excited to share my photos with you.
For many commuters, the new Light Rail Transit (LRT) line is a game-changer, cutting travel times from Limebank Station in Riverside South to downtown Ottawa to just under 35 minutes. That's on par with driving in moderate traffic. And let's be honest, during rush hour, the train definitely wins in time and comfort allowing passengers to skip the congested roads.
The new and renovated stations feature a modern utilitarian design with the heavy use of glass, concrete, and wood. By maximizing natural light, these stations not only reduce energy consumption but also create a safer, more welcoming environment.
Have you noticed that the platforms at the stations are blue? That's because OC Transpo used so much salt to keep people safe - the last thing they want is someone slipping and falling on the tracks!
Out of all the new stations, the Airport one is my favourite. With its platform conveniently located on the same level as the airport's Departures area, travellers can quickly and easily catch their flights. And if you just missed your train to the city, you can relax in the station's spacious lounge.
Accessibility has been considered in the design of both stations and trains. Each station is equipped with elevators to provide seamless access for people with reduced mobility.
I’m glad that Ottawa's commitment to recycling is evident at each station. Four conveniently located bins take various types of waste: garbage, paper, mixed recycling, and organic paper coffee cups. I guess not everyone bothers to read the signs and throws the cup together with a plastic cap.
A welcoming feature on the trains is the button-activated doors. But for some strange reason, train engineers keep the doors open while waiting at the terminus stations. It goes without saying, this results in significant heat loss during the winter months.
The platforms are twice as long as before to accommodate longer trains.
Speaking of rolling stock. Ottawa has bought seven new Swiss-made Stadler FLIRT trains. Each one is 80 metres / 262 ft, the length of a standard city block in Manhattan. These trains have gained a very good reputation for reliability and performance across all over Europe, as well as in two American cities and even Algeria. Because these are diesel trains, they don’t experience issues with snow or ice buildup on overhead wires or third rails.
That's music to the ears of Ottawans who've dealt with their fair share of transit issues on the Confederation Line 1.
Six older Alstom Lint trainsets are still going strong on Line 4, with one articulated trainset even running on Line 2. Despite being over 10 years old, these trains are still super comfortable and look great inside and out.
Honestly, riding these trains feels more like taking an intercity train than a city metro – they're that smooth and comfortable. The new Stadler trains are also very quiet, with the diesel block placed in the middle of the trainset for reduced noise.
If you're a commuter who prefers to drive and then hop on the train, you'll be happy to know that the city built three Park & Ride facilities at Greenboro, Leitrim, and Bowesville stations. I was surprised to see that the Park & Ride at Bowesville was almost full – and it's literally in the middle of a farm field! But it makes sense since it's a convenient spot for people from all over Barrhaven, Riverside South, and southern rural areas to catch the train.
On the other hand, the Limebank station – the southern terminus – was very quiet, except for a few buses coming and going. But this is about to change – I've heard that this station is going to be the future hub of Riverside South. The station itself is beautiful, with plenty of space and some really contemporary artistic lighting.
One thing that's peculiar about the train schedule is that it's precisely calibrated: trains arrive exactly every 12 minutes, between 6 am and midnight. And that's done for a good reason – since most of the system runs on a single track, trains have to pass each other at specific points, like Corso Italia or Carleton Stations. If one train is delayed, the whole system is impacted.
So, why did Ottawa build a separate Line 4 to the airport instead of just branching off from Line 2? Turns out, it's all about frequency. If they had branched off Line 2, trains would only run every 24 minutes between South Key and Limebank and between South Keys and Airport, instead of the current 12-minute frequency.
The problem is that most of the route between downtown and South Keys is single-track, which creates a bottleneck. There's just no way to increase the frequency of trains without upgrading the infrastructure – and that would require a lot of work, like widening the tunnel between Carleton University and Dow's Lake and rebuilding many stations. So it’s safe to assume, it’s not going to be done any time soon, and we’re stuck with the 12-minute frequency and a separate spur line to the airport.
Another “bummer” is that a person travelling from downtown Ottawa to the airport has to take three separate trains: Line 1 then Line 2 then Line 4. Let’s agree - it's not exactly the most convenient way to get to the airport, especially compared to cities like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, which have direct trains or buses from the airport to the city centre. But Ottawa does offer a quicker workaround: you can take Line 1 to Hurdman Station and then hop on the express bus 97, which will take you straight to the airport.
What really makes the O-train system special is the chance to take in the stunning natural beauty and interesting sights right from the train windows.
For me, the highlight of the whole system is the bridge over the Rideau River near Carleton University. As the train crosses the mighty waterway, you get this amazing view of the rapids and the gorgeous St. Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church. It's a moment to get your camera ready!
And then there's Dow's Lake station, which is like a winter wonderland. You get these incredible views of frozen waterfalls as you wait for your train. It's also where you get off to skate on the Rideau Canal in winter and enjoy the Canadian Tulip Festival in May.
This waterfall does not want you to know in which direction Bayview Station is located.
And this window with elegant snowflakes does not want you to know when the train arrives on the platform. I love winters in Ottawa!
The tunnel under Dow's Lake was built way back in 1965 by Canadian Pacific. Love it when we re-use previously built, good infrastructure.
And then there's the new bridge between Mooney's Bay and Walkley Stations to bypass the VIA Rail tracks. Because it’s quite high, it offers amazing views of the area. However, I can imagine it might be a bit scary for some people to look outside the window, especially during strong winds!
As you approach Airport Station on Line 4, you'll get a close-up view of the tarmac and the NRC's cool wind tunnel, which has been testing aerodynamics for 55 years!
Maybe it’s a premature conclusion because the time will tell, but I feel that Ottawa's newest addition to its transit family is an unmistakable success. With its sleek trains, modern stations, and stunning views, the new Line 2 and 4 are a must-ride experience. So why not ditch your car (alright, you may park it at one of the three Park & Rides), beat the traffic, and enjoy the scenic route? I know I will and will also take my bike with me on a train in the spring.
My other posts about the metro systems in the world:
Can Los Angeles Metro System Live Up to Its Potential?
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