Ottawa
Light Rail, light rail subway in planning 

The 8 km 5 station diesel powered O-Train, opened October 15, 2001. An extension using a scrapped north-south light rail plan from 2006 is being considered as well.

The line is known as the O-Train because of an alternate scene in the Canadian version of When Harry Met Sally. It once considered using the slogan Its all about the O, but it was already taken.

There were many plans for several extensions, including a spur to the airport. The most concrete plan was a 30 km North-South line that would have opened in 2009. Due to a mountain of controversy, plans were cancelled and fines were claimed by Siemens. The debate continued as the newest plans called for an expansion of the existing line with a 3 km downtown subway where the train would switch from diesel to electric power. Plans were still on the table, ready to be shred in 2013.

In October 2009, a light rail system for Ottawa was approved. The 2.1 billion dollar plan included a 3.2 km downtown subway section. While standing on shaky ground for much of the year, the Canadian government authorized partial funding for ther project in 2010, which indicates a likelihood of it moving forward. Impact studies were completed in June 2010, with an opening date scheduled for 2019.

The last Ottawa streetcar ran in 1959.

Councilman takes a ride on the RegioSprinter
Light Rail gets committee approval Public Transit in Ottawa
Unofficial home page
Official Home Page
Rapid Transit Expansion Study
Ottawa Streetcar 696 Restoration Group
Ottowalightrail.com
Le tramway diésel d'Ottawa va bon train - excellent fan page
Killer Photos

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