Trillium rail line passes crucial test and could be weeks from opening

The north-south Trillium rail line met OC Transpo's reliability goal during a crucial two-week test, keeping the system on-track for a possible mid-November opening.

The trains left their terminus stations on time 98.4 per cent of the time on Sunday, the final day of reliability testing. That put the 14-day average at 99.5 per cent, exceeding the 98.5 per cent target.

"TransitNEXT has successfully completed their final exam," said transit services general manager Renée Amilcar, referring to the contractor that built the system and will continue to maintain it.

The testing did reveal issues with CCTV cameras, sensors and a rail switch, but the line was still reliable enough for TransitNEXT to get a pass. On Saturday, two diesel engines didn't perform as expected, while problems with a timetable used for signalling delayed five trips on Sunday.

"It's not completely trouble-free," said Richard Holder, director of the city's rail construction program. "But nor are we concerned about any kind of major systematic issues as we move forward through the next stage of trial running: the testing of the system through emergency scenarios."

Emergency scenario phase next

That seven-day phase will put the line through simulated challenges such as a stopped train on the tracks or an emergency alarm.

It will be followed by a "final readiness phase" that will take a minimum of three weeks. Amilcar has previously said that could mean opening to passenger service as early as mid-November.

When it opens, the Trillium line will link Bayview Station with Riverside South, with a spur line linking South Keys station to the airport.

A previous shorter version closed in 2020. OC Transpo planned to reopen with expanded service in August 2022, but delays have pushed back that timeline.