Ottawa Now - Skeptics remain skeptical as OC Transpo officials hope for a pre-2026 Line 1 launch

OC Transpo officials are still targeting a late-2025 opening of O-Train Line 1 service, predominantly to passengers in Orleans. However, when they were asked for a concrete launch date, none was given during Thursday’s Transit Committee meeting. Director of Rail Construction Richard Holder has outlined the 6 steps that are required before service can receive the green light. We are about to enter Step 1 of that process – testing, commissioning, and Line 1 integration. When asked about his optimism for a pre-2026 launch date, Beacon Hill-Cyrville councillor Tim Tierney wasn’t holding his breath this morning, holding onto hope for a February 2026 launch date instead. Kari Glynes-Elliott, a co-founder of Ottawa Transit Riders, delivers her two cents on today’s Ottawa Now.