Switch issue behind latest disruption on O

Switch issue behind latest disruption on O-Train Line 4

Route 105 bus between South Keys, airport is running

Line 4 of Ottawa's O-Train network has been disrupted by a "switch issue" Saturday, according to OC Transpo, the fourth time this month the line's experienced problems.

Service on the spur line to Ottawa's airport was suspended shortly before 9 a.m., OC Transpo said on social media.

Trains were running again after about an hour, but only on one side of the three-station line, a spokesperson told CBC.

The transit agency posted online that route 105 bus service is also running between the airport and South Keys station.

"Bus route 105 service is always available to the airport. Right now, the only thing a customer would experience is being served on a single platform and potentially a slight delay in Line 4 service," the spokesperson wrote.

Customers would be informed when things go back to normal by text alerts, social media posts and station announcements, they added.

As of 7:30 p.m., OC Transpo was still advising riders of delays.

Service on Line 4 has been suspended on three other occasions this month:

Line 4 was also closed due to staffing shortages in May and June.

The issue arises as OC Transpo is offering free transit over the weekend, coinciding with Ottawa's 200th anniversary celebrations.

OC Transpo to offer 2 fare-free weekends — but no refunds — to compensate for winter woes

At an open house for the future Place d'Orléans station Saturday, transit general manager Rick Leary said OC Transpo continued to have "conversations" with the line's contractors about the switch issues.

"It's things that we're working on with our contractors, trying to better that relationship with them to make sure we stay on top of these issues," Leary said.