OC Transpo announces its plans to implement various measures in readiness for an approaching winter storm characterized by icy conditions. This information was provided by Francis Ferland for CBC.
As Ottawa anticipates the onset of an impending winter storm extending into Wednesday, OC Transpo, the city's transit agency, has devised a strategy to cope with the wintry conditions. To mitigate the impact of icy weather, out-of-service trains will operate along Line 1 during the overnight hours. Renée Amilcar, the general manager of OC Transpo, conveyed in a memo to the council on Tuesday that this measure aims to prevent the accumulation of ice and snow on overhead wires and tracks.
To enhance the efficacy of this approach, carbon strips have been affixed to the pantographs of the trains. The pantograph, a roof-mounted arm extending from the top of the train, is equipped to scrape ice from the overhead wires during travel along the tracks. Additionally, a team will be deployed to monitor the tracks, and a de-icing system for the overhead wires is already in place.
In a commitment to passenger and staff safety, Amilcar emphasized that prioritizing safety remains paramount in the decision-making process concerning winter storm preparedness. The transit agency is working diligently to ensure a proactive stance in planning, preparing, and responding to the challenges posed by inclement winter weather.
In parallel efforts, city crews have been actively engaged in plowing and salting OC Transpo properties throughout the day. This operation is set to continue overnight and into Wednesday. Addressing concerns about bus stops, Amilcar noted that, typically, seven bus stops out of the 6,000 across the city are temporarily removed from service during winter storms. These removals are strategically focused on stops situated around steep hills or slopes that pose traction challenges in adverse weather conditions.
To keep the public informed, OC Transpo has outlined the routes that will be temporarily out of service through its social media channels, including X (formerly known as Twitter). Simultaneously, Bryden Denyes, an area manager with the city's roads department, highlighted the prioritization of clearing key roads and sidewalks. This includes Ottawa's transitway and various sidewalks along OC Transpo routes, ensuring safe passage for pedestrians and commuters.
Amilcar issued a reminder to transit riders to factor in additional time for their commutes and to stay updated through OC Transpo's social media accounts or the Transit App. As the city braces for the winter storm, the collaborative efforts of OC Transpo and city crews underscore the commitment to ensuring the safety and functionality of the transit system amidst challenging weather conditions.
