Ottawa’s long-awaited Light Rail Transit (LRT) has finally opened! Here’s everything you need to know about riding the train:
Where does it go?
The new Confederation Line (Line 1) runs from Tunney’s Pasture in the west to Hurdman in the east. The route is designed to make it easier for commuters to hop on the train and come downtown rather than waiting around for buses that never seem to show up on time. Starting October 6th, the Transitway will no longer run many bus routes through downtown to reduce traffic in the core. Here are all the stations along Confederation Line, from west to east:
Tunney’s Pasture
Bayview (connection to Trillium Line/Line 2)
Pimisi (Lebreton Flats)
Lyon (underground tunnel)
Parliament (underground tunnel)
Rideau (underground tunnel)
uOttawa
Lees
Hurdman
Tremblay (VIA Rail station)
St. Laurent
Cyrville
Blair
A Phase 2 is also in the works that will bring the LRT further out into Ottawa’s suburbs. Stay tuned for the next development!
When does it run?
According to the OC Transpo website, the hours of operations will be:
| Monday – Thursday | 5am – 1am |
| Friday | 5am – 2am |
| Saturday | 6am – 2am |
| Sunday & Holidays | 8am – 11pm |
The train should arrive every 5 minutes or less during peak times (usually 6am – 9am and 3pm – 6pm on weekdays), with frequent service throughout the day and every 15 minutes after midnight. You should be able to make it from one end of the line to the other within 25 minutes total.
How do I pay for my ride?
Presto users rejoice, the fare gates at each station are fully equipped to accept e-purses and monthly passes. You can also buy tickets from audio- and video-enabled ticket machines or use your printed transfer. You simply tap or scan through the fare gates and you’re in! Head to your platform and enjoy the ride.