After six weeks on hiatus and $5.1 million in major renovations to the system’s infrastructure, the O-Train returned to service Thursday.
The O-Train Special shuttle bus kept passengers moving between O-Train stops while the train was out of commission.
The upgrades to tracks, tunnels, signals, bridges, trains and stations were originally supposed to be completed Aug. 15, but unexpected delays in work on the Rideau River bridge drew out the service interruption another two weeks.
The additional delay added to the summer transit woes of Laila Figueredo, who commutes to work in Gatineau from the Greenboro Park and Ride station.
“It was a little bit upsetting, she said. “Five weeks was long enough … but I’m looking forward to it being back and enjoying the new ride on the train.”
During the renovations, OC Transpo also finished installing new solar-powered ticket machines at O-Train stations, which are designed to jam less frequently than the old ones, and accept credit card payment.
