Confederation Line reopens after train camera problem

Ottawa's light rail line was closed Tuesday morning because of a camera malfunction on trains and at some stations, according to city management.

The agency said in a post on social media around 6:45 a.m. that all train service was temporarily suspended.

It said about an hour later that trains were running again between Blair and Rideau stations, while R1 replacement buses were taking riders between more western stations.

Regular service had resumed by 8:15 a.m.

Safety concerns

In a memo, transit general managerRene Amilcar said problems began at 6:10 a.m. with the onboard cameras operators use to exit stations.

Amilcar said the cameras, along with otherspositioned at the stations themselves, are required for "the safety of customers in stations and the safe operation of trains."

ContractorRideau Transit Maintenance isinvestigating what happened,she said.

The disruption comes as Ottawa's largest employer, the federal government, brings its workers back to the office a minimum of three days a week rather than two.

OC Transpo leadership has looked to these returning commuters to help with its dismal financial picture.

The Confederation Line, which has hadchronic problems since before its launch,turns five on Saturday.