4 key dates as Ottawa's LRT becomes a reality

Ottawa officially has a functioning Confederation Line, so what happens next?

While there is some paperwork to be done before the city takes possession of the LRTnetwork, staff said Friday that won't prevent passengers from finally riding light rail onSept. 14.

• LRT line to open Sept. 14
• OC Transpo fare freeze extended until LRT opens

But that's not the only important date for transit users. Here are some of thebig onescoming up.

Sept. 1: small changes

The first change coming to the transit system will occurSept. 1, when the city returns to itspeak schedule from the current summer schedule.

Sept. 14: opening day

The city's LRT line will launch on a Saturday.

Pat Scrimgeour, OC Transpo's director of customer systems, said while it's going to be a major transition for everyone, they're excited.

"We're ready to help customers at every step along their journey," Scrimgeoursaid.

The new line, he added, will be essential for how Ottawans get around the city.

"About two-thirds of all ridership around 200,000 trips a day will include travel on the O-Train," Scrimgeour said.

Oct. 1: Fares rise

Council imposed a fare freeze in Januarybecause of the repeated delays to the LRT system, but with the LRT up and running, that will come to an end.

On average, fares will rise 2.5 per cent at the start of October.

An adult monthly pass will gofrom $116.50 to $119.50. A single cash farewill rise from $3.50 to $3.60, unless you pay with Presto, in which caseit will risefrom $3.45 to $3.55.

Oct. 6: Complete changeover

Many bus routes will remain the same for the first few weeks after the LRT launches, but new routes come into service Oct. 6.

Those routeswill funnel people to LRT stations, and the city says it hopes the alterations will improve service in otherareas as well.

Scrimgeour said it will be a big step.

"The opening of Line 1 and the major changes to the bus route network that follow will be the largest service change ever for OC Transpo customers," Scrimgeour said.