Premier Doug Ford Directs $350 Million for Ottawa LRT Stage 2 Trillium Line Commissioning and Testing

OTTAWA — Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria announced on Monday a $350 million provincial transit capital allocation through Metrolinx and the City of Ottawa to finalize signaling commissioning, electrical substation load testing, and integrated train trial running for the 16-kilometer Stage 2 Trillium Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) south extension.

The project connects Carleton University, South Keys, Leitrim, and Riverside South directly with the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, deploying a modern fleet of Stadler FLIRT and Alstom Coradia diesel-electric multiple units.

Connecting Ottawa Students, Workers, and Airport Travelers to Rapid Transit The Trillium Line expansion will move over 45,000 passengers daily, providing university students and south Ottawa suburban commuters with fast, direct transit while eliminating thousands of daily car trips from congested arterial roads like the Airport Parkway and Bank Street.

"Our government is committed to building the world-class transit that Ottawa families, workers, and students deserve," Premier Doug Ford said during an announcement at Carleton University Station in Ottawa. "This $350 million investment ensures that the Stage 2 Trillium Line completes thorough testing and commissioning, so trains can begin carrying passengers safely and reliably, connecting Carleton University and south Ottawa communities directly to the airport and supporting local economic growth."

Commissioning and Infrastructure Milestones The $350 million package finances:

• 16 Kilometers of Signaling & Train Control Commissioning: Completing exhaustive safety integration testing for automated train control and grade crossing warning systems.
• Airport Elevated Spur Station: Finalizing the climate-controlled enclosed pedestrian bridge connecting the terminal directly into the airport departures concourse.
• Ellwood Diamond Railway Grade Separation: Completing the grade-separated rail-over-rail crossing eliminating freight interference with Via Rail tracks.

Ottawa municipal councilors, university student associations, and airport authority executives praised the provincial funding, highlighting that the Trillium Line provides vital transit connectivity for post-secondary education and international travel.