OC Transpo’s north-south LRT line is now up and running, and with it comes a new connection to the Ottawa International Airport that officially went into service early Monday morning.
“We’re thrilled the day arrived and we’re extremely proud of our station,” Krista Kealy, vice-president of communications for the Ottawa International Airport Authority, said in an email to OBJ Monday. “We saw travellers, employees, and many train enthusiasts arrive and depart the station this morning and the excitement was palpable.”
Line 4, the new spur to the airport, branches off from the re-opened and extended north-south Line 2 from South Keys station. The spur also includes a stop at Uplands station.
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Kealey said those using the spur to get to and from the airport can expect “comfortable gate-style seating and temperature control” in the station, which she expects will make travel easier and smoother for both passengers and employees.
The opening comes as airport passenger volumes creep back toward pre-pandemic levels, a trend that’s expected to continue in 2025.
“We think having the airport spur is a game-changer for the airport and for the city,” Kealey said.
“Rail connection to the city centre will be a plus in bids to bring conferences and events to Ottawa-Gatineau, and it puts us in a similar league with other world capitals and major cities that include rail in their multi-modal transportation system.”
The $840-million project was originally expected to launch in September 2022, but delays on construction and testing made the launch of the extended line and its airport connection uncertain.
In her email to OBJ Monday, Kealey said it was up to the city to determine when the new lines and the stations could be opened for service.
“In the meantime, we made sure the Airport station was ready to meet their timeline and welcome guests.”
The opening comes just in time for Ottawa International Airport Authority president and CEO Mark Laroche, who will be retiring later this month, with former Canada Post chief people and safety officer Susan Margles taking over the CEO role.
In an emailed statement to OBJ, Laroche said the opening of the north-south line and the station mark “an important milestone” for the airport and community.
“I’m very proud that the beautiful Airport LRT Station is officially open to receive our passengers and employees,” he said.
