Confederation Line (Stage 1) | In Service 1.0

[OCCheetos]

Originally Posted by daud

I was planning on taking the LRT tomorrow with my family. Maybe around 4PM.

Does anyone plan on riding it tomorrow? any suggestions or thoughts on how busy it might be?

Also, I assume we can purchase single fare tickets at South Keys that will enable transfer at Bayview?

You can buy a transfer, or a day pass (which works as a family pass on weekends I think?) at the vending machines at Greenboro. Speaking of which, I wonder if the fare machines at other transitway stations will be activated tomorrow..?

At Bayview, you don't have to cross any gates to transfer. Just go up to the second level and catch the train!

[kmcamp]

Originally Posted by daud

I was planning on taking the LRT tomorrow with my family. Maybe around 4PM.

Does anyone plan on riding it tomorrow? any suggestions or thoughts on how busy it might be?

Also, I assume we can purchase single fare tickets at South Keys that will enable transfer at Bayview?

I assume quite busy, but because it's not free and there's no easy parking it won't be insane like other systems on their launch day

[LeadingEdgeBoomer]

Originally Posted by kmcamp

I assume quite busy, but because it's not free and there's no easy parking it won't be insane like other systems on their launch day

I plan to try it out early Sunday morning. Hopefully there will not be a crush of people then. It is also a Seniors' Free Day.

As a note-- To access Line 1 free on seniors day, we need to tap our Presto Card at the fare gate. Therefore seniors need to have a Presto card even if they plan to use it only on the free days. If you are senior and do not have a Presto card, you should get one.

[Acajack]

While certainly not as exciting nor as eagerly-awaited as the Confederation Line, I tried out the STO's new Rapibus on its first day of service a few years ago.

It was packed - every articulated bus was standing room only.

I seem to recall it was free during the opening weekend.

[TransitZilla]

Originally Posted by LeadingEdgeBoomer

As a note-- To access Line 1 free on seniors day, we need to tap our Presto Card at the fare gate. Therefore seniors need to have a Presto card even if they plan to use it only on the free days. If you are senior and do not have a Presto card, you should get one.

Per the OC website, you can get a Seniors-enabled Presto card at any Loblaws or Shoppers. You don't need proof of age to buy one or anything, so can buy one on behalf of someone else.

[Badyouken]

I expect that it will be a bit of a circus tomorrow. I'm out of town, and plan on riding it on Sunday evening, hopefully it will have died down by then!

[Baybreeze12]

Originally Posted by daud

I was planning on taking the LRT tomorrow with my family. Maybe around 4PM.

Does anyone plan on riding it tomorrow? any suggestions or thoughts on how busy it might be?

Also, I assume we can purchase single fare tickets at South Keys that will enable transfer at Bayview?

I'm going to try taking my bike - if the weather holds and the trains aren't too packed - from Hurdman to Bayview, then bike back around the canal.

Time will tell if that's a good idea...

[daud]

Originally Posted by Baybreeze12

I'm going to try taking my bike - if the weather holds and the trains aren't too packed - from Hurdman to Bayview, then bike back around the canal.

Time will tell if that's a good idea...

thats an awesome plan. If I wasn't tugging 2 kids with me, I'd plan something similar.

[Kitchissippi]

Originally Posted by Baybreeze12

I'm going to try taking my bike - if the weather holds and the trains aren't too packed - from Hurdman to Bayview, then bike back around the canal.

Time will tell if that's a good idea...

Personally I wouldn’t bother unnecessarily taking my bike on board tomorrow. The trains are likely to be packed for the first few hours. You’ll probably have difficulty just getting on at Hurdman, and some people might even view bringing a bike for a joy ride on opening day somewhat inconsiderate.

[Kitchissippi]

Anyone know the details of the opening ceremony at Tunney’s Pasture? If the line is open to the public at 2pm, the event must be somehow earlier than that.

[Corvulpes]

Originally Posted by Kitchissippi

Anyone know the details of the opening ceremony at Tunney’s Pasture? If the line is open to the public at 2pm, the event must be somehow earlier than that.

As not everyone is able to attend the launch event on Saturday, we will be providing a livestream from approximately 10:20 until 11. You can view the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WrMtDuifBE.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by Kitchissippi

Personally I wouldn’t bother unnecessarily taking my bike on board tomorrow. The trains are likely to be packed for the first few hours. You’ll probably have difficulty just getting on at Hurdman, and some people might even view bringing a bike for a joy ride on opening day somewhat inconsiderate.

I tend to agree. I don't think anyone will know what the crowd levels will be like. Unless Baybreeze12 is open to the idea of parking the bike at Hurdman if the crowds are bad, planning to bring a bike is a not a good idea. If you really want to take a bike on the train, my suggestion is find a nice day next week and take the day off work and bring your bike on board mid day.

[rocketphish]

Retailers roll out the red carpet for LRT riders
Businesses offering promotions, freebies to mark Confederation Line launch

Robyn Miller · CBC News
Posted: Sep 12, 2019 4:00 AM ET | Last Updated: September 12

Retailers along the Confederation Line are rolling out the red carpet for transit riders, offering promotions and incentives to take advantage of the extra foot traffic near the city's new light rail stations.

The east-west Confederation Line opens to the public Saturday afternoon, ending a wait of more than six years.

It's been a long time coming for many retailers who have had to endure years of construction, which at times hampered business.

Carrie Irvine, marketing director at St. Laurent Shopping Centre, said the mall's retailers and management are celebrating the launch this Saturday.

The mall, which is connected to the new St-Laurent LRT station, is hosting an opening day party with music, balloons and promotions.

"Just so when people come through they feel welcomed and excited to be here at St. Laurent," Irvine said.

"Of course, we're hoping that people will stop and shop when they get off the train. We're also giving away 100 free rides on the LRT."

Outside Parliament station in downtown Ottawa, staff at Voila Coiffure Salon and Mini Spa were busy lining up new staff and stocking up on supplies.

"We do have some new staff at the ready to get started as the demand increases with the foot traffic," Chantal Terpstra said.

"[We're] also looking at increasing our hours in order to be able to accommodate the new people coming through the building."

Terpstra said the salon is also working with its product supplier to come up with promotions to offer new clients.

Down the line at Rideau station, businesses on nearby William Street are also anxiously awaiting the grand opening.

Bill Fullerton, manager of the Crazy Moose of Ottawa souvenir shop, said the LRT-related construction has made it difficult for businesses in the area, but he's looking at the big picture.

"The construction lasted obviously longer than we anticipated, but that being said you've got to look at the long term, which I think is very positive," Fullerton said.

John Le, owner of Amore Gelato, said he hopes the LRT will help bring new business, as well as making life a bit easier for his current customers.

"It's an advantage for sure because in the past a lot of my customers they come to me and they say it's so hard to find parking in the ByWard Market," Le said.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/retailers-offer-incentives-for-lrt-customers-1.5279731

[zzptichka]

This wifi sounds like a $2.6M useless joke.
By the time you click on that Activate link your train has already left the station.

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by kmcamp

I assume quite busy, but because it's not free and there's no easy parking it won't be insane like other systems on their launch day

There are a few parking garages near Tunney's Pasture, though you have to pay. There is also some street parking nearby. People also might park at Gloucester or St. Laurent Shopping Centres, though the malls may not like that. Since you have to pay anyway, taking a bus from a park and ride is another option. Your transfer is good for round trip travel within the set duration (based on the time of day).

[roger1818]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

This wifi sounds like a $2.6M useless joke.
By the time you click on that Activate link your train has already left the station.

How long does it take you to type your name and email address then click a button? 30 seconds if you are slow (Gen Z could probably do it in less than 5 seconds)? I agree that not many people will use it during rush hour, when trains are every 3-5 minutes, but off peak, when the trains are every 15 minutes, there will be lots of time, especially if you just miss a train.

Regardless, hopefully it will be set up so that you only need to do that the first time and after that you can go online immediately.

[Acajack]

Originally Posted by roger1818

People also might park at Gloucester or St. Laurent Shopping Centres, though the malls may not like that. .

I wouldn't be concerned at all about parking at the malls on Saturday afternoon to take the LRT.

I know they do patrol and check on weekdays so that people don't park and ride but they won't crack down (and two) unless you're a demonstrated repeat offender. And you'll likely get a note under your wipers as a warning before they make a move.

It's a huge pain in the ass for mall management if they mistakenly tow away the car of some granny who is a legitimate mall customer.

You can walk from your car through the mall, and then to the station, if you really want to be on the safe side.

[zzptichka]

Originally Posted by roger1818

How long does it take you to type your name and email address then click a button? 30 seconds if you are slow (Gen Z could probably do it in less than 5 seconds)? I agree that not many people will use it during rush hour, when trains are every 3-5 minutes, but off peak, when the trains are every 15 minutes, there will be lots of time, especially if you just miss a train.

Regardless, hopefully it will be set up so that you only need to do that the first time and after that you can go online immediately.

I have good news for you. 15 minutes intervals are only after midnight. Normal off-peak is still 4-5 minutes
I bet it will keep asking for your email every time. Let's see.

[Prometheus188]

Originally Posted by roger1818

I agree that not many people will use it during rush hour, when trains are every 3-5 minutes, but off peak, when the trains are every 15 minutes, there will be lots of time, especially if you just miss a train.

I'm not sure if this applies to you personally, but there's a common misconception that trains will only be 3-5 minutes during rush hour. Rush hour is generally defined as 6 AM - 8:30 AM for transit, maybe until 9 am for car traffic. And also 3 PM - 6:30 PM. That's rush hour. But trains will be 3-5 minutes for a much larger range than just rush hour. They'll show up every 3-5 minutes from 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM inclusive. That's not just rush hour, that's morning, afternoon and almost the entire evening. It's basically the whole day. It will only be every 15 minutes after midnight. Between 7:30 PM and when it switches to 15 minutes, it'll show up every 8 minutes. On weekends, the frequencies will never be longer than every 8 minutes. It'll never drop down to 15 minutes.

[harls]

Originally Posted by zzptichka

I bet it will keep asking for your email every time. Let's see.

If it's anything like at TD place (which Telus also sponsors), you shouldn't have to log in every time. I've been back numerous times for 67's games and I've always been automatically logged in. Hopefully the same will apply for the Confederation line.