Transit head noncommittal on reimbursing riders for latest LRT shutdown

Ottawa's general manager of transit operations didn't directly answer the question of whether transit riders would be compensated or reimbursed in some fashion as the latestLRT shutdown is enteringits second week.

At a media briefing Monday morningwhen asked if the city plans to compensate riders,Rene Amilcarsaid her "focus is really to bring back the service and we need reliable service."

"So we can probably talk about [compensation] later but for now I have todeliver a good service to the residents."

The briefing came nearly a week after the entire Confederation Line was shut down amidbearing issues.

R1 buses are currently running the length of the line, except for Cyrville station. A shuttle instead connects Cyrville and St-Laurent stations.

People haveexpressed frustration over the R1 bus service, including capacity.

Media briefings will be held daily to provide updates until service resumes.

The city gave anhour-long media conference on Tuesday, with officials and experts from the city and the maker and maintainers of the line, Rideau Transit Group and Rideau Transit Maintenance.