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Ottawa’s political leaders say Tuesday’s transit fiasco at the Hurdman Transitway station has taught them a few important lessons, including the difference between planning and the real world.

The problem behind the slowdown was computer modelling of traffic flow, said Coun. Stephen Blais, chairman of the transit commission.

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While the modelling worked for other stations, it’s unclear why it didn’t accurately predict traffic flow at Hurdman, said Blais.

“Computer models are only so perfect. It’s difficult to predict human interpretations (of new conditions),” said Blais.

“We are trying to understand what was wrong with the (computer) model.”

Blais said eight new measures were introduced Wednesday morning to prevent the congestion that left come commuters waiting for up to an hour at Hurdman station during the Tuesday morning rush hour.