The Transit Commission today received an update on several ongoing initiatives at OC Transpo, including the Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) program, planned O-Train Line 1 maintenance work, and an upcoming engagement series with Para Transpo customers.
The Commission received an update on OC Transpo’s plans to add 102 new zero-emission buses to its fleet by the first quarter of 2026. The City has signed agreements with New Flyer and Nova Bus to secure 51 zero-emission buses from each supplier to be delivered the end of this year and early 2026. Work continues to train staff and upgrade OC Transpo’s facilities to prepare for the expanded electric bus fleet. Recently, new overhead charging pantographs were installed at the St-Laurent garage to be able to charge and maintain the vehicles when they arrive. The ZEB program will exclusively procure 40-foot e-buses moving forward due to limited availability from manufacturers of 60-foot articulated buses. Transit Commission will continue to be provided updates as OC Transpo receives and introduces new zero-emission buses into its fleet.
The Commission received an update on upcoming maintenance activities on O-Train Line 1 that will require service adjustments on weekends and late at night on specific weekdays between Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, November 3. These adjustments will allow Rideau Transit Maintenance to complete required works across the entire line as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the system’s overall reliability. R1 bus service will operate during impacts to Line 1. Customers can use the Travel Planner and Transit app or call 613-560-5000 to plan trips in advance.
The Commission received an update on the New Ways to Bus campaign that will launch in April 2025 to align with the spring service change. Customers can visit octranspo.com for the latest information and use the New Ways to Bus Travel Planner to preview their future trips.
The Commission also heard that OC Transpo is launching ‘Para Transpo Talk,’ a new customer engagement series taking place six times per year. Staff also explained that the procurement of 92 Para Transpo minibuses is now complete. A single bus has been received and is currently being used by staff for inspection, testing and training purposes. Much of the fleet is expected to be delivered by Q4 2025.
The Commission was notified that OC Transpo reached a recruitment and training milestone of hiring 828 new Bus Operator trainees since 2022. Recruitment efforts continue for other positions as part of OC Transpo’s ongoing efforts to achieve the goal of 99.5 per cent bus service delivery.
Staff advised that OC Transpo has seen increases in ridership, fare sales and Park & Ride usage this September. When compared to September 2023, combined transit pass sales are up 24 per cent and revenue from single-ride fares is up by 27 per cent. Weekday ridership has also increased, with bus boardings up by four per cent and Line 1 boardings up by 11 per cent. Para Transpo ridership has also increased by 14 per cent, and Park & Ride use is up by 12 per cent.
Staff also provided details on the fare compliance initiative that took place throughout September, where Fare Inspectors issued 904 tickets across the network.
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