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OC Transpo sees ridership climb to 63% of pre-pandemic levels

Image - OC Transpo sees ridership climb to 63% of pre-pandemic levels

OC Transpo saw ridership increase to 63% of pre-pandemic levels in September after providing 5.7 million customer-trips by train, bus and Para Transpo.

What you need to know about September’s ridership data?

Quick facts about September ridership:

  • OC Transpo saw ridership increase to 63% of pre-pandemic levels in September
  • 5.7 million customer-trips were provided by train, bus and Para Transpo.
  • OC Transpo’s fare revenue for the month of September 2022 was $11.8 million.
  • Ridership for the Youth Pass, which includes passes sold to school boards, rose 117% surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
  • Ridership numbers have returned close to, or exceeded, pre-pandemic levels for customers commuting to high schools and post-secondary institutions.
  • The number of U-Passes reached 97% of the pre-pandemic level, with U-Pass ridership reaching 85% of the pre-pandemic levels.
  • Para Transpo ridership in September 2022 was 52,900 customer-trips, or 74 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.
  • Para Transpo fare revenue in September 2022 was $149,900.

Why do we compare ridership year-to-year by the same calendar month?

Ridership changes throughout the year depending on the season. For example, OC Transpo typically sees an increase in customers in September when students return to school.

The best way to compare ridership is by month, year-to-year. This ensures that seasonal changes in travel demand are considered. OC Transpo also compares current monthly ridership data to months from 2019 to better understand how ridership is recovering.

Ridership on O-Train and conventional buses

Ridership on Para Transpo

Looking ahead to November

Customers will soon see advertising appear on O-Train Line 1 stations and trains. Advertisements on O-Train Line 1 will kick-off at Lyon Station, with additional stations and trains to follow. This means new revenue from these new spaces.

We’re excited to welcome back previous customers and new ones riding our buses and trains for the first time. Bus service reliability continues to improve thanks to a full complement of vehicles and the hiring of new vehicle operators.

We will continue to report on ridership trends until the next Transit Commission meeting is held. For more information on ridership, visit our performance measures page.

Visit our performance measures