On February 12, the Transit Committee received updates on O-Train Line 1, ongoing efforts to stabilize bus service delivery, and key performance indicators. We also provided details surrounding an upcoming change to transfer times and new free Para Transpo senior rides.
In case you didn’t catch it online, the Next Stop Blog is here to deliver the key updates you may have missed.
Line 1 O-Train Service Updates
O-Train Line 1 continues to operate at three- to four-minute frequency during peak periods on weekdays, with single-car train service in effect. Regular peak capacity on Line 1 will be restored once 26 trains are confirmed to be available for service. Updates were provided on the action plan to restore full Line 1 capacity for customers, with meetings ongoing between Rideau Transit Group (RTG) and Alstom’s external experts as RTM continues to work on their Cartridge Bearing Assembly (CBA) replacement strategy. This strategy will balance fleet availability, ongoing maintenance, and inspection requirements.
Bus Service Delivery Updates
We provided updates on the overall improvements seen over the course of the last month. Bus service continues to be closely monitored, with every effort being made to minimize trip cancellations. To minimize cancellations and provide stable service, staff are making real-time service adjustments in response to traffic conditions, severe winter weather, on-street incidents, and operator and vehicle availability.
OC Transpo is planning to add 235 zero-emission buses (ZEB) to our fleet, along with 14 60-foot buses and the replacement of the old Para Transpo minibus fleet. 42 out of 82 new Para Transpo minibuses have already entered service and an additional 10 minibuses are set to be commissioned for on-demand transit later in 2026. To ensure our bus fleet stays in top shape for service, OC Transpo is also hiring licensed mechanics and upgrading its fleet management software, as well as prioritizing critical repairs and optimizing preventative maintenance.
Key Performance Indicators
The Committee learned that O-Train and bus ridership was 70.6 million, 3.9% higher than the previous year, while Para Transpo ridership in 2025 was 888,800 customer trips, an increase of 3.2% over the previous year.
Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and OC Transpo rolled out a new look on three double-decker buses. These buses are outfitted with a mural designed by local artist Jimmy Baptiste as part of a partnership between Community and Social Services, Black History Ottawa and the Ottawa Black Art Kollective. Titled “Pride of Dreams,” this rolling work of art features inspiring and important figures including Stefan Keyes, Charmaine Hooper, Angelique Francis and Paul Barber. Baptiste says the intention of the mural is to highlight and pay homage to these incredible stories of determination and transformative trailblazing.
A Proud Part of the Community
OC Transpo is proud to be part of Ottawa’s communities, and took an opportunity at the February 12 Transit Committee meeting to highlight a handful of the special initiatives and programs we are lucky to take part in. The 41st OC Transpo / Loblaw Annual Holiday Food Drive saw an incredible communal effort to round up donations, with over 88,000 pounds of food raised - over twice the weight of one of our 40-foot buses!
Staff have been consulting members of the community as part of the new OC Transpo Accessibility Plan for 2026-2029. Two virtual consultations were held in January, along with one held in-person. The new accessibility plan will propose initiatives to identify, remove and prevent barriers across transit services, programs and facilities.
New for 2026
OC Transpo also provided updates on new initiatives resulting from the 2026 budget. Starting on March 2, customers will have a longer transfer window during the afternoon commute on weekdays. Starting March 2, the weekday afternoon peak transfer period of 105 minutes will begin at 3 pm instead of 6 pm. This extension will be in place until the Stage 2 West Extension is open to the public.
Also new this year, seniors who pay per ride on Para Transpo will receive a credit for four free trips per month. No action is required from customers who have registered their Presto card, for whom trips will be refunded as a Presto credit at the start of the following month. OC Transpo will issue the credit for the first part of 2026 later this spring and move to monthly credits after that point. Information is available on octranspo.com.
