At a glance
Key takeaways
- The Transit Committee received an update on how the action items in the Customer-First Action Plan
will increase transit reliability. - Updates were provided on scheduling improvements, the bus fleet plan, and an integrated workforce strategy.
- Details were shared about O-Train Line 1 service, and an update on preparations for Trial Running of the East Extension.
Couldn't tune into the June 11 Transit Committee meeting? The Next Stop Blog has you fully covered with all the latest updates.
O-Train Line 1 service updates
O-Train Line 1 double-car weekday service was recently restored on June 8, which means we are ready to accommodate large crowds on Canada Day, throughout summer festival season, and the federal government's return to office.
Stage 2 updates
The quarterly update was also provided on the O-Train Stage 2 project. Preparations for Trial Running of the East Extension are underway, and the timing for Trial Running is dependent on increased rail vehicle availability. In the West, major construction milestones are expected for this year, including completion of the Overhead Catenary System between the Parkway tunnel and Westboro Station, followed by electrification and train testing. An independent expert will be conducting a review of the project timelines and necessary elements required to achieve substantial completion, which is still expected to be in 2027.
Improving bus service reliability
Ongoing efforts are being made to improve bus service reliability as part of the Customer-First Action Plan.
Reliability is the result of three key factors:
- A well running bus fleet that is ready and able to start and finish every trip on time
- Adequate running times built into schedules
- Having the necessary vehicles and staff required to deliver service every day.
Scheduling improvements
OC Transpo has begun work to support reliability improvements by correcting run times on eight routes across the city. In April and June, bus routes 11, 12, 15, 30, 53, 81, 82 and 168 have been adjusted to better reflect travel times and traffic patterns. In September, an additional 22 routes will be adjusted. With these changes, it is expected that 50 per cent of riders will see route reliability improvements by the fall.
OC Transpo also shared that staff are assessing federal employee data to establish which bus routes will need more capacity to support federal employees who are returning to the office, including routes 5, 8, 13, 24, 61, 62, 63, 66, 74 and 75. OC Transpo will be monitoring ridership on all routes and will be ready to assign additional buses if needed.
Bus Fleet Plan
In addition to bus scheduling improvements, an update was also shared on the Bus Fleet Plan and how it will contribute to service reliability as part of the Customer-First Action Plan. A summer maintenance campaign is currently in progress where 277 articulated buses will undergo enhanced maintenance efforts. This work focuses on components that most often fail during winter, ensuring the fleet is better prepared for the colder months. A refurbishment program is progressing for 30 articulated buses, which is expected to extend their service life by about three years.
In addition, by fall 2027, 50 per cent of the conventional bus fleet is expected to be replaced with electric buses. Ottawa will lead North America in the percentage of electric buses within its bus fleet once all the new vehicles have been onboarded.
Integrated workforce strategy
The integrated workforce strategy is another key priority of the Customer-First Action Plan. OC Transpo is actively working with its partners and unions on a multi-year plan to ensure frontline positions are staffed to deliver service to customers. This includes expanding the apprenticeship program so we can hire enough people to cover normal turnover, keep service running consistently, and reduce potential risks.
Public Safety Strategy
The Committee also received an update on the Public Safety Strategy, which highlighted the main safety initiatives, priorities and key performance indicators. More Special Constables are being hired and will receive enhanced training, including from Ottawa Police Services on hate-motivated incidents. Details were also provided on the Rideau Station revitalization project that will add a Special Constable Unit office and upgraded public washrooms later this year, among other improvements to the customer experience.
The latest ridership figures
The Committee learned that in April 2026, O-Train and bus ridership was 5.6 million and the total ridership for the past 12 months is 68.7 million, which is 0.1 per cent higher than the previous 12-month period.
Para Transpo ridership for May was 81,100. Total ridership over the past 12 months is 913,200, an increase of 4.3 per cent compared to the previous 12-month period.
