On March 12, we provided updates to Transit Committee on topics including O-Train Line 1 and efforts to stabilize bus service delivery, 2026 recruitment targets for bus operators and mechanics, a Stage 2 O-Train Extension update, regular key performance indicators, as well as an update on the implementation of recommendations from the Westboro inquest.
In case you didn’t catch it online, the Next Stop Blog is here to deliver the key updates you may have missed.
Find all the key updates and info in our recap below:
O-Train Service and Extension Updates
Where O-Train Line 1 is concerned, service continues to operate at three- to four-minute frequency during peak periods. Currently, 21 vehicles are available for service. Development of the action plan to safely restore capacity on Line 1 remains underway, and positive progress is being made with Rideau Transit Group (RTG). As this work is finalized, updates and timelines for service recovery will be shared.
Now that Substantial Completion of the O-Train Line 1 East Extension has been achieved, next steps were presented to the Committee. Before Trial Running may begin, the following must be completed:
- Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM) must be fully trained on the new system and complete their familiarization process.
- Trial Running oversight resources need to be mobilized and ready.
- The appropriate number of vehicles for passenger service is needed.
Updates about O-Train Line 1 East Extension will continue to be shared with Council, and a Technical Briefing will be held in advance of the beginning of Trial Running.
Progress on the O-Train West Extension also continues to be made, with all 36 kilometres of track now installed. Furthermore, the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) is 65 per cent completed, and the first of 25 station occupancy permits have been received.
Train testing is ongoing, along with electrifying the OCS, cable pulling through the tunnels and commissioning tunnel ventilation systems. Construction activities like those outlined above are expected to continue into late 2026, with a handover to the City anticipated in Q2 2027 followed by passenger service in Q3.
Part of the Community
OC Transpo was proud to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8th.
To mark the occasion, we released a blog post and video series recognizing and highlighting the remarkable women who keep our city moving, available to read and watch here.
The month of March also brought three Para Transpo Talk events, held the first week of March. These events offered a chance for community members and customers to share thoughts and ask questions, with staff present to engage and provide support.
We also reflected on February’s Black History Month initiatives, including a blog post covering the story of Winston Cumberbatch, who began his journey with OC Transpo back in 1968, and who was formally recognized by the Mayor as OC Transpo’s first Black bus operator. The blog post, which includes thoughts and reflections from Winston as he looks back on his trailblazing career, is available to read here.
Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation Day is on March 18th, and we took the opportunity to highlight 18 representatives from OC Transpo for their inspiring service. It was a pleasure to be joined by employees from across our organization, spanning many departments and backgrounds but united in their dedication to keeping our city moving.
Bus Service Delivery Updates
Updates were also provided on bus service delivery, including further details about the bus delivery action plan. Overall, incremental progress is being seen on strengthening bus service delivery. We continue to monitor service, making every effort minimize trip cancellations by proactively making real-time service adjustments. These adjustments respond to factors like traffic conditions, inclement weather, on-street incidents and the availability of operators and vehicles. Concerning bus delivery, a total of 58 zero-emission buses are now part of our bus fleet, and 7 used diesel buses and 10 Para Transpo minibuses have been received to date this year.
Staff Recruitment and Service Planning Updates
We are also continuing to recruit mechanics, with a goal of recruiting 20 new 310T Mechanics in 2026. Other recruitment targets for this year include:
- 360 bus operators
- 100 Electric Rail Operators
- 27 Diesel Rail Operators
- 18 Para Transpo Operators and
- 20 Special Constables.
An update was also provided on plans for scheduling in 2026, with OC Transpo systematically revising how bus service is scheduled ahead of the O-Train Line 1 West Extension. Using lessons learned from the past and best practices seen around the industry, staff are working to strengthen processes and see what can be adapted, with a goal of implementing new scheduling processes by November 2026.
Key Performance Indicators
We also provided the committee with updates on figures relating to ridership. In January 2026, O-Train and bus ridership was 6.1 million, representing an increase of 2.4% compared with the previous year, while the total 12-month ridership to date is 70.6 million.
Para Transpo ridership for January was 75,300 and 73,300 in February. The 12-month ridership to date is 896,500, a significant increase of 4.5% compared to the previous year.
Recommendations from the Westboro Collision Coroner's Inquest
Staff also spoke to the status of the implementation of the recommendations from the Westboro inquest. 20 recommendations have currently been implemented, 17 are in progress and 4 are still in the evaluation stage. Some of the completed actions include:
- Safety key performance indicators being published on octranspo.com monthly.
- The creation of a Safety Observation Data Working Group.
- Completing driver abstracts daily.
Implementing the recommendations will be a multi-year phased approach, and updates will continue to be provided to Council.
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