On November 24, the Transit Committee approved the 2026 Transit budget. We also presented the OC Transpo Public Safety Strategy, provided updates on the O-Train Line 1 East Extension construction and the 41st OC Transpo/Loblaw Food Drive, and shared the most recent ridership data.
Keep reading for a recap of what was presented.
2026 Transit Budget
The 2026 draft budget is $906 million and includes important investments across transit. The draft budget will be presented to Ottawa City Council on December 10, 2025, for a final vote.
The draft budget will support several initiatives tied to OC Transpo’s 5-Year Roadmap and goal of reaching 99.5 per cent for bus service delivery and ensures OC Transpo continues to deliver the services that residents rely on.
As part of the draft budget an eight per cent increase to the transit levy is proposed, as well as some changes to OC Transpo’s fares:
- Most fares will increase by an average of 2.5 per cent.
- The new Adult single-ride fare will be $4.10 and a monthly Adult pass will be $138.50.
- EquiPass, Community Pass and Access Pass fares will not change.
Investments in 2026 include the opening of the O-Train Line 1 east to Trim Station and connecting the surrounding bus routes, recruitment for Para Transpo operators, maintaining O-Train services at current levels and current bus service levels with increased reliability.
Key Performance Indicators
The Committee learned that ridership in September was 7.4 million, and in October it was 7.8 million – both at 81 per cent of 2019 ridership for the same months. These are the highest ridership numbers OC Transpo has seen since the pandemic.
Para Transpo’s 12-month total ridership is 873,000 customer-trips, an increase of six per cent compared to the previous year.
OC Transpo Public Safety Strategy
We also presented the OC Transpo Public Safety Strategy, which outlines safety priorities, initiatives, milestones, and key performance indicators aligned with industry best practices and recommendations from the Westboro Coroner’s Inquest. In 2026, customers will see more uniformed personnel, a new high-visibility patrol platoon, and increased peak-hour coverage across the system. A new discreet safety and security reporting app will launch next year, with full strategy implementation planned for 2026.
O-Train Line 1 East Extension
An update on the opening of the O-Train Line 1 East Extension was also provided to Council. Our teams are working hard to address final construction items before Substantial Completion of the system can be achieved and before Trial Running can begin. This process is thorough and intentional to ensure that the East Extension is safe and ready for customers and meets all requirements. It is anticipated that the East extension will be ready to open to the public in 2026.
Holiday Food Drive
The 41st annual OC Transpo/Loblaw Holiday Food Drive will take place on Saturday, December 13 from 10 am to 5 pm at participating Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, Your Independent Grocer and No Frills stores across Ottawa. The OC Transpo/Loblaw Holiday Food Drive is Ottawa’s largest annual, single-day grocery store food drive.
