The Next Stop Blog’s 2023 Year-End Review
Can you believe that 2023 is coming to an end?
When we launched The Next Stop Blog earlier this year, our goal was to help you get to know OC Transpo better. More than 40 stories later, we hope we’ve done a good job of introducing ourselves.
This year we introduced fare capping, a new pride bus, kids go free, and expanded Wi-Fi to more Line 1 stations. We also told you about how we prepare for winter, our new Zero-Emission Buses, and what sun kinks are.
On behalf of The Next Stop Blog team, thank you for reading our articles and for sharing your feedback. It has been a pleasure to tell stories about the people and projects that have made our transit system better in 2023.
Before we close the door on 2023, here are some stories from The Next Stop Blog that made our year.
Celebrating the faces who take you places
Pictured above: Earlier this year, we showcased some of the women of Ottawa’s transit system!
Click the image above for a closer look.
The OC Transpo team includes over 3,000 people who all play a role in keeping Ottawa moving. Meet some of our amazing team members who shared what it’s like to spend a day in their role:
- Aditi, Bus Operator
- Sergeant Flint, Special Constable
- Ceilidh, Electric Rail Controller
- Sam, Para Transpo Operator
- OC Transpo Celebrates Women In Transit
If you’re looking to start a career in transit, we’re hiring! Visit our website find out more about the careers at OC Transpo.
Keeping track: O-Train Extension Progress
Pictured above: O-Train South Extension train testing at Limebank Station
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It’s hard to travel through Ottawa without seeing the progress being made on our three O-Train extension projects. Throughout the year, we celebrated the many project milestones that are bringing us closer to an expanded O-Train system serving customers in the south, east and west. Catch up on this year’s progress by checking out the stories below:
- New Stage 2 O-Train Extension website launches
- Stage 2 Emergency Responder Training
- Traction power substation installation
- Rail Installation on the O-Train South Extension
- Have you met our newest train?
Never giving up on your dreams
Pictured above: 107-year-old Juanita operating the Stadler FLIRT simulator
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As a child, Juanita Snelgrove grew up next to train tracks. She saw trains pass by her home every day, and always dreamt of driving one.
She never gave up on that dream and at the age of 107, it finally came true. If you haven’t already done so, read “Making a 107-year-old dream come true” to hear Juanita’s story.
Holiday Sweaters
On April 1, we teased the release of some delightful OC Transpo holiday sweaters.
Pictured above: OC Transpo’s holiday sweaters.
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While the sweaters may have been a joke, it helped us to raise awareness and support for the Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa. This local charity raises funds for the purchase and distribution of new, quality made snowsuits to children, 15 years and under, in our community.
Snake on a train?
Pictured above: Python reunited with its owner at Hurdman Station
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Who had this on their bingo card for 2023? While it was a surprise for most, the quick action of a Rail Supervisor helped reunite a lost python on the O-Train with its owner. Check out the story here.
Keeping up with OC Owl
For more than 30 years, OC Owl has been helping customers safely travel on OC Transpo. OC Owl has come a long way and continues to soar to new heights. Here’s a bird’s eye view of what kept our favourite owl busy in 2023.
Pictured above: OC Owl and one of the Ice Hogs reminding everyone to use the Sno-Bus for free transportation to l Winterlude sites across Ottawa and Gatineau.
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Pictured above: Thousands flock to downtown Ottawa using no-charge transit on Canada Day
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Pictured above: OC Owl helps deliver donations during the 39th Annual OC Transpo / Loblaw Food Drive. In total, 66,300 pounds of food was collected and $32,000 in cash donations and food vouchers for the Ottawa Food Bank.
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Pictured above: OC Owl helps residents of Blackburn Hamlet learn more about the future On-Demand Transit pilot.
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Where to next?
We’re looking forward to sharing more stories with you in 2024. Looking ahead to next year, The Next Stop Blog team wants to know what questions you have about our transit system. Let us know by emailing thenextstopblog@ottawa.ca.
