April 13 Transit Commission Update
On Thursday, OC Transpo provided an update to the Transit Commission on ridership, the 2022 O-Train Line 1 annual compliance report, and how R1 bus replacement service is implemented.
You can watch our update meeting here or check out our summary below:
Ridership and Service Delivery Update
Quick facts:
- In February, O-Train Line 1 and conventional bus ridership was at 63 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with 5.3 million customer trips in February 2023, compared to 3.4 million in February 2022.
- Para Transpo ridership is at 81 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with 55,800 customer trips in February 2023, compared to 35,300 in February 2022.
- In March, service delivery on O-Train Line 1 was at 99 per cent and on conventional bus service was at 98 per cent.
- In February, on-time performance for Para Transpo was at 91 per cent.
Ridership on O-Train Line 1 and Buses.
Click the image above for a closer look.
Ridership on Para Transpo.
Click the image above for a closer look.
You can watch the latest update on ridership and service delivery here.
Annual O-Train Line 1 regulatory compliance report
The 2022 annual regulatory compliance report for O-Train Line 1 was presented to the Transit Commission.
The report is provided by an independent Regulatory Monitor and Compliance Officer (RMCO). In 2022, the RMCO focused on inspection activities related to light rail vehicles, tracks, the overhead catenary system, and the security management system.
The RMCO found OC Transpo to be compliant or mostly compliant in all areas where it has responsibilities. OC Transpo has already taken actions to enhance its 2023 oversight plan to monitor the training of contract employees, improve its central data system, and update the security management system using the latest threat and vulnerability risk assessment.
The RMCO found the City’s light rail maintenance contractor, Rideau Transit Maintenance (RTM), was partially compliant in six areas.
Three key gaps were identified:
- Incomplete records with respect to execution of inspections
- Missing training for employees involved in inspections
- An oversight plan which was formalized after the monitoring period
The RMCO also reported that RTM was not in compliance when it came to verifying security clearances for contractor employees.
City staff will ensure that RTM undertakes all appropriate steps to achieve full conformance. OC Transpo has formally requested a corrective action plan and implementation plan for each of the findings.
You can read the 2022 annual compliance report for O-Train Line 1 here.
Implementing R1 replacement bus service
The Transit Commission also heard about how R1 replacement bus service is implemented when part or all of O-Train Line 1 is not operating. R1 bus service links to O-Train Line 1 stations as closely as possible to minimize disruption to customers.
When R1 bus service is implemented, OC Transpo informs customers using social media, web and text alerts, announcements at stations and onboard trains, and on-site signage. Outreach staff may also be deployed to affected locations.
To find out more about how R1 replacement bus service is implemented, you can watch the presentation here or read more about how R1 is deployed on octranspo.com
The next update to Transit Commission will take place on May 11, 2023.
